HUNTINGTON -- Finally boasting quality depth at most positions, Marshall University football noticeably is thin at placekicker.
Thundering Herd soccer player Craig Ratanamorn has segued well to the football field, booming 50-plus yard field goals and dialing in his accuracy. He hasn't kicked in a college game, however, and depth behind the promising newcomer is questionable at best.
Enter Tyler Warner.
One of West Virginia's top high school kickers the past two seasons, Warner's search for a college home ended this weekend. Parkersburg High School's senior standout verbally committed to Marshall and will compete for kickoff and placekicking duties beginning this summer.
"On my visit it was a very friendly environment and the coaches were nice," said Warner, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound Class AAA all-state selection. "They showed me everything that goes on at Marshall football and they're really on top of things.
"I like the environment there. And staying in state is a great opportunity."
Warner helped lead the Big Reds to consecutive state championships in 2006-07. He connected on a combined 13 of 16 field goals, including longs of 50 and 45 yards, and totaled 45 touchbacks.
Ratanamorn is enjoying a considerable head start during spring practice, but Warner will enroll in summer school, acclimating early to college life.
"I see a great opportunity," Warner said. "When I talked to (Marshall assistant coach Todd) Goebbel, he said he wants competition at every position.
"He wants every position going at it every day in practice, because that's the only way you're going to get better."
Warner provides needed depth in a kicking game that will add true freshman punter Kase Whitehead this summer. The two met last summer, leaving Warner impressed. "He's an awesome guy and a good punter," he said. "There are a lot of good things with him coming in."
Warner's long practice field goal off the ground is 60 yards, he said, but accuracy rather than length is his top offseason priority. Bottom line, Warner is more than ready to kick off his Thundering Herd career.
"I'm going to graduate and two weeks later I'm coming to Marshall," Warner said. "I'm really excited about that, getting to college early."
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