What a way to end day 1 to Marshall football practice. Cato to Shuler on a dynamic play that seems like a simple game of catch from the Miami Central tandem. Cato's passes today were sharp and on-time allowing receivers to use their speed to run under the pass and never slow down. If today was any indication, the sky is the limit for Cato.
Speaking with him after practice, he is amazingly humble for a man that has the entire Marshall community on his back as he make a run at the Heisman. But after hearing about the trials and tribulations this young man went through as a child, I have no doubt he is the perfect man for the job. His interview was full of positive comments about the team and what he can do to lead this team to a championship. It should be an exciting year for him as he not only chases the Heisman, but also looks to re-write the Marshall passing record books.
Doc was pleased with the performance of both sessions. He liked were his team was at after the first day of practice.
The afternoon guys were more about execution than the morning guys as they were seemingly just trying to get through the nerves of opening day of camp.
The wide outs got a chance to show their stuff as they traded turns between Cato and Gunnar Holcombe. Shuler was spot on as expected and Davonte Allen showed some significant improvement from last season. Josh Knight and Justin Hunt will both have a chance to contribute this season as will Angelo Jean-Louis & Gator Green. While Doc could have a receiving core that is 10 names deep, I dont think he will have trouble finding somewhere to put them. Deandre Reaves worked with special teams as did Shuler, Jean-Louis & Green.
Devon Johnson, Stew Butler and Remi Watson paced the running backs along with RS-Frosh Brandon Byrd. Doc had alot of good things to say about "Rockhead" (Johnson) and what he can contribute to the team. Johnson brings alot of the characteristics that Gator Hoskins had last season. He can work out of the backfield and release into the flat or move up on the line and go down field.
The defense looked solid in workouts today with the most note able change being Corey Tindal moving corner. While he played the nickel back last season and was in most man coverage, time will tell if he can go toe-to-toe with deep threats on a consistent basis. He did take away a pass intended to Josh Knight on a deep out route that Tindal swatted away and Knight came down with his arm stuck in Tindal's shirt.
The O-line was getting coached up big all day long by Coach Mirabal. With Jasperse at center and Big Swede and Van Horn book-ending Selby and Big Cheese, its just a Big Line that gives Cato plenty of time to look downfield.
Only note able injuries to report was Stefan Houston was worked out on the sideline with a knee brace. Not sure what was going on with him. Tiquan Lang came off during DB's drills after appearing to have tweaked something in his legs. He did not run with the defense when the teams went 11-on-11. Other than that, everyone else seemed to work out without issue today.
That's all for Day 1. Tuesday is the last day for helmets only as the team can go to shells Wednesday and full contact Friday.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Jermaine Holmes Post Practice Interview
Herd football's Jermaine Holmes talks about his new role as a leader this season and how his acknowledged success from last season drives him to better himself.
Jermaine Holmes Interview
Jermaine Holmes Interview
Tommy Shuler Post Practice Interview
Herd football's Tommy Shuler discusses his first day of practice, his role as a leader and what his goals for this season are.
Tommy Shuler Interview
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Tommy Shuler Interview
Marshall Football afternoon session
Afternoon session is well underway and unlike the morning practice that was full of unfamiliar faces, the offense opened with back-to-back Cato to Shuler passes that appeared to be mid-season throws from the Heisman Trophy candidate. Defense looks relatively the same as last season with the addition of DJ Hunter back in a linebacker and Armonze Daniel working the end.
Deandre Reeves made a nice snag on a pass from Holcombe on a jet route to pull in a long gain. Davonte Allen and Angelo Jean-Louis are working the outsides along with Craig Wilkins and Demtrius Evans.
Deandre Reeves made a nice snag on a pass from Holcombe on a jet route to pull in a long gain. Davonte Allen and Angelo Jean-Louis are working the outsides along with Craig Wilkins and Demtrius Evans.
Thoughts after Herd's morning session
As the first practice for Marshall football's 2014 season got underway this morning inside Joan C. Edwards stadium, many of the faces present were just like the turf, brand new. With freshmen and newcomers to the program filling out many of the uniforms, it was visibly easy to see that nerves hovered over the new members of the Thundering Herd much like the haze that lingered throughout Huntington.
While dropped passes and players lining up in the wrong position were only among the list of early mistakes during the opening session of fall practice, things progressed as the morning wore on as the players began to settle in.
The team worked through 22 different stations with the final workout before the huddle on the block "M" at midfield was offense vs defense 11 on 11. Although the players are only in helmets, shirts and shorts, the intensity level was easily seen that this group was hungry to make an impression to not only the coaches, but also some of the veterans who were also a part of the session.
Senior TE Eric Frohnapfel spent his morning donning one of only three helmets that did not contain a red-stripe--something this must be earned to have the stripe removed--preparing himself for the grind of the three weeks of practice that leads up to the opening game with Miami-Ohio.
"I'm out here with the young guys due to a class conflict," Frohnapfel said. "Its good for me to be able to work with the younger guys and provide the leadership they need to learn what is expected of them at practice."
With full contact practice not permitted until Friday, the field is covered with smiles and up-beat attitudes as players try to do anything to work their way up the depth charts. One of those players was Donquell "Gator" Green.
Although he shares a nickname that many Herd fans know all too well, "Gator", physically there is no comparison to the former Herd TE Gator Hoskins who is currently fighting for a roster spot with the Miami Dolphins. Green, who was Georgia's player-of-the-year, stands 5-8 and weighs only 160 pounds and shows signs of a combination of Tommy Shuler and Devon "Moo-Moo" Smith all in one.
"When the ball is in his hands (Gator), he's Tommy Shuler size and is so dynamic because he's quick as lightning too," Marshall receiver's coach Mike Furrey said.
Green made several quick adjustments on misguided passes to convert an incomplete pass to a completion. His best catch of the morning, a one-handed grab on a ball thrown behind him on a post-route that was an easy six in a live game situation.
Furrey said while it was way to early to think about who would be doing what with the young group he was happy to see the guys come out and compete to get the session off to a positive start.
Another topic of interest for the morning session was the first chance to see Michael Birdsong (will red-shirt due to transfer) and Cole Garvin who will battle with Gunnar Holcombe for the back-up quarterback role that was vacated by Blake Frohnapfel who transferred to Massachusetts.
Garvin seemingly had the better arm early on when working with the receivers as many of his passes hit the intended target on time and in stride, it was Birdsong who marched the offensive unit down the field to end the session with many of those connections going to Green.
One final note from this morning, about the last 10 minutes of the workouts starting offensive linemen Chris Jasperse and Clint Van Horn made an appearance to see the underclassmen at work. I could see each of the members in the line group step up their drive with the presence of the upperclassmen.
No injuries to speak of and all in all, a good start to the 2014 campaign.
This afternoon will be the vets of the team with names like Cato, Shuler and Butler ready to ramp up this high-octane offensive unit while Rouse, Thompson and Holmes prepare to defense to repeat its dominate performance from 2013.
While dropped passes and players lining up in the wrong position were only among the list of early mistakes during the opening session of fall practice, things progressed as the morning wore on as the players began to settle in.
The team worked through 22 different stations with the final workout before the huddle on the block "M" at midfield was offense vs defense 11 on 11. Although the players are only in helmets, shirts and shorts, the intensity level was easily seen that this group was hungry to make an impression to not only the coaches, but also some of the veterans who were also a part of the session.
Senior TE Eric Frohnapfel spent his morning donning one of only three helmets that did not contain a red-stripe--something this must be earned to have the stripe removed--preparing himself for the grind of the three weeks of practice that leads up to the opening game with Miami-Ohio.
"I'm out here with the young guys due to a class conflict," Frohnapfel said. "Its good for me to be able to work with the younger guys and provide the leadership they need to learn what is expected of them at practice."
With full contact practice not permitted until Friday, the field is covered with smiles and up-beat attitudes as players try to do anything to work their way up the depth charts. One of those players was Donquell "Gator" Green.
Although he shares a nickname that many Herd fans know all too well, "Gator", physically there is no comparison to the former Herd TE Gator Hoskins who is currently fighting for a roster spot with the Miami Dolphins. Green, who was Georgia's player-of-the-year, stands 5-8 and weighs only 160 pounds and shows signs of a combination of Tommy Shuler and Devon "Moo-Moo" Smith all in one.
"When the ball is in his hands (Gator), he's Tommy Shuler size and is so dynamic because he's quick as lightning too," Marshall receiver's coach Mike Furrey said.
Green made several quick adjustments on misguided passes to convert an incomplete pass to a completion. His best catch of the morning, a one-handed grab on a ball thrown behind him on a post-route that was an easy six in a live game situation.
Furrey said while it was way to early to think about who would be doing what with the young group he was happy to see the guys come out and compete to get the session off to a positive start.
Another topic of interest for the morning session was the first chance to see Michael Birdsong (will red-shirt due to transfer) and Cole Garvin who will battle with Gunnar Holcombe for the back-up quarterback role that was vacated by Blake Frohnapfel who transferred to Massachusetts.
Garvin seemingly had the better arm early on when working with the receivers as many of his passes hit the intended target on time and in stride, it was Birdsong who marched the offensive unit down the field to end the session with many of those connections going to Green.
One final note from this morning, about the last 10 minutes of the workouts starting offensive linemen Chris Jasperse and Clint Van Horn made an appearance to see the underclassmen at work. I could see each of the members in the line group step up their drive with the presence of the upperclassmen.
No injuries to speak of and all in all, a good start to the 2014 campaign.
This afternoon will be the vets of the team with names like Cato, Shuler and Butler ready to ramp up this high-octane offensive unit while Rouse, Thompson and Holmes prepare to defense to repeat its dominate performance from 2013.
Post Practice Interview with Marshall FB Linebacker Kent Turene
Kent Turene speaks about his first day at practice and how its a blessing to have overcome so many hurdles just to get a chance to start on the practice field this season.
Kent Turene Interview
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Kent Turene Interview
Post Practice Interview with Marshall Football Asst. Coach Mike Furrey
Coach Furrey discusses his new wideouts after the first practice and the importance the new NCAA regulations that allowed summer contact with players has helped prepare the freshmen and newcomers to the program.
Coach Furrey Interview
Coach Furrey Interview
Post Practice Interview with Eric Frohnaphel
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Marshall Football Morning Practice
Here is a list of who is on the field this morning.
Offense:
Hyleck Foster
Donquell Green
Michael Birdsong
Cole Garvin
Andre Scott
Tony Pittman
David Gaydosz
Assani Mudimdi
Jamon Cofield
Jordan Dowrey
Will Mendona
Chris Huhn
Nathaniel Devers
Austin Mays
Fedrice Binot
Chris Alston, Jr
Eric Frohnapfel
Ryan Yurachek
Rodney Allen
Defense:
D'Andre Wilson
Mark Shaver
Michael Johnson
Kaleb Harris
Antavis Rowe
LaDerrick Hammond
Jacob Parker
Ryan Riedel
Kyle Camacho
Kent Turene
Josh Cox
Eli Gates
Ryan Bee
Matt Harless
Tomell One
Blake Keller
Austin Hill
Nigale Cabell
Special Teams:
Justin Haig
Kaare Vedvik
Chad Garrett
Offense:
Hyleck Foster
Donquell Green
Michael Birdsong
Cole Garvin
Andre Scott
Tony Pittman
David Gaydosz
Assani Mudimdi
Jamon Cofield
Jordan Dowrey
Will Mendona
Chris Huhn
Nathaniel Devers
Austin Mays
Fedrice Binot
Chris Alston, Jr
Eric Frohnapfel
Ryan Yurachek
Rodney Allen
Defense:
D'Andre Wilson
Mark Shaver
Michael Johnson
Kaleb Harris
Antavis Rowe
LaDerrick Hammond
Jacob Parker
Ryan Riedel
Kyle Camacho
Kent Turene
Josh Cox
Eli Gates
Ryan Bee
Matt Harless
Tomell One
Blake Keller
Austin Hill
Nigale Cabell
Special Teams:
Justin Haig
Kaare Vedvik
Chad Garrett
Marshall Football Practice Begins
As the fog rises from the Ohio River just outside Joan C. Edwards Stadium, the haze could been seen forming in the distance which means only one thing, its time for football. Marshall began its first official practice of the 2014 season at 9:45 a.m. this morning with eager freshman and hungry newcomers gracing the brand new turf officially beginning the push towards August 30th and a trip to Oxford, Ohio where the Herd opens its season with Miami-OH.
Follow along here as I will update throughout both practices with players performances and answer any questions that I can.
So let it begin...2014 Herd Football is underway!
Follow along here as I will update throughout both practices with players performances and answer any questions that I can.
So let it begin...2014 Herd Football is underway!
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