— By Bill Cornwell
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — At the culmination of spring football, Marshall coach Charles Huff indicated he and his staff would continue looking to add to the Thundering Herd roster through the NCAA Transfer Portal, particularly while trying to fill needs in areas that may have been exposed in the spring.
That pledge is producing results.
Over the past week, Marshall has picked up an additional four players.
For the second time in as many weeks, a former Colorado player has made a move to Marshall. Edge defender Devee Harris has joined linebacker JJ Hawkins in the Boulder to Huntington exodus. Harris did not play for the Buffaloes last season. Marshall will be Harris’ fourth school, as he’s also previously played at Minnesota and Old Dominion.
Defensive back DJ Stepney has committed to Marshall after playing last season at Central Michigan. Stepney registered 15 tackles, one tackle for loss and two pass breakups last season. Stepney could help Marshall’s special teams as he was a All-Mid-American Conference third-team selection as a kick returner in 2022.
The Herd’s defensive line received a boost by the arrival of Dylan Davis from Illinois. Prior to playing for the Fighting Illini, Davis was an FCS Freshman All-American lineman at Furman. Davis was a Big 10 Conference All-Academic team pick last season.
Another player making Marshall his fourth school is defensive tackle RaQuan Thompson. Thompson played last season at UTEP, and had eight tackles over 11 games.
Thompson began his college football career at Tulsa, then moved on to Blinn Junior College.
More defensive line depth might be provided by the transfer of lineman Jude Okolo from Florida Atlantic. Okolo played in seven games for the Owls last season, picking up eight tackles and a sack. Okolo began his career at Illinois State.
Marshall saw the return of one player to enter the portal after Green-White Spring Game in quarterback Colin Parachek.
Parachek was a standout from the spring game, throwing for 133 yards and two touchdowns as his White Team recorded a 14-7 victory. Parachek came to Marshall last season after beginning his career at Morehead State.
Marshall’s 2024 freshman class has also picked up a late addition in Jasper, Indiana running back Carter Holsworth. Holsworth rushed for 1,486 yards and scored 18 touchdowns last fall.