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SPORTS
Athletics, academics draw prospects
HUNTINGTON -- Complex and simple at the same time appears the recipe for Marshall University football's dynamic recruiting run.
Under new head coach John "Doc" Holliday, it's been a mix of athletics and academics. Last week, student-athletes met with university president Stephen Kopp and then received a rousing welcome at a men's basketball game.
Holliday's first full recruiting weekend resulted in a resounding 10 verbal commitments, including several who received numerous BCS offers. Such was the scene again this weekend, with a double-digit group of prospects touring campus, meeting with Dr. Kopp and attending Saturday night's Thundering Herd men's basketball game against UAB.
"The president was all about education, not just about the sport of football," said Brian Robinson, a four-star safety who arguably ranks as Marshall's top verbal commitment. "I don't just want to be a football player. He was more interested in our education."
Robinson's father was recruited by both Marshall assistant coach Mike Cassity and Holliday. The younger Robinson said he felt more comfortable in Huntington, compared to other universities.
"I talked to my position coach (Cassity) and I felt the scheme fit me very well," Robinson said. "I was recruited at West Virginia and I didn't think that would be a good fit. I went to Marshall and it was a good fit."
Ole Miss, Miami, Tennessee, WVU and Rutgers also offered Robinson a scholarship.
Strong was offered by Louisville, Troy, Western Michigan and Kent State.
Ditto, said Malcolm Strong, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive end from Stone Mountain, Ga. The playmaking pass rusher plans to major in business and marketing and mirrored Robinson in saying the complete Marshall package led to his verbal commitment.
"I loved it," Strong said of his visit. "I felt like that was where I needed to be. I talked to the president and felt very good about that. Everything was very warm -- the program, the new coaches, the academic standards, all around.
"I liked how the players presented themselves and I liked the facilities."
Zach Dunston, a 6-1, 185-pound wide receiver from Virginia Beach (Va.), also verballed to Marshall and canceled a visit to Louisville this weekend. Last weekend's basketball game, with fans chanting toward him and fellow prospects, left an impression.
"That was crazy," he said.
Camaraderie also somewhat factored into a mounting recruiting class. Travis Bell, a 6-2, 185-pound defensive back from Belle Glade (Fla.) initially committed to West Virginia University but now is committed to Marshall. He also was offered by Florida State, LSU, Florida, Miami (Fla.), Georgia and Rutgers, and his influence apparently impacted a successful weekend.
"I got cool with Travis Bell," Dunston said. "I said 'If you're coming, I'm coming."
Recruiting continues through this month, leading to the Feb. 3 national signing day.
