HUNTINGTON, W.Va.— You have to have right tools to get any job done correctly. A hammer doesn’t always get the job done and without the right sized wrench you may never get that bolt loosened. New Marshall running backs coach Chris Barclay is excited to get work because he believes The Herd has all the tools necessary to be successful.
“We’ve got a lot of talent. Talent is not an issue,” Barclay told the Supertalk Sportsline on WRVC in Huntington. “I feel like I’ve got a bunch of different tools in my toolbox. I don’t have a bunch of wrenches. I’ve got wrench and screwdrivers and a bunch of different tools so we can get a lot accomplished on a weekly basis.”
Barclay’s hiring was announced on Thursday. He comes to Huntington after spending two seasons as an assistant at William and Mary and three seasons at Wake Forest.
“Chris is an excellent addition to our staff,” Holliday said. “He brings strong credentials, as a player and coach, and has worked hard to get this point in his career. We are pleased to welcome Chris to our program.”
Barclay was already familiar with the Marshall football program and the tradition surrounding it. Barclay grew up in Louisville, Ky and played his college ball at Wake Forest under Huntington native Jim Grobe.
In 2005, Barclay rushed for 1,127 yards with 10 touchdowns and ranked 15th nationally in rushing yards per game. He became the first player in ACC history to lead the league in rushing three consecutive seasons and finished his career as Wake Forest’s all-time leading rusher with 4,032 yards (fifth in ACC history) and 40 touchdowns.
Barclay was named the Atlantic Coast Conference’s 2005 Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year.
“The tradition speaks for itself. Coach Holliday has done a great job building the program,” said Barclay. “I’m excited to be part of a winning program and a program on the rise.”
“I’m just like a kid in a candy store and I’m ready to work.”