Can Marshall make 2009 a winner?

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HUNTINGTON -- No other way to identify Marshall University football in 2009 than as a season of change.

Brian Anderson's improved play from his lone start last season carried over to spring practice and preseason camp, earning the junior the starting quarterback spot. Competition included incumbent starter Mark Cann and junior college transfers Press Taylor and Jake Laudenslayer.

Jeff Burrow (assistant secondary), Mike Cassity (secondary) and Bob Fello (defensive line) were hired as defensive assistant coaches. Wide receiver is virtually entirely made over and returning offensive linemen have shifted positions.

Big picture, Thundering Herd fans are looking for the changes to help result in an end to a run of four straight losing seasons. Fifth-year head coach Mark Snyder enters the Sept. 5 season opener against Southern Illinois (4:30 p.m. kickoff at Joan C. Edwards Stadium) with unprecedented depth during his tenure.

August preseason camp was certainly productive and more advanced compared to previous seasons, but voluntary summer work set the stage for a potential turnaround year. Returning players remained on campus intact, along with a majority of true freshmen.

"It's helped our offensive line," Snyder said. "It's helped our running backs in all phases -- becoming complete players, pass (protection). We throw a lot of things at those guys and I think the game's slowing down for them. They're starting to get a handle on what we do defensively and that's going to do nothing but pay dividends through the season.

"Having everyone, on both sides of the ball, come out and do their thing (this summer) has been really good."

It's obviously aided Anderson's progression, as well. From the opening preseason practice on Aug. 7, the 6-foot-3, 212-pound junior clearly led competition behind center. Anderson played in six games last season. He completed 14 of 19 passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns in 2008's finale against Conference USA West Division champion Tulsa.

"Brian's throwing the really well," Snyder said. "He's throwing deep balls well. He throwing the intermediate routes well. His touch passes are nice and he has just enough athleticism to escape from pass rushes. You need to have that.

"He understands it and I think he's got a really good grasp on it."

Snyder continued, saying he's stressing the importance of blending playmaking with ball security. Marshall quarterbacks threw 14 interceptions and the team lost eight of 15 fumbles last season, leading to a 4-8 record.

"We got off to a good start and then we started turning the ball over," Snyder said. "We simply can not turn the ball over and Brian understands that."

Despite the one-game suspension of 1,000-yard rusher Darius Marshall, Anderson still can lean on a capable, if unproven, running game against Southern Illinois. Sophomore Terrell Edwards excelled in limited action last season, featured by touchdown runs of 53 and 49 yards. Martin Ward combines speed and elusiveness and fellow redshirt Jordan Taylor is a prototype power back at 6-2 and 211 pounds.

Experience lacks at wide receiver, weighed against promising talent. Courtney Edmonson, the team's leading returning wideout with just six catches last season, has elevated his game.

"Courtney's the MVP of camp," Snyder said.

He'll be joined on the outside by junior college transfer Wayne Bonner, speedy at 6-4 and the frontrunner to replace Darius Passmore, who led the Thundering Herd with 945 receiving yards last season. Fellow JUCO transfer Troy Evans will line up in the slot, senior Tavaris Thompson will play on the outside.

True freshmen Aaron Dobson and Michael Rhynes could earn early playing time, joining a rotation that includes Jamal Wilson and Chuck Walker. Cody Slate an All C-USA selection who led the team with eight touchdown receptions last season, is a speedy given and joined by 6-6 Lee Smith at tight end.

Bottom line, improved offensive productively depends on offensive line play. "Everything starts with the offensive line," center Chad Schofield said, a philosophy echoed by Snyder.

Schofield switched to center from guard following John Bruhin's spring practice injury, and Ryan Tillman, a 12-game starter at tackle last year, has assumed Schofield's former spot. Daniel Baldridge has regained his starting right tackle position.

"A lot of our guys are versatile," Baldridge said. "Guys can play every position and Schofield being able to step in there has been great."

Snyder again agreed, saying "I've been very, very impressed by that group."

Defensive line, meanwhile, is arguably the team's strength, led by former C-USA Defensive Player of the Year Albert McClellan at end. Snyder anticipates a career-best senior season from fellow end John Jacobs, who's joined by Michael Janac (6-4, 285 pounds), the most physically imposing of the group, and Vinny Curry appears set for a breakout season.

"Vinny is a special athlete," Snyder said. "He's a very good player. The game's slowing down for him."

Mario Harvey, last season's leading tackler, heads a stellar first-team linebacker group that includes Kellen Harris in the middle and Brandon Burns on the strong side. Depth is a concern, meaning true freshmen Quanthony Fletcher and Phil Walker could shed redshirts.

Senior strong safety Ashton Hall anchors the Thundering Herd secondary, and will line up beside free safety John Saunders. DeQuan Bembry, an impact player both at cornerback and as a kick returner, is suspended for the season opener, meaning converted safety Ahmed Shakoor, D.J. Wingate and T.J. Drakeford initially will rotate at corner.

Special teams appear set. Long-snapper Sean McClellan is back, along with punter Kase Whitehead and placekickers Craig Ratanmorn and Tyler Warner. Placekicking duties were shared last season, but Ratanamorn separated himself this month. The senior's strong leg never was an issue, and he won the job because of accuracy.

Marshall's schedule sets up friendlier compared to recent seasons with the Southern Illinois opener, a home matchup against Bowling Green and non-conference road games at West Virginia and Virginia Tech.

C-USA East Division favorites East Carolina and Southern Miss both visit Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

"I like our football team," Snyder said. "We have more depth and more options than we've had since I've been here."

Let the season of change begin.

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

Coach Mark Snyder talks with this team as Marshall begins football practice on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.