MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Marshall tight end Cody Slate and safety C.J. Spillman accompanied Thundering Herd head coach Mark Snyder to the 2008 Conference USA Football Media Blitz on Sunday.
And while talks began on the 2008 season, both players had several haunting memories of 2007 they are eager to get out of their mind.
Until they can, those memories are serving as motivational tools for a strenuous offseason.
"We ended the season pretty well last season, but the first quarter was just rough for us all last season," Slate said. "We have to start games a lot quicker than what we did last year."
For Slate, the 2008 season will bring a different type of feel. As a pass-catcher on the field, the junior has always been a leader, but in 2008 he will be looked at for leadership as Marshall ushers in a new quarterback.
Slate said it is all just a product of getting older in the system, and he doesn't expect there to be too many holes in the Herd's knowledge of new coordinator John Shannon's scheme.
"That's what summer is about basically," Slate said. "You see everybody working hard and learning to trust each other. It's a good bonding time for us to lean on each other when we need help."
Spillman has put in the time this summer to not only learn the new system of defensive coordinator Rick Minter, but also to help some of his younger teammates in the secondary.
"Every player wants to be looked up to and I think it's an honor for us to be given that privilege," Spillman said. "What better example to those younger guys on our team than to show them how to handle situations."
Spillman said one welcome addition returning to the defensive unit in 2008 is defensive end Albert McClellan. Even though Spillman is in the secondary, he said McClellan's impact on the secondary's ability to do its job can't be underscored.
"He's going to be the edge that we didn't have last year," Spillman said. "Being a safety and defensive back, I'm excited because having a player of his caliber on the field, only good things can happen."
McClellan was lost to injury during preseason practice last season and several injuries on the defensive unit seemed to follow soon after.
However, Spillman said last year's injuries could turn out to be tomorrow's victories as several players got thrown to the fire early. That won't only help the Herd in game situations, but it will also make the open of fall camp interesting.
"They now know what it's really like," Spillman said. "Once you get that taste of playing, you want it again. I felt like there is going to be a lot of competition because they will be eager to play.
"Everyone is determined and hungry to come out and make a change."
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