HUNTINGTON -- Both in the present and big picture, Saturday carries significant implications for Marshall University football.

A victory over Conference USA West Division leader SMU would earn conditional bowl eligibility for the Thundering Herd. Certainly, a win ranks as priority one for the Herd, but the program also continues working toward the 2010 recruiting season.

At least seven prospects, including one verbal commitment, are scheduled for official visits this weekend. Marshall (5-5, 3-3 Conference USA) and SMU (6-4, 5-1) kick off at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. The game will not be televised.

A.J. Scott, a 6-foot-5, 272-pound defensive end from Robert E. Lee High School (Va.), kicked off Marshall recruiting as this season's first verbal commitment. Joining Scott this weekend in Huntington are linebacker Corey Mason, linemen Brandon King and Kyle Welz, safety Travis Crosby and quarterback Jeremy Cannon.

Crosby, a 5-9, 172-pound defensive back, visits from West Charlotte H.S. (N.C.). Mason (6-3, 210) is a standout outside linebacker from Cincinnati Elder H.S. (Ohio). King, a 6-4, 270-pound tackle from Stockbridge H.S. (Ga.), is receiving interest from several BCS programs.

Cannon, nationally ranked among the nation's senior quarterbacks, is a 6-1, 190-pound playmaker from Northwest Cabarrus H.S. (N.C.). Welz, a 6-6, 245-pound two-way player from Highlands H.S. (Ky.), projects at numerous positions.

Joining Scott in Marshall's prospective recruiting class of 2010 are fellow defensive ends Darien Moody (6-3, 226), Jamie Onufrak (6-5, 230), linebacker Trevor Black (6-4, 200), defensive back Rashad Jackson (5-9, 177), tight end-long snapper James Power (6-4, 225) and wide receiver Raheem Waiters (6-2, 188).

As for Saturday's game, Marshall players are focused on earning a postseason berth and producing a favorable Senior Day. Fifteen seniors, including All-America candidate Cody Slate (out for the season because of a knee injury), mark their final game-day appearances at Edwards Stadium. Joining Slate are Daniel Baldridge, James Burkes, Montel Glasco, Craig Ratanamorn, John Jacobs, Ashton Hall, Albert McClellan, Lyndl Jones, Jimmy Rogers, Andre Portis, Josh Miller, John Saunders, Sean McClellan and Brandon Burns.

"This game is going to be big because I want to see our seniors go out in a big way," junior defensive lineman Michael Janac said.

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