Topic: H-D: Some MU players may not return

[biggreenarms]

Thirteen members of Marshall's 2014 football recruiting class reported last weekend.

And that's good.

But it's not what is really news-worthy.

Instead, the nine recruits who didn't report have grabbed the spotlight.

Five of the signees -- linebacker Frankie Herandez, running back Keion Davis, defensive tackle Nyquan Harris, cornerback Quintavious Knight and wide receiver Reese Wooten -- are expected to arrive later in the summer, according to sources.

The other four?

Ah, that's the issue.

Particularly since two of the quartet -- Maurice Hall and Demetrius Johnson -- were among the top five players in Marshall's Class of 2014.

Hall, 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker, used his 4.4 speed at Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg, Fla., to play nine different positions during his career.

The list included fullback, quarterback, running back, wide receiver, free safety, linebacker, strong safety, kickoff returner and punt returner.

That's quite a resume.

So, considering his size, speed and credentials, Hall was expected to be an impact player for Marshall next season.

But now?

Maybe, maybe not.

That's because Hall was arrested for possession of marijuana and resisting arrest on June 4 by the Pinellas County (Fla.) Police Department. Both charges are misdemeanors and Hall reportedly says he is reporting to Marshall in August for preseason camp.

We'll see.

Until Marshall head coach Doc Holliday makes a decision on Hall, he's in football limbo.

As for Johnson, it's an entirely different scenario.

The acclaimed 6-2, 205-pound safety from Annapolis, Md., was easily one of the top five prospects in Marshall's recruiting class after picking the Herd over a scholarship offer from his hometown Maryland Terps

Besides that, Johnson was one of the select few who were chosen to participate in the prestigious U.S Army All-American Bowl prep football all-star game.

So, what happened?

Johnson simply didn't take care of business, according to sources.

Marshall reportedly backed away from both Johnson and wide receiver Alex Cason (Valdosta, Ga.) because they didn't live up to expectations academically and otherwise.

What a shame.

It's so disappointing when gifted young adults have the brass ring just waiting within their reach, but then don't bother to do what it takes to grasp it.

The fourth member of the wayward quartet is offensive lineman Brandon Mitchell.

The 6-4, 310-pound junior college product didn't graduate from Pierce College (Los Angeles, Calif.) after the spring semester and isn't academically eligible to transfer.

Mitchell reportedly is taking summer school classes and still could transfer to Marshall, but this is also a wait-and-see situation.

So, there's the bad news.

The good news is 13 of Marshall's recruits have arrived in Huntington and are ready to begin their Herd football careers.

DEES DONE: Sophomore offensive lineman Cam Dees' football career is over.

The 6-1, 275-pound center and guard is taking a medical redshirt, according to Marshall sources, due to multiple knee surgeries.

Dees missed the entire 2013 season because of knee and concussion problems.

In 2012, Dees started three games in Marshall's offensive line as a true freshman and was named to Conference USA's All-Freshmen team.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x271215727/Some-MU-players-may-not-return

[jstherd]

Thanks BGA. Very much appreciated.