Transfers could play key roles for Marshall - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Transfers could play key roles for Marshall

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HUNTINGTON (AP) -

Marshall has a history of turning transfers into playmakers, and third-year coach Doc Holliday has several former major-college players in the fold to help the Thundering Herd compete for a Conference USA championship.
    
Cornerback Derrick Thomas and wide receiver Devon Smith joined Marshall from Penn State earlier this month for preseason practice.
    
Both transfers were unrelated to NCAA sanctions following the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse case, although Smith and Thomas will be eligible to play right away.
    
Thomas isn't the only transfer getting work with the first-team defense. The secondary also consists of former Boston College starters Dominick LeGrande and Okechukwu Okoroha. They are battling for starting spots at safety.
    
Marshall opens the season Sept. 1 at West Virginia.

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