Marshall University football shifts gears Thursday, replacing practice with an annual opportunity for reserve players to produce impressions.

The Thundering Herd hosts Hargrave Military Academy in a sub-varsity game, kicking off at 3 p.m. at Edwards Stadium. Gates open at 2:30 p.m., and the game is open to the public with no admission charge.

Previous matchups with the Virginia-based prep school have proven fruitful on several fronts. Marshall walk-ons such as defensive linemen James Burkes and Demetrius Thompson earned playing time and eventual scholarships after strong showings. At the same time, prospects are afforded an afternoon to tour Marshall's campus and facilities.

Marshall's program has enjoyed a long recruiting relationship with Hargrave, which produces numerous NCAA Division I-A prospects each year. Marshall's leading tackler, weak side linebacker Mario Harvey, two-year starting offensive lineman Ryan Tillman and tight end Cody Slate, a team captain and All-America candidate, are among the recent Hargrave recruits to sign with Marshall.

Among the more higher-profile Hargrave student-athletes to take on the Thundering Herd's sub-varsity team Thursday is Trevor Black. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound outside linebacker from Charlotte, N.C. has verbally committed with Marshall.

Hargrave head coach Robert Prunty long has embraced his program's connection with Marshall.

"It's been really good and we've continued that with coach Prunty," Snyder said. "Their guys have come here and been very successful."

Marshall players, currently under the two-deep roster radar, also can benefit from Thursday's matchup, evidenced by Burkes and Thompson.

"It's good," Snyder said. "It gives them something to shoot for. And just as importantly, it's good to have Hargrave here."

DOWN TIME: The sub-varsity clash with Hargrave allows another off day for Thundering Herd veterans. Following Sunday night's 21-20 loss at UCF, players took Monday and Tuesday off before resuming practice Wednesday afternoon and Friday afternoon.

Marshall (5-4, 3-2 Conference USA) and Southern Miss (5-4, 3-2) both have this weekend off before their Nov. 14 meeting at Edward Stadium.

"It's been good," Snyder said. "We've turned our full attention to Southern Miss. We've gotten back to some of our fundamental work and some special teams areas and a little bit in pass coverage and a little bit on offense.

"Since we do have this time, we're using it to get healthy. And we'll give some of the young guys some reps the next couple of practices, backups that we're going to have to have down the stretch."

CODY AWARD: Marshall's Cody Slate was named as the John Mackey Tight End of the Week by the Nassau County Sports Commission for the second time this season. Slate had five receptions for 80 yards and one touchdown at UCF.

Slate, a senior from Chipley, Fla., leads all NCAA FBS tight ends in receiving yards with 582 and receptions with 48.

The John Mackey Tight End of the Week is an honor distinct and different from the John Mackey Award, a postseason recognition for the nation's top tight end.

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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