HUNTINGTON — Not to be defensive, but Marshall University’s top defensive spring football practice storyline is about who’s not participating.
The unit’s thinnest position during spring likely could become its deepest in August. Numbers admittedly are an issue along the defensive line in the present, but depth is coming.
Former Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year Albert McClellan missed all of last season following knee surgery. The playmaking end totaled 14 sacks and 26 tackles for loss in 2006.
Junior college transfer Montel Glasco was slated to line up alongside McClellan as an active defensive tackle. Glasco also was sidelined by a knee injury after playing in just three games.
Then there are three ’07 academic non-qualifiers who offer size and athleticism. Defensive end Vinny Curry (6-foot-5, 246 pounds) and tackles Brandon Bullock (6-3, 320) and Delvin Johnson (6-3, 285) are intriguing potential additions to the Thundering Herd front line.
None, however, will participate in spring practice. The pessimist, consequently, points to a lack of linemen in the now (practice begins with a closed session Tuesday at Joan C. Edwards Stadium); Marshall head coach Mark Snyder, meanwhile, is stressing the opportunity this offers those competing for playing time.
“Spring practice-wise, what will be a depleted defensive line will become a strength,” Snyder said.
While McClellan and Glasco continue rehabilitation and Bullock, Curry and Johnson work toward fall eligibility, a handful of linemen take center stage.
Rising junior end John Jacobs (6-3, 253) developed into a leader in McClellan’s absence, totaling 38 tackles, 2.5 sacks and six quarterback hurries. Ian Hoskins, a 6-2, 256-pound senior, will spend a majority of time at end after serving as a linebacker/end hybrid the past two seasons. Repeated injuries led to six starts for former walk-on James Burkes, a 6-1, 311-pound junior.
Sophomores Michael Janac, Johnny Jones and Shane Moore can considerably improve their playing time stock this spring. Each offered glimpses during limited 2007 duty.
Janac (6-4, 271) played both tackle and end, totaling 37 tackles. Jones (6-5, 289) and Moore (6-2, 286) both managed six stops in their true freshmen seasons.
“Yes, we’re going to be depleted during spring ball, but it’s going to be beautiful for guys like Jones, Janac and Moore, who are going to get a lot of reps,” Snyder said.
Spring practice includes sessions open to the public next week on Thursday (3:30 p.m.) and Saturday (11 a.m.) at Edwards Stadium. The April 5 practice will be the Thundering Herd’s first in full pads. Marshall’s annual Green-White Game is April 26.
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