Topic: R-H: Snyder’s confidence in Kitchens paying off

[ZackUSAF82]

By Gary Fauber
Assistant Sports Editor

From the time he took over the Marshall football program in 2005, coach Mark Snyder seemingly has seen a myriad of potential in linebacker Maurice Kitchens.

The Roanoke, Va., native knows all about it.

“He has challenged me numerous times, on numerous occasions,” Kitchens said. “He has told me that I have to step up.”

Snyder’s confidence in the 6-foot-3, 226-pound junior is paying off. Kitchens is second on the team with 48 tackles. He has 1 1/2 sacks and one interception for the still winless Thundering Herd.

Kitchens came to Marshall out of William Fleming High. He redshirted in 2004 and played in just two games in 2005 and did not register a tackle.

“I really didn’t have many opportunities (as a redshirt freshman),” Kitchens said. “We had a lot of linebackers.”

True, Kitchens did get lost in a position that at one time boasted a lot of depth. He got to learn from the likes of Matt Couch, who was Marshall’s second-leading tackler last year.

Link: http://www.register-herald.com/sports/local_story_290232156.html

[HerdAlum00_01]

By Gary Fauber
Assistant Sports Editor

True, Kitchens did get lost in a position that at one time boasted a lot of depth.

Link: http://www.register-herald.com/sports/local_story_290232156.html

Where did the depth go?  Did the players just not develop as planned?