Brandon Byrd could soon become part of the Herd.
The East Bay running back is being recruited hard by Marshall, and they've put a full-press on the 6-foot, 185-pound running back. Thursday, he'll have an in-home visit from offensive coordinator Bill Legg, and he'll be flying up for an official visit the first weekend in February.
"He'll be interesting," head coach Frank LaRosa said. "Marshall is on him pretty heavy...I know he's enjoyed the process and the attention and the love from Marshall. It'll be interesting how it all works out on signing day for him."
The senior rushed for 470 yards and nine touchdowns this season, while catching 11 balls for 191 yards and two scores. He also spent time as a kick and punt returner for the Indians.
Right now, Marshall is his only offer, and that has to do with academics, but Byrd has come a long way from his freshman year at Tampa Bay Tech.
"Where he was academically and where he is, there's a major, major improvement," LaRosa said. "He's making those improvements, but he unfortunately dug himself a little hole there early...he's doing a great job overcoming a lot."
LaRosa is proud of how far Byrd has come in his studies, and can't speak any higher of the kind of person he's become.
"I've told college coaches that have asked me about him, I'll realize come spring football how much I'll miss him on the field," LaRosa said. "As far as character, integrity and the young man he is, excuse the expression, but that's like BCS-championship type of character. He's an amazing, amazing kid."
Other East Bay recruiting notes:
- 2014 DE/TE Eric Bennett doesn't have any offers yet, but as LaRosa said, he's going to be a big name for East Bay this upcoming season. He led 7A in sacks this year with 12.5.
- Juniors FB/LB Chris Green, LB Deondre Romeo, CB Anton Crutcher and sophomore DL Marques Ford should all begin to get attention from colleges this upcoming season.