ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Harold “Gator” Hoskins was never supposed to catch a touchdown. When he came to Marshall as a freshman, the coaching staff figured he’d end up playing defense. No one suspected he’d be lining up on offense, let alone become one of the most dangerous red zone pass catchers in the country.
But that’s what Hoskins became. Hoskins gathered two more touchdown catches in Marshall’s 31-20 win over Maryland in the Military Bowl and finishes his career 28 career touchdowns, fourth all-time at Marshall.
“Just working hard all summer, Cato came to me and said I’ll need you this year and we just stepped up,” said Hoskins.
Leading 24-20 late in the ballgame, Marshall was looking to increase its lead and put the game out reach. As Marshall lined up on the 8-yard line everyone in the stadium knew if Cato dropped back to throw he would be looking for his tight end. But there was little Maryland could do to stop it.
“Right before we called the play, Cato looked at me and said, ‘You have to win it right here, I’m coming to you,’” Hoskins explained. “We saw that Maryland was trying to put the safety on me. When the play happened I saw that he was on the outside so I broke inside and Cato found me and I just made a good play.”
Hoskins was quick to deflect the attention away from himself during the postgame celebration, instead waiting to talk about the accomplishments of the senior class.
“It’s a blessing. To win 10 games at Marshall is just a blessing,” said Hoskins who has seen the program come from is lowest point to playing for a conference title and now beating an ACC team for a bowl victory. When asked about the progress the program has made during his career at Marshall Hoskins got right to the point.
“When I got here we were 5-7 and now we’ve won 10 games. That’s enough said.”