A coaching decision initially considered a questionable move has not proven profitable.

Marshall University football head coach Mark Snyder pulled redshirts from wide receiver Aaron Dobson and running back Andre Booker during the Sept. 12 loss at Virginia Tech. The former appeared reasonable, considering senior wideout Courtney Edmonson's absence because of injury since the season began. Considering considerable tailback depth, playing an undersized Booker (listed at 5-foot 10 and 175 pounds) turned heads.

Then, Booker produced in his Thundering Herd debut. The Sarasota, Fla., native totaled 41 yards, rushing, receiving and receiving a punt in last week's 17-10 victory over Bowling Green.

Such numbers are modest, but acceptable in context of an NCAA Division I-A curtain call. Importance of Booker's experience is now compounded by Troy Evans' season-ending injury. Evans, who likewise serves multiple roles, suffered a broken foot against Bowling Green.

Evans, the Thundering Herd's leading punt returner who also caught four passes for 17 yards, will redshirt this season and retain two years of eligibility. Former Cabell Midland High School standout John Saunders, a Marshall starting strong safety, is also out of the season, concluding his college career.

The Evans injury equals added playing time for Booker and possibly for true freshman Michael Rhynes, a red-zone threat at 6-5 and 208 pounds. Each could play Saturday at Conference USA rival Memphis. Marshall (2-1, 0-0 C-USA) and the Tigers (1-2, 0-0) kick off at 1 p.m. (EST) at the Liberty Bowl.

"This puts Michael Rhynes on alert," Snyder bluntly stated. "We were flirting with that anyway, that if the situation arose where he could play, we were going to treat him a lot like (defensive end) John Youboty.

"We were going to get him ready to play but try to not play him. We will continue to work him like he is going to play and we will see what situation comes about.

"I can say this though, if someone else gets dinged just a little bit he is definitely going to have to come on. We have been doing that the past two weeks anyway, getting him ready to play."

As for Booker, arguably Marshall's fastest player, his role will certainly continue to elevate.

"I thought he did well," Snyder said. "He got his feet wet in a college football game, caught some passes, had a punt return.

"It was not a bad game for a true freshman. He has a pretty good pair of hands and good ball skills."

Wrapping the injury list, cornerback T.J. Drakeford and defensive tackle Delvin Johnson are expected to play Saturday, while Edmonson will remain sidelined.

"We won't have Courtney back this weekend," Snyder said. "We will try to work him back for the next game against East Carolina."

Anthony Hanshew covers Marshall football for The Herald-Dispatch. He can be reached at 304-526-2766. His e-mail address is hanshew@herald-dispatch.com.

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