Ratanamorn kicks his way on to Herd roster

HUNTINGTON -- Now Craig Ratanamorn can take it all in and exhale. 

While more established, higher-profile teammates quietly went about their April spring practice routines, Marshall University's new placekicker rarely managed to stray from the spotlight. He was a post-practice favorite among media interview requests, and Thundering Herd football fans likewise tracked his progress.

The entirety of Ratanamorn's new role admittedly remains an acclimation process. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound native of Wichita, Kan., is a lifelong athlete, but his switch from Thundering Herd soccer to football has elevated off-field responsibilities.

Mark Cann, the current leader in a four-player quarterback race, likely was Marshall's most interviewed player during a month's collection of spring practice. Ratanamorn didn't trail by much, however, and the requests only increased while he routinely boomed long field goals between the posts.

He originally signed with Marshall's soccer program as a goalkeeper from Barton County Community College (Kan.). In the waning weeks of last year's football season, Ratanamorn occasionally was spotted at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, working out a strong leg from 50-plus yards.

Placekicking was a question mark at best at season's end with Anthony Binswanger's graduation, and Ratanamorn has taken advantage. He joined the football squad for spring drills and exceeded expectations.

"We were hoping, hoping because we didn't really know what kind of product we were getting," Thundering Herd head football coach Mark Snyder said. "And we had an alternate plan if things didn't work out, but they worked out beautifully I think."

Snyder's stance is backed by his new kicker's popularity. Along with repeated media interviews, Ratanamorn was engulfed by autograph-seekers following the Green-White Game spring practice finale.

"It's a big adjustment, but I don't take it that much on my head," Ratanamorn said. "I'm just trying to help this team."

Asked if -- in the moment -- he realized how many eyes were evaluating his kicking accuracy and distance, he initially replied with a laugh.

"I was really under the microscope," he said.

Ratanamorn also possessed remaining soccer eligibility, but chose full-time football midway through spring practice. The decision was difficult, but Ratanamorn opted to specialize in one I-A sport rather than spread practice time along with the constant juggling of academics.

Leg strength alone was impressive, but just as important was the rapport initiated with holder Emmanuel Spann and long-snapper Sean McClellan. It's a dynamic that will continue to develop leading to August preseason camp.

"I need to get my work in," Ratanamorn said. "I need to get my percentage where I make most of mine, or all of them.

"In the end I thought what was best for me was to play football. Two weeks ago I chose football and since then I've had an ease of stress from both sports, a little bit more time to rest.

"I can be 100 percent for practice and come out here and try my best."

Not that the junior is burdened by new-found scrutiny from his new-found sport. He wrapped a bow on spring practice, concluding the Green-White Game with a 47-yard field goal.

"It's all fun," Ratanamorn said.