HUNTINGTON -- New offensive and defensive schemes are installed and players on both sides are practicing at dual positions.
Several Marshall University offensive linemen are sharing time at guard and tackle through three preseason practices. Scripting a defensive depth chart is pointless; the Thundering Herd is lining up in multiple formations and defenders are learning varied roles.
Key to this process is the cliché of players "buying in" to the playbooks of offensive coordinator John Shannon and defensive coordinator Rick Minter. Mark Snyder, who added each to his coaching staff during the offseason, favorably gauged the "buying in" factor following Thursday's practice.
"So far, so good," Snyder said. "So far really good as a matter of fact. I feel good about where we're at from the mental part of it, really good. That's called team building.
"I saw those guys slapping five, telling the defense 'good job' and saying 'good job' after all of that competition that just happened. That's good stuff to see.
"I saw a lot of things last night at walkthrough that I really liked, ... stuff I haven't seen probably since I've been here. Good stuff."
When asked for specifics, Snyder referenced an underappreciated constant during the program's two-decade run of winning seasons and championships.
"Older guys coaching the younger guys," he said. "You know, just like it's always been around here. Every time we have a reunion (and) they come back, that's all I hear from those guys. 'We coached each other. We policed the locker room. We did this. We did that.'
"I think it's starting to sink in a little bit with these guys. I just walk around and they don't even know I'm there and I hear it. Good stuff."
PORTIS PICKOFF AMONG EARLY HIGHLIGHTS: Strong side linebacker Andre Portis, already established among the team's more promising newcomers, enjoyed a stellar Thursday practice. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound junior college transfer, who enrolled in January and participated in spring drills, intercepted a Mark Cann pass in stride and sprinted 28 yards to the end zone.
"He made three really good plays right in a row," Snyder said. "... He's showing me some things so far. I saw three plays in a row that you guys wouldn't see. All you would see is the interception, but structurally he made three really good plays in a row."
Put another way, Portis is doing what he's supposed to be doing, impressive for a first-year player, right?
"He's doing more than he's supposed to be doing," Snyder answered. "That's what's impressive. Good for his side; now we've got to get the other side cleaned up."
NOTES: Junior college transfer tight end Maurice Graham was carted off the field after suffering what appeared to be a right wrist or forearm injury during Thursday's final practice period. ... Junior wide receiver Tavaris Thompson continues to impress, splitting two defenders on a 42-yard touchdown reception from Brian Anderson. ... Practice resumes at 3 p.m. today (closed to the public) and continues Saturday with the first full pads workout. Saturday's 3 p.m. practice is open to the public and will kick off with the Hoot 'N Holler tackling drill, a fan favorite. The first 20 rows in sections 112 and 114 of Joan C. Edwards Stadium will be roped off for Big Green members with 2008-09 membership cards. Big Green officials will have a table at the exit portal between sections 112 and 114 for those who have not received their current membership card and will provide a pass to the viewing area. Passes also will be available to those who join the Big Green or renew their membership at Saturday's practice.
Anthony Hanshew covers Marshall football for The Herald-Dispatch. He can be reached at 526-2766. His e-mail address is hanshew@herald-dispatch.com.
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