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SPORTS
Herd gets 9 verbal commitments
HUNTINGTON -- Jamming two and a half months of recruiting into two and a half weeks appears not a problem for Marshall University football.
New Thundering Herd head coach John "Doc" Holliday and his recently hired assistants assembled an impressive group of prospects for their initial recruiting weekend. More impressive is the result -- nine verbal commitments from high-profile student-athletes.
Illustrating the strength of Marshall's burgeoning recruiting class is the commitment of Brian Robinson. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound safety from St. Thomas Aquinas, a perennial Florida high school power, is rated among the nation's top 50 safety prospects. The four-star standout also was offered scholarships by Ole Miss, Miami (Fla.), Tennessee, WVU and Rutgers.
Also highlighting recruiting weekend is the verbal commitment of Travis Bell. The 6-2, 185-pound defensive back from Belle Glades ranks among Florida's top high school prospects. He originally committed to West Virginia and also received offers from Florida State, LSU, Florida, Miami (Fla.), Georgia and Rutgers. Bell has been timed at 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash and adds physicality to the position.
Fellow Florida high school standout Antwon Chisholm offers versatility to this year's recruiting class. The 5-9, 175-pound multiple offensive-special teams threat initially committed to Mississippi State and also received offers from Southern Miss, Rutgers and West Virginia. Chisholm has been timed at 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Fred Pickett, similar in size and speed to Chisholm, also has verballed to Marshall as a Florida high school senior. The Pahokee native, a playmaking wide receiver, originally committed to West Virginia and also was offered by Florida State.
Defensive line certainly is a priority and has been addressed with Brandon Sparrow's commitment. The 6-4, 270-pound tackle from Bedford (Va.) boasts athleticism and a frame capable of adding considerable weight.
Joining Sparrow among defensive line verbal commitments is Malcolm Strong. The 6-3, 240-pound end enjoyed a stellar career at Stephenson High School (Ga.), which has produced several Thundering Herd standouts. Strong, a speedy pass rusher, also received offers from Louisville, where he visited last week, Troy, Western Michigan and Kent State.
T.J. Ross, a 5-11, 195-pound outside linebacker from Durham (N.C.), projects at numerous positions for the Thundering Herd. The Southern High School standout also received considerable ACC interest.
Also offering versatility is defensive back-wide receiver Zach Dunston, who also committed on Sunday. Dunston, a Virginia Beach (Va.) native, likely projects as a safety with the Thundering Herd. The three-star prospect also was offered by Louisville, Temple and Kent State. Dunston has cancelled visits to Louisville and Maryland.
Like Sparrow, Chris Head features upside in terms of size. At 6-5 and 205 pounds, the playmaking tight end from Jackson (Ga.) certainly will add bulk under new strength and conditioning coach Frank Piraino.
Each visited campus this weekend, highlighted by Saturday night's dynamic atmosphere during Marshall's men's basketball victory over Tulane. Marshall could receive additional commitments throughout this week from the recent visits, leading to national signing day on Feb. 3.
Herd verbal commitments
Marshall football coach John "Doc" Holliday received several verbal commitments from players visiting over the weekend. Here is a list of those players, along with player information
Brian Robinson 5-10 190 S Ft. Laud., Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas)
Travis Bell 6-2 185 DB Belle Glades, Fla. (Glades Central)
Antwon Chisolm 5-9 175 ATH Belle Glades, Fla. (Glades Central)
Fred Pickett 5-9 165 WR Pahokee, Fla. (Pahokee)
Brandon Sparrow 6-4 270 DL Bedford, Va. (Liberty)
Malcolm Strong 6-3 240 DL Stone Mountain, Ga. (Stephenson)
T.J. Ross 5-11 195 LB/ATH Durham, N.C. (Southern Durham)
Chris Head 6-5 205 TE Jackson, Ga. (Jackson)
Zach Dunston 6-1 195 CB/WR Virginia Beach, Va. (Green Run)
