Offense brings out the big guns

 It has become apparent throughout Marshall University's football program that head coach Doc Holliday has left free rides by the wayside.

Inter-squad competition has been the theme of Marshall's camp.  All spots on the starting squad were up for grabs this year, including starting quarterback.  With the release of the latest depth chart last week, fans received confirmation that senior Brian Anderson will be returning as the starting quarterback for the Thundering Herd.

"We're extremely confident this year," said Anderson, a 6-foot 3-inch, 212 pound gunner from Louisville, Ky.  "We've worked hard as a team, harder than we've ever worked before, and we're looking forward to this season."

 Anderson, no stranger to Marshall fans, held the starting quarterback position throughout the 2009 season, producing 14 touchdown passes against 13 interceptions.

"I think the big thing is to eliminate the inconsistency from last year," Anderson said. "There are things that I've worked hard with the coaches to improve. The goal is to incorporate the passing game with a solid rushing game."

With Anderson's veteran experience holding things down in the pocket, Holliday has successfully brought in new recruits to all positions including All-State quarterback Eddie Sullivan from Boca Raton, Fla.  A true freshman this season, he is the back-up starting quarterback, according to Marshall's latest depth chart.

"I originally was committed to Wake Forest for four months," Sullivan said. "But then coach Holliday took me out here and showed me the program, and I was on board with it the second I arrived."

 Red shirt freshman quarterback A.J. Graham and junior Mark Cann are two hurlers who, alongside Sullivan, pushed Anderson for the starting position during camp and are game-ready should the opportunity arise.

Sullivan grinned and expressed solid confidence in his teammates regarding the upcoming season and Marshall's chances with Holliday at the helm.

"I think that this year is going to be a year where we can surprise some people," Sullivan said. "For me, right now I'm getting up to that level. I feel great about the program and the playbook. It'll be important for us to run the ball. We want to throw, but we have to run, and I feel like our backs will be able to do that this season."

Brandon Anicich can be contacted at anicich.brandon@gmail.com.