— By Bill Cornwell
Despite a group of Marshall players having entered the NCAA Transfer Portal this week in the immediate aftermath of Charles Huff’s departure to Southern Mississippi, Herd interim head coach Telly Lockette says he and the staff plan to have what remains of the roster ready to face Army in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.
Lockette was named Marshall’s interim head coach Sunday after Huff’s departure. Boone County native and former North Carolina State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson has since been named Huff’s replacement and was introduced Thursday as head coach.
Lockette is in his third season on the Marshall staff and had the title of Associate Head Coach as well as Herd running backs coach.
“The morale of the team is good and the kids are still upbeat,” Lockette said. “We’ll figure out who is available and we’ll put a good product out there. The kids are in finals this week and we’ll probably have to wait and see who will be available for the bowl game.”
As of early Wednesday, more than 20 Marshall players had entered the Transfer Portal, including several key performers. Players seeking a new school include Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year and quarterback Braylon Braxton; linebackers Landyn Watson and Jaden Yates; defensive backs Ian Foster, Josh Moten, A.G. McGhee and Ahmere Foster; and receivers Bralon Brown and Chuck Montgomery.
Sun Belt Player of the Year and defensive end Mike Green has said he plans to play in the bowl.
Lockette believes there are less experienced players still committed to Marshall that could get an expanded opportunity to showcase what they’re capable of against the Black Knights.
“We have a lot of young guys who want this opportunity to get out there and play and show what they can do,” Lockette said. “We just have to make sure that we have the numbers to allow those kids to go out and play and be in a safe environment.”
Lockette was previously part of coaching staffs at Miami, Florida State, Oregon State and South Florida. He hopes to take full advantage of his opportunity as a head coach.
“Without coach Huff,” Lockette said, “I wouldn’t be in this seat right now.”
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Four-year Marshall defensive line coach Ralph Street announced on social media he’s accepted an offer to remain part of the staff under Giboson.
Street is a Marshall alumnus who played from 1998-2001. He graduated as a four-year letterman, team captain and was voted first team All-Mid-American Conference and the league’s best defensive lineman.