Marshall Thundering Herd
2000 overall record: 8-5
Conference record: 5-3 (t-1st in East)
Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 5
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Franklin Wallace* (555 yds)
Passing: Byron Leftwich* (3,358 yds)
Receiving: Nate Poole (818 yds)
Tackles: Max Yates* (115)
Sacks: Ralph Street* (8)
Interceptions: Doug Hodges (5)
What's new
Marshall will have another good shot to win the MAC title, which is not making headlines. What is new, however, is that a fifth straight championship would not send them to a fifth straight Motor City Bowl. A new agreement gives the MAC a second bowl spot and assures that the GMAC (formerly Mobile) Bowl will have the first option of taking the Thundering Herd.
Battling it out
The kicking situation is somewhat up in the air after the graduation of J.R. Jenkins. Punter Curtis Head took over the kicking duties in the spring because there were no better options on the roster. August, though, holds the arrival of scholarship incoming freshman Sam Erny, who has great credentials from his high school career in Louisville. Coaches are hopeful that he will live up to expectations and earn the job.
Eye catcher: WR Josh Davis
After the departure of four senior receivers from last year, the Herd needed some new ones to step up this spring. One of the big performances came from Davis, who proved to be a deep threat with good hands. Even as a redshirt freshman without a down of experience, he has already become a favorite target of quarterback Byron Leftwich. He will battle for one of those starting spots this fall.
Budding star: FS Chris Crocker
Though he doesn't have a big frame, Crocker is a big hitter who made 56 tackles and three interceptions last season. That performance was overshadowed by two all-conference senior corners, but he will now be the focus of attention. In the Herd's new defensive scheme, he will be the lone safety and the leader of the secondary.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
