Topic: Gazette: Both 2011 feature backs gone

[ZackUSAF82]

By Doug Smock

By the end of the 2011 season, Marshall's backfield had solidified with the one-two punch of Tron Martinez and Travon Van. Today, with the Thundering Herd-less bowl season about to begin, both are gone from the program.

Martinez has been medically disqualified from playing football, MU athletic director Mike Hamrick said Monday. The school will continue to honor his scholarship, should the Hampton, Va., native wish to stay in Huntington.

Over the weekend Van announced his plans to transfer to Montana to continue his college career as a running back. The 5-foot-10, 193-pound sophomore will be eligible immediately for the Grizzlies, a perennial Football Championship Subdivision contender.

Martinez had an unspecified knee injury, which required at least one surgery. He missed spring practice and did little more than walk around in the fall - a bad sign, considering how injured players are kept busy doing some sort of conditioning drills during practice.

Link: http://wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201212100237