Here is a few more.....
11 more commit to Herd
Record-breaking Kentucky back among latest verbals for Marshall
By ANTHONY HANSHEW - The Herald-Dispatch
HUNTINGTON -- More than half of the 16 prospects making official visits to Marshall committed to the Thundering Herd football program on Sunday.
Ten players verbally committed to Marshall coaches before exiting campus. Included in the group is Kentucky’s all-time touchdowns leader, one of the top local talents and two defensive prospects who will rejoin high school teammates.
Wide receiver Ridge Corbin, defensive backs Dedrick Davis, J.J. Johnson, Chuck Roberts and John Saunders, offensive lineman Carlos Rodriguez, linebacker Donte Spires, defensive end Cam Stokes, running back Kelvin Turner and tight end Patrick Wilkinson joined Marshall’s commitment list, which has swelled to more than 30. In addition, linebacker Albert McClellan, who previously visited Marshall, also committed to the Herd this weekend.
Turner, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound tailback from Danville High School (Ky.), rushed for 2,656 yards and totaled 43 touchdowns, including 36 on the ground, last season. He totaled more than 7,000 career rushing yards and scored a state record 116 touchdowns.
"I committed because I liked the coaches for one thing," Turner said. "They were straight forward."
Turner said Marshall’s winning tradition also played a key role in his college choice. The game-breaker led Danville to three state championship games, winning a pair of titles.
"It was very important because when you come from a winning high school program you don’t want to go somewhere where you lose all of the time and don’t have a chance to compete for a championship."
Numerous SEC schools were recruiting Turner, including Tennessee, Georgia and Kentucky.
Saunders is among the area’s most prolific high school student athletes. The 6-0, 185-pound Cabell Midland standout is a two-time 1,000-yard rusher and topped 100 tackles in three consecutive seasons.
East Carolina and several Division I-AA programs also have shown interest in Saunders, a seven-time track and field state champion.
"It’s home," Saunders said. "I know what to expect and I’ve got people backing me and giving me support."
Saunders, a two-time first team all-state selection, likely will play safety for the Thundering Herd.
Davis, a 6-0, 200-pound multi-threat from Auburndale High School (Fla.), rushed for 700 yards and added 500 passing last season. He’s a former teammate of fellow Marshall commitment Chubb Small.
"We grew up together from Little League up to high school and now in college, too," Davis said.
Davis said he’ll like play strong safety for the Thundering Herd.
Johnson, a 5-11, 177-pound standout from St. John’s High School (D.C.), said he’ll play either cornerback or safety. Last season, he intercepted seven passes and totaled 19 pass breakups and 49 tackles. Johnson returned one pickoff for a touchdown.
Akron also offered Johnson, who was recruited by Colorado State, Miami of Ohio and Kent State. Johnson is an academic qualifier.
"I didn’t have a lot of offers but (Marshall) coach (Bobby) Pruett said beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I’m looking pretty," Johnson said.
Rodriguez is among seven Florida natives who have committed to the Herd. The 6-5, 330 offensive lineman from Osceola High School is Marshall’s fifth offensive line commitment.
"I talked to him last night and he was very impressed," said Rodriguez’ mother, Marta Rodriguez. "He felt comfortable and felt at home."
Corbin, a 6-2, 200-pound wideout from Stone Mountain High School (Ga.) reportedly was offered by Wisconsin and recruited by Georgia, Auburn and Tennessee. Roberts, a fellow Georgia native, is a 5-10, 180-pound defensive back from Effingham High School.
Stokes, a 6-3, 230-pound defensive end from Aberdeen High School (Md.) was being recruited by Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, Syracuse, North Carolina and Hawaii.
Spires, a 6-3, 235-pound linebacker from Plant High School (Fla.), totaled 132 tackles last season and made an earlier visit to West Virginia.
Wilkinson is a 6-7, 205-pound tight end prospect from Gulf Shores High School (Ala.) and McClellan is a 6-2, 210-pound linebacker from Kathleen High School (Fla.).
Like Davis, McClellan will reunite with a high school teammate, defensive end Darrell Lake. McClellan’s older brother, junior college wide receiver Julius McClellan, visited Marshall this weekend.
National Letter of Intent Day is Wednesday.
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