HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Football has six players from its 2023 team who were either drafted or signed as undrafted free agents (UDFAs) during the 2024 NFL Draft weekend.
The Thundering Herd was one of only four teams in the Group of Five to boast of multiple draft picks joining Troy, UTEP and Tulane in that regard. Marshall also had four players who signed as UDFAs following the draft.
“I’m really excited for all our guys who get to continue their football journeys,” Marshall Football coach Charles Huff said. “All these guys are special to me and to this community. What they have been through in their college journey – from coaching changes to COVID-19 to conference changes, NIL, the transfer portal and more – and to be in this position has been nothing short of amazing.
“I will always cherish these guys and what they meant to this program and this university. I can’t wait to watch all these guys chase their dreams at the highest level. They stayed committed to us, trusted us in their development and created value for themselves and their families.”
Marshall had the first Sun Belt Conference player taken in the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday when running back Rasheen Ali was taken in the 5th Round (165th overall) by the Baltimore Ravens.
Just over an hour later, Marshall cornerback Micah Abraham was announced as the 6th round selection (201st overall) by the Indianapolis Colts, giving the Herd multiple draft picks for only the second time in the last 20 years.
In addition to the multiple draft picks, Marshall had four players who signed UDFA contracts with teams following the draft.
Marshall defensive end Owen Porter signed with the Minnesota Vikings where he will look to continue to cause havoc in the backfield for the opposition.
Porter produced chaos from his defensive end spot throughout the 2023 season, leading Marshall with 15 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles while adding five sacks and 13 quarterback hurries. His 57 tackles were also fourth-most on the Herd defense.
The Herd also had a pair of offensive linemen sign UDFA deals in Ethan Driskell and Dalton Tucker.
Driskell, a 6-foot-8, 313-pound offensive tackle, received a Reese’s Senior Bowl invite following the season and garnered plenty of attention in the days and weeks leading up to the NFL Draft before signing with the Super Bowl Champions.
The Louisville, Kentucky, native appeared in 48 career games for Marshall and started the final 26 games of his career at left tackle.
Tucker, one of Marshall’s most tenured offensive linemen, impressed scouts with his Pro Day numbers at the Chris Cline Athletic Complex and will now join Abraham with the Colts after signing a UDFA deal on Saturday evening.
The 6-foot-6, 307-pound lineman has the versatility to play guard or tackle, and has been a key figure in the Herd’s run game success over the past four seasons, playing 47 games during that span.
On Sunday morning, Marshall linebacker Eli Neal also got his NFL opportunity when he signed a UDFA deal with the Los Angeles Rams.
Neal led Marshall’s defense with 93 tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. The 6-0, 222-pound linebacker also had a nose for the football, registering two interceptions while also recovering two fumbles.
In his Marshall career, Neal finished with 375 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, five interceptions and five fumble recoveries.
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—HerdZone.com—
2024-04-28 23:10:44
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