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MARSHALL SPORTS
MU running backs to split duties
Herd running back Chubb Small works through an individual drill during Marshall's first spring practice on Tuesday, April 1, 2008, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
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HUNTINGTON -- Throughout Marshall University's preseason football camp, coaches and players have opined about "smart about it."
It's been referenced to maximizing the speed and athleticism of a deep defensive front seven and scaling back full contact with first and second teamers. Being "smart about it" also applies to the Thundering Herd backfield, where two proven tailbacks will share the workload.
It's more of the same for Darius Marshall and Chubb Small, who similarly alternated in 2007. Darius Marshall's impact was a surprise, leading Marshall with 631 yards on 123 carries as a true freshman. Small proved more of a big play threat, totaling 424 yards on just 69 handoffs (team-best 6.1 yards a carry).
Their competition for playing time was interrupted during spring practice with Darius Marshall sidelined because of a sprained knee. Small arguably was the team's spring MVP and the senior backed up the performance by setting five weight room personal records, earning the program's overall summer workout award.
"I was looking forward to having a great spring with the new offensive coordinator," Marshall said. "But Chubb stepped it up and every day during the summertime we've just been trying to get better.
"Chubb was determined this spring that he was going to get the No. 1 spot. Looking at him at practice during the spring that's the only thing he did. He worked to get his game better.
"He did a whole lot. He got better at his cutting, blocking -- a lot of stuff."
Darius Marshall earned his opportunity last season by adding summer bulk and then running between the tackles with purpose, particularly for a 5-foot-10, 189-pound newcomer. The two clearly are pushing each other during this camp, both in the weight room and during two-a-day practices.
"It's mainly just the respect we have for each other," Small said. "We know that we're both going to have to step up if one of us is not on point.
"It's just the respect we have. We know that we're both going to play and we know that we're going to have to accept the roles each one of us have. It's just trying to be smart about it and not trying to make it a negative competition, just trying to push the other guy out."
Redshirt freshman Terrell Edwards is also in the mix, and true freshmen Martin Ward and Jordan Taylor are finding their way.
Darius Marshall and Small head the diverse group, leaving running backs coach Jared Smith and offensive coordinator John Shannon with the favorable problem of divvying handoffs.
"That's what we're looking for," Small said. "That's what we really want. That's what we're trying to get better at -- understanding that if we both get enough carries that it's not about us. It's about us helping the team.
"They want a fresh rotation and that's what we've got to understand."
It's hardly a secret that the Herd running game will factor heavily while a new quarterback, likely Mark Cann, adjusts to his first year as starter.
Small entered preseason camp prepared, balancing workouts with work.
"I did an internship this summer but I came in the mornings and we probably worked out two, two-and-a-half hours, at least four or five days a week," said Small, compact and muscular at 5-9 and 200 pounds. "(Strength and conditioning) coach (Mike) Cochran helped me to get up my strength.
"It's just leadership."
Developing two-back rotations has emerged as a prominent approach throughout college football. From a Thundering Herd perspective, it's simply being smart.
"I think that will make us a whole lot better, because both of us will be fresh," Marshall said.
