April 18, 2008

Huntington, WV (UWIRE) -- The early return on the Marshall defense adjusting to its third coordinator in three years has been so far, so good.

Playing for the first time under new coordinator Rick Minter in a game-like situation Saturday at the University of Charleston, the Thundering Herd defense dominated the offense 42-37, scoring points by way of three interceptions, seven sacks and a number of tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

"I appreciate their effort thus far," Minter said of his defense. "They've learned a lot of things and absorbed a lot of things and are trying really hard, so I've been proud of them for that."

Minter was hired to the Thundering Herd coaching staff on Feb. 1, bringing with him a new defensive scheme contrary to former Marshall defensive coordinator, Steve Dunlap.

In Dunlap's system, the Marshall secondary tended to be more reserve in its pressure, resulting in a Conference USA-low seven forced turnovers last season.

During Minter's latest coaching stint at Notre Dame, he coordinated a blitz-orientated defense that forced 24 turnovers in 2005.

Minter's introduction to a more aggressive style has already made for a positive impression among the Herd defenders as they look ahead to next season.

"I like the new scheme because we're doing a lot of different things that we've never done before," junior safety Ashton Hall said with a grin. "The defense is a lot more fun and exciting now."

Senior safety Aaron Johnson led with three sacks and junior defensive back John Saunders sparked the University of Charleston Stadium crowd of 2,000 after his 59-yard interception return of a tipped pass in the end zone.

"I think they're getting it," Marshall head coach Mark Snyder said of the defense adjusting to Minter's new system. "I especially like what I'm seeing (out of the defensive backs) athletically."

While early results have shown considerable progress, the Marshall defense is still very much on the learning curve with Minter, said junior defensive back Zearrick Matthews.

"It's confusing right now," he said. "But getting in the film room and going through walkthroughs is making us better."

One important piece to the Herd's defensive puzzle yet to fit back into place fully this spring has been redshirt junior defensive end Albert McClellan.

Still recovering from a torn ACL that caused the 2006 Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year to miss the entire 2007 season, McClellan has been sporting the yellow no-contact jersey during spring practices as a way to avoid further injury.

Minter said his defensive picture will be completely clear once players, such as McClellan, are able to give practice a full go.

"We're trying to stay as healthy as we can," Minter said. "We have a lot of injuries right now, but we just try to coach who shows up every day."

(C) 2008 The Parthenon via UWIRE