— By Bill Cornwell
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The Marshall football coaching staff is experiencing some subtle changes.
While there are no subtractions from the staff at this point, two assistants have added responsibilities.
MU head coach Charles Huff announced Monday running backs coach Telly Lockette has added the title of associate head coach, while safeties coach Bob Shoop has added the title of assistant head coach.
Lockette has been with Huff in Huntington the past three seasons, while Shoop joined the Marshall program in 2023.
During all three seasons at Marshall, Lockette has coached a running back that ranked Top 25 nationally in yards. The Herd has also had a 1,000-yard in all three seasons — Rasheen Ali in 2021 and 2023 and Khalan Laborn in 2022.
“Coach Lockette has been a part of our staff since we got here and has been a consistent presence not only on the field and in recruiting, but in our community as well,” Huff said. “His experience and expertise in this profession is second to none. Combining that with his ability to connect with all of our staff and players to keep continuity and consistency running high gives him the ability to support me and the vision of our program.”
Shoop has worked as a defensive coordinator or safeties coach at several Power 5 schools prior to coming to Marshall, including Mississippi State, Tennessee, Penn State and Vanderbilt. He also was the defensive backs coach for the USFL-champion Birmingham Stallions in 2023.
Huff says that Shoops wide experience is crucial to Marshall’s success this fall.
“Coach Shoop has been coaching at a high level for a very long time, and his knowledge and experience is truly valued and respected by our entire organization,” Huff said. “Having him as a sounding board for me will allow us to continue to close the gap on the top teams in college football in all areas.”
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The days and weeks before fall practice give college football fans plenty of time to check on numerous preseason magazines that offer predictions for what’s ahead.
Athlon’s preview of the Sun Belt Conference is giving recognition to seven Marshall players who have earned a spot on the publications’ preseason All-Sun Belt Conference team.
Offensive lineman Logan Osburn and safety J.J. Roberts aare on the first team. Osburn decided to forego the NFL Draft in order to play a final season for the Herd. Roberts played in 10 games in 2023 after transferring from Wake Forest and he recorded 73 tackles and two interceptions.
Two Herd defensive lineman, Michael Green and TyQaze Leggs, are on the second team All-Sun Belt defense. Green had 4.5 sacks and 43 tackles last fall, while Leggs had 41 tackles with three sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss.
On the Athlon All-Sun Belt 3rd team are wide receiver Elijah Metcalf, tight end Cade Conley and defensive back Josh Moten.
Metcalf is a newcomer to the Marshall roster after transferring from Middle Tennessee.
Conley caught 23 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown in an injury-shortened season last year.
Moten had 30 tackles, an interception and six pass breakups in 2023.