HUNTINGTON, W.Va.—Doc Holliday insists he wouldn’t trade Marshall’s 2014 recruiting class for any other. Why would he?
Rivals and Scout both rank Marshall with the top recruiting class in Conference USA as Marshall signed 28 prospects on Wednesday. Rivals rated Marshall’s signing class at No. 62 in the country, Scout ranked it 63rd.
“Our coaching staff did a tremendous job,” congratulated Holliday. “Todd Hartley has done a tremendous job as recruiting coordinator. There’s no doubt we met our needs and I’m excited about where it is.”
Holliday wanted to add depth along the offensive line. What started as a deep unit in 2013, ended the season fairly thin as injuries started to pile up. Signing a junior college player who could come in and play immediately was a priority. Marshall met that need by signing 6-foot-4, 310-pound Brandon Mitchell. Marshall also signed A.J. Addison from Fork Union Military Academy, who is already on campus. The biggest steal along the offensive line was Nathaniel Devers from Massillon, Ohio. Devers had committed to play at the University of Cincinnati but signed with The Herd.
“He’s a tremendous football player, loves football and comes from a tremendous program,” said Holliday.
The Herd also took steps to bolster the defensive secondary. Four-star safety Kendall Gant, who had committed to Georgia, signed with Marshall. The Herd also picked up Antavious Rowe, Quintavious Knight and LaDerrick Hammond in the secondary.
“Gant’s got a shot at being here,” said Holliday. “We’ve got a lot of talented guys that can come in and run and play well in space.”
Holliday, who likes to sign at least one quarterback in each class, was also pleased The Herd was able to land top target Cole Garvin and get him on campus early. Garvin graduated in high school in December and will participate in spring practice.
Several players could make an immediate impact. 2013 Freshmen such as Corey Tindal, Tiquan Lang and others played significant roles in route to a 10-win season.
“Anyone who can come in here and play and help us win will play,” said Holliday. “I’m not concerned about whether they’re a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior, whatever they are, I’m more concerned about if they can make plays and help us win football games.”