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MARSHALL SPORTS
Linemen have been battling from the start
HUNTINGTON - Dog days of preseason camp kicked off from Day 1 for Marshall University's offensive tackles.
Daniel Baldridge, Brandon Campbell, Branden Curry, Ryan Tillman and C.J. Wood individually are battling for starting spots. As a group, they're staring at a daily daunting task of blocking active defensive ends Albert McClellan, John Jacobs and Vinny Curry, along with blitzing linebackers and defensive backs.
There are no kid gloves during this preseason camp. Coaches are amping the pressure on a mix of players mostly short on experience.
Baldridge, an 11-game starter last season, and Campbell, a sophomore who earned significant playing time - including two starts - in 2007, have served reserve roles for much of camp. They rejoined the first team during Thursday's practice, sharing snaps with redshirt freshmen Tillman and Wood (Curry also is a redshirt freshman).
Thundering Herd head coach Mark Snyder left little doubt, however, that neither Baldridge, a junior, nor Campbell have locked down first team roles.
"They are fighting for their lives right now," Snyder said. "Everybody is trying to earn a first team spot. We've got work to do there, so I think they're doing their best to try to work back into the rotation."
Snyder agreed that balancing personal efforts to start while improving as a unit has made for a challenging camp.
"It turns up the heat," Snyder said. "The heat's turned up. That's what it's all about."
Curry, Tillman and Wood didn't play last year, and the increased pace of practicing against Marshall's high-tempo defense has proven an early test of perseverance.
"The young guys are a little overwhelmed," Snyder said. "That's why you're seeing Brandon Campbell and Baldridge getting in there a little bit, because they've been in the heat of the battle.
"Let those guys step back and watch a little, because they've been going with the ones."
AS FOR THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LINE ...: Snyder quickly responded "defensive line" when asked which unit has been a pleasant surprise.
McClellan's return to form has been noticeable this week, Ian Hoskins is more than holding up in his new role and first-year players Brandon Bullock, Vinny Curry and Delvin Johnson continue to impress.
Johnson, a 300-pound tackle, practiced with the first team Thursday in place of Hoskins.
"We're trying to be smart with what we do, gave Ian a little break today because he's had hamstring issues in the past," Snyder said. "We don't want to go down that road so we've given him a little break.
"Plus Delvin needs real-time reps, because he's going to be playing for us."
HITTING THE WALL: Following Tuesday's practice, Snyder guessed his players might be less than energetic during the second of Wednesday's pair of practices. After Thursday's session, the 12th of camp, the fourth-year coach said his prediction was just about right.
"They were a little dead-legged yesterday, especially in the second practice," Snyder said. "This is a hard day today and we'll back off a little tomorrow.
"We've got a two-a-day, but it won't be your typical two-a-day. Yesterday's evening practice and today's typically, at least through my career, these are the days when they kind of run into that proverbial brick wall and they're a little dead-legged.
"Typically that's where a bunch of the injuries happen too, and we got out another day injury-free."
'HE'S A PLEASER': He was 0-for-4 with a pair of blocks completing a recent practice, but placekicker Craig Ratanamorn's reaction suggested he could possess the mettle to handle high pressure situations.
Even when protection was an issue and fault might not have been his own, Ratanamorn's frustration appeared with himself. The former Marshall soccer player's competitiveness has been evident since joining the football program.
"He's a pleaser," Snyder said. "He wants to please. He knows he's really good, so he wants to please."
An asterisk legitimately could be added to that 0-for-4, by the way. Each attempt was from 50-plus yards, and teammates formed a loud, disruptive semi-circle around Ratanamorn. Both his demeanor and considerable range have impressed his new team.
"Craig's doing a great job," Snyder said. "He's got a strong leg. He'll win a game or two for us."
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.
