Not so long ago, Marshall's running back position was an item on Overstock.com.

The Herd had more running backs than it ever could use.

I mean, what was Marshall going to do with seven running backs in a one-back offense?

Or so we thought.

But now?

"We went from deep to thin in a heartbeat," said Herd running backs coach JaJuan Seider.

It started with Terrell Edwards-Maye being shifted from running back to linebacker. Next, incoming freshman Antwan Chisholm was dismissed from the team. Then, true freshman Travon Van was taken off the practice field because of NCAA Clearinghouse academic issues.

That left only four running backs -- Martin Ward, Andre Booker, Tron Martinez and Essray Taliaferro. But, then, Taliaferro hurt his right foot and Booker was held out of contact for a shoulder problem.

Which meant Marshall had just two running backs at its disposal for an officiated scrimmage Saturday afternoon at Edwards Stadium.

Until slot receiver Troy Evans added running back to his resume, that is.

The 5-foot-9, 196-pound former high school and junior college running back reprised that role Saturday, ripping off the two longest runs of the scrimmage -- a slashing 13-yard gain and a 23-yard jaunt.

"Evans is going to be our emergency running back," said Marshall head coach Doc Holliday after the scrimmage.

He's a nice option to have.

Evans actually was the leading rusher in the scrimmage with 36 yards on five carries. Martinez added 19 yards on five carries, including a nice 6-yard touchdown run, while Ward was limited to only seven yards on four carries.

"Oh, man," said Evans, "it felt like coming home. It still felt natural."

He knows not to get too comfortable, however, because Ward still is the starter, Booker is ready to practice again and Martinez has made significant strides during camp.

"Martin is just so consistent," said Seider. "I don't have to worry about Martin. He's going to show up and go to work every day. Whatever you want done, he's going to do it. He's the leader in our room. He just does everything right."

Whether it's counting yardage or counting calories, Seider knows the Herd can count on Ward.

"We asked Martin to lose weight," said Seider. "The kid went and lost 20 pounds and it shows in his footwork. The best thing in our room right now is if I had to go play a game, I've got Martin and Booker. I can give you a combination of both.

"People don't give 'Book' enough credit. He'll hit it up in there in a heart beat, too. That's the thing I like about my room."

Ward and Booker are Marshall's "thunder and lightning" combination. But don't typecast Booker as just a speed guy. Despite his small-boned frame, he isn't scared to get hit.

"That's right," said Seider. "Every last one of those guys plays with a chip on his shoulder. We teach them like the NFL. It's competition every day. One day Martin will start. The next it could be Booker.

"Every day when they come to the field, they know that. So, every day they're going to give you everything they've got."

That same attitude extends to Martinez and Taliaferro.

"That's why I'm so fortunate to have a Tron and an Essray," said Seider. "Right now, we're thin and we're just trying to keep those guys healthy."

Sounds like Seider needs to do some on-line shopping. ... at Understock.com.

Chuck Landon is a sports columnist for The Herald-Dispatch. Call him at 304-526-2827. E-mail him at clandon@herald-dispatch.com.

National Video