Topic: H-D: Thundering Herd's Tate back to coaching on front line

[ZackUSAF82]

HUNTINGTON -- Take one look at Fred Tate and it can be seen that he likes to be on the front line when going to battle.

The combination of Tate's energy and physical presence is intimidating, and his passion for the game is unquestionable.

And now, there's an even bigger bounce in Tate's step for the 2011 season.

That's because he's literally back with the front line, taking over Marshall's defensive line unit after spending his first season with the Herd in charge of safeties.

The difference is noticeable to everyone around him.

"He was like a fish out of water coaching the secondary because he's never done that," Marshall head coach Doc Holliday said. "His comfort zone has been the linebackers, the front seven and the defensive line. It didn't take long to watch him work with that defensive front to know that there is where he likes to be and he's at home there."

Tate's energy was realized early on Saturday as players lined up for the ever-popular Circle Drill, in which Marshall players form a ring and coaches call out individual players -- one from the offensive side, one from the defensive side -- to engage in a physical, mano y mano battle.

Link: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27446144/Thundering-Herds-Tate-back-to-coaching-on-front-line