In light of recent development see also ………………….
Six Marshall football players aiming to play in the NFL in 2023………………
One of the four Group of Five teams with numerous players picked is led by Herd.
Huntington, West Virginia – During the 2024 NFL Draft weekend, six players from Marshall Football’s 2023 squad were selected in the draft or signed as undrafted free agents (UDFAs).
Along with Troy, UTEP, and Tulane, the Thundering Herd was one of just four teams in the Group of Five to claim multiple draft picks. After the draft, four players from Marshall signed as UDFAs.
Coach Charles Huff of Marshall Football commented, “I’m really excited for all our guys who get to continue their football journeys.” “These men are all very special to this community and to me. Their college experience has been nothing short of incredible, enduring everything from coaching changes to COVID-19 to conference changes, NIL, the transfer site, and more.
“I will always treasure these guys and everything they contributed to this university and program. I’m excited to watch each of these guys pursue their goals to the fullest extent possible. They remained devoted to us, had faith in our ability to help them grow, and added value for their families as well as themselves.”
Running back Rasheen Ali of Marshall was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round (165th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, making him the first player from the Sun Belt Conference to be selected.
The Indianapolis Colts selected Marshall cornerback Micah Abraham in the sixth round (201st overall) a little more than an hour later, giving the Herd multiple draft picks for just the second time in the previous 20 years.
Marshall had four players that signed UDFA contracts with teams after the draft in addition to the several draft selections.
Owen Porter, a defensive end for Marshall, has signed with the Minnesota Vikings, where he plans to keep wreaking havoc in the opposition’s backfield.
Throughout the 2023 season, Porter caused havoc from his defensive end position, leading Marshall in tackles for loss (15), forced fumbles (2), and quarterback hurries (13) in addition to five sacks. He also had the fourth-most tackles on the Herd defense with 57.
Ethan Driskell and Dalton Tucker, two offensive linemen, signed UDFA contracts with the Herd as well.
The 6-foot-8, 313-pound offensive tackle Driskell attracted a lot of interest in the days and weeks preceding the NFL Draft before signing with the Super Bowl Champions. He was invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl after the season.
The product of Louisville, Kentucky, started the last 26 games of his career at left tackle and had 48 appearances in total for Marshall.
One of Marshall’s most seasoned offensive linemen, Tucker, surprised evaluators at the Chris Cline Athletic Complex with his Pro Day figures. After agreeing to a UDFA deal on Saturday night, he will now join Abraham with the Colts.
Playing 47 games in the last four seasons, the 6-foot-6, 307-pound lineman, who can play guard or tackle, has been a vital component of the Herd’s run game success.
Eli Neal, a linebacker from Marshall, received a UDFA contract with the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday morning, giving him another shot at an NFL career.
With 93 tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, Neal led Marshall’s defense. The 6-0, 222-pound linebacker also exhibited a keen sense of football, recovering two fumbles and recording two interceptions.
Neal totaled 375 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, five interceptions, and five fumble recoveries during his tenure at Marshall.