2002 Statistics

written by Dave Bagchi

Replacing Byron Leftwich and his 4,268 yards will be difficult, but the Herd should once again have a superior passing attack. It is coach Bob Pruett's system and play calling out of the shotgun, one-back spread formation that has produced four consecutive national top ten finishes in passing offense. Look for junior QB Stan Hill to be effective from the onset. Many people forget that Hill led Marshall to their biggest win last year over Miami of Ohio (25-39, 292 yds, five total touchdowns). Hill has good mobility and control of Pruett's offensive system. It will be key to watch his confidence and leadership. Hill is a special kid who will be up to the task of leading this team. However, sources close to the program tell us another QB may likely be Leftwich's replacement. Adam Black, a redshirt freshman and First Team All-State QB out of Pennsylvania, should make this an interesting position battle.

Returning are senior Darius Watts and junior Josh Davis, the team's two leading 2002 receivers. Watts and Davis combined for 141 receptions, 2,163 yards and 17 TDs between them. Although Watts needs to improve his hands, he will be a marked man by opposing defenses. Davis is underrated and has extreme speed. Marshall employs three- and four- receiver formations. Look for their dynamic duo to be joined by senior Jason Schroeder and junior Brad Bates. Schroeder is more of a possession guy. He will get the starting nod as the third receiver in the slot. Bates gives Marshall a deep-threat option. Senior TE Jason Rader (28 catches) provides yet another option in passing situations. His experience will open the short, underneath routes for all as his potential occupies LB's attention. Look for Rader to stay home more early in 2003 to protect his establishing QB.

With the departure of three seniors, this year's offensive line should struggle. The Herd will have plenty of beef upfront. Returning seniors LG Luke Salmons, RT Nate McPeek (and probable junior replacements Toby Bullock, Josh Blakey, and senior Joey Stepp) average over 310-pounds. However the group does not play physically and the incoming talent is in question. This unit allowed just 20 sacks, yet the running game averaged less than four yards per attempt. The line must keep teams off Hill because Marshall has limited depth at the quarterback position.

The Herd should need around 140-150 rushing yds per game to keep defenses honest. This will not be easy with a re-patched offensive line. Senior RB Franklin Wallace (4.8 yds/rush, 27 catches) will see more carries now that Brandon Carey has graduated. Wallace is a physical runner but lacks breakaway speed. The x-factor is last year's project sophomore receiver-turned-running back Wilbur Hargrove. Although still a very upright runner, Hargrove raw speed (6.1 yds per rush) and Wallace's experience will make this position an asset as the line becomes less of a liability.

OT Nate McPeek

written by Dave Bagchi

Marshall's pass defense (6th in I-A) worked primarily due to the play of a senior-dominated secondary and a schedule full of 'run first' opponents. There will be some drop-off, but secondary coach Lou Anarumo will be rewarded for giving much 2002 playing time to his backups. The group is led by returning junior DB Roberto Terrell. The three new starters have all played in at least eight games. Look for junior DB Renaldo Williams to earn the other starting corner spot. Williams and Terrell are only 5'9, but both have tremendous speed. Junior FS Moriah Anderson will have the unenviable (but achievable with his talent) task of replacing 2002 defensive leader Chris Crocker. At the Rover, sophomore Donte' Newsome should get the nod. Not making the same lofty national ranking will hardly deter this group. They will emerge strong, with their own identity and therefore confidence to stop any passing attack in their 2003 sights.

Junior right DE Jamus Martin is the returning top tackler. He leads a talented but under-sized defensive front, returning three of four starters. Martin and senior NT Toriano Brown combined for 191 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss and ten sacks last season. This front four will not be an area opposing offensive coordinators can easily exploit. Joining them will be senior DE Jonathan Goddard and new starter junior DT Reggie Hayes. With one more year of experience, off-season action and weight-gaining diets, this front should be a pleasant surprise.

In 2002, this front averaged only 256 pounds in going two-deep. They will again use their speed early and make plays, but will typically get worn down by dominant running teams. As an overall defensive unit, the Herd struggled in forcing turnovers (82nd in TO margin). In over 528 attempts the Marshall defense caused just seven fumbles. Look for off-season drills, good coaching to make this number higher.

But much work is needed to shore up concerns about Marshall's run-stopping. Studied coordinators ran 59% running plays, and the subsequent moving clock kept Leftwich on the bench. But the linebackers did not step up to run-stop when needed. MLB Duran Smith (153 tackles) is gone. Junior Kevin Atkins will replace him and be joined by returning OLBs senior Charles Tynes and junior J.T. Rembert (69 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INTs). If the line isn't sharp, the under-sized Tynes will struggle in defending the run. The lack of size in Marshall's front seven led to their 86th ranked rush defense overall. Rembert and Tynes did combine for 148 tackles, but all too often, they were six or seven yards downfield. Do not be surprised to see Marshall employ a more aggressive defensive scheme. Coordinator Bill Wilt will be looking for ways to use his speed to avoid the LB corps from taking a beating. The Herd has some depth with senior Gladstone Coke and junior Dionte Wilson. Wilson is a playmaker who could challenge Atkins for the starting spot in the middle. Coke is strong in pass coverage. Both will push (through competition) to make the entire group better, but not reliable until proven such.

DE Jamus Martin