Marshall University Athletics
New Back Settling In For Herd
8/8/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
New Back Settling In For Herd
8/8/2003
Running back Earl Charles works on his blocking against linebacker Dionte' Wilson. (Photo by Jodi Fick) |
Slippery surfaces didn?t seem to slow down speedy Earl Charles or his roommate and fellow running back Franklin ?Butchie? Wallace during Friday?s practice session at Marshall Stadium.
?Rainy days are good for me and Butchie because we get tons of opportunities to get better, but you also have to make sure you do not turn the ball over,? Charles said. ?Dry weather is what is best for the team though.?
Charles is a new addition to an already strong Marshall backfield. He came to Huntington from Fresno City College, where he was a standout running back for coach Tony Caviglia. In his two years, he rushed for 2,751 yards and 31 touchdowns. He has similar expectations for himself this upcoming season.
?I always set my goals real high,? Charles said. ?I hope to rush for 2,000 yards and have 25 touchdowns.?
If spring practice was any indication, he could be right on target.
Upon his arrival to the Herd, the junior college transfer was impressive to both coaches and fans. In the Green-White Spring game, the 6-1, 215-pound Brooklyn, N.Y. native ran for 34 yards on four carries with a touchdown and also took a screen pass 82 yards for a score.
He believes he is getting a good handle on things.
?I am catching on alright,? Charles said. ?Butchie is my roommate and we go back after practice, talk about plays and we are getting a whole lot better.?
Coach Bob Pruett also called the Herd?s first day in shoulder pads a success.
?We?re getting them (practices) in,? Pruett said. ?Without an indoor facility we have to just have to make due and the players worked through it.
?There were a lot of good things today that the rain just couldn?t stop.?
The Thundering Herd will return to the practice field for a 9 a.m. session on Saturday before taking a break in the afternoon for picture day. Sunday afternoon will mark the first session in full gear for the squad.
All Marshall practices are open to the public. The 2003 Thundering Herd Football Media Guide will be available for sale to the public for $25 beginning on Saturday.
-- By Jodi Fick (Marshall Sports Information)
