Holcombe named backup QB

HUNTINGTON, W.Va.—Doc Holliday answered one of the burning questions coming into preseason camp Tuesday afternoon by naming redshirt-sophomore Gunnar Holcombe the number two quarterback.

The position came up for grabs when rising senior Blake Frohnapfel chose to transfer to UMass after receiving his undergraduate degree at Marshall. Holcombe was in a position battle with true freshman Cole Garvin and neither separated himself from the other during spring drills. However during August camp it was clear Holcombe had a better handle on the offense than his younger counterpart.

“It is starting to sort itself,” Holliday said of the depth chart. “We’re not giving reps any more to the three’s and some of the three’s have become two’s.”

In the only open scrimmage of preseason camp, Holcombe erased any doubt that he should be the number two quarterback. Holcombe completed 11-of-22 for 151 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Garvin was 3-for-5 for 36 yards, a touchdown and a pick.

Incidentally, the same day Marshall named its backup quarterback, its former backup was named the starter at UMass. Blake Frohnapfel was named the starter for UMass’ season opener against Boston College.

“Over the course of my career, I’ve been really hoping for this. I’m glad I have the chance to start my first college game,” Frohnapfel told masslive.com. “It’ll be my first start, so there’s a certain pressure there. But it’s something I’ve been excited for a long time.”





More Marshall Sports

Marshall Sports
Integrating new players, coaches a focus for Herd at start of spring practice
Head coach Charles Huff says learning who his team is a critical component of spring football.
March 28, 2024 - 8:47 am
Marshall Sports
Commentary: Final 40 minutes don't tell the story of Marshall's season
The Herd lost by 43 points in its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 27 years, but a 26-7 campaign could help be a springboard for future success.
March 26, 2024 - 4:15 pm
Marshall Sports
Jackson replaces D'Antoni as Marshall basketball coach
Dan D'Antoni is out after a 10-year stint guiding the Marshall men's basketball program. Cornelius Jackson, former associate head coach and a native of Oak Hill, takes over.
March 25, 2024 - 8:25 pm
Marshall Sports
Six home games, trips to Virginia Tech and Ohio State highlight Herd's 2024 schedule
Marshall opens the season August 31 by welcoming Stony Brook.
March 25, 2024 - 2:35 pm


Your Comments