Football

It was announced yesterday that Isaiah Green, Marshall's starting quarterback for the past two seasons, was transferring from the program.  Following the announcement, several Marshall players denied the rumors, saying that it was "false news."  Moments ago, Isaiah Green himself made it official: "To Herd Nation, I would like to start off by saying I would've loved nothing more than to stay here and ball out with my brothers and continue trying to bring a championship back to Huntington and I know my brothers would've loved the same thing.  Football has molded me but I will not let it take away from my character.  I will rise about the minor conflicts to see the bigger picture, and above all else God will remain in control. As my time comes to an end here at Marshall University, I would like to thank my fans for being so supportive, and showing an abundance of love and acceptance.  Through all the dark valleys this has been a nice shed of light, and I'm excited to see where this journey takes me. To my teammates - this seems surreal.  I know it all happened so fast but I love you like brothers, and am so proud of the work you put in every day.  I won't forget the conversations, and many hours of work we put in together.  I look forward to the success that you will have as individuals, don't lose yourself in this program.  Always remember there are people who will do right by you, respect you as men, and care about what you go through outside of football.  Find your passions, and give it your all.  I ask for prayers, love, and privacy at this time.  To all of you that have shown me love, it will never be forgotten.  Thank you for the imprint you have left in my heart.  May God bless you all.  All my love, Isaiah Green." There is lots to digest here, but a few things really stand out.  First of all, he didn't thank the coaches or Marshall.  He thanked his teammates and the fans, and that is all.  Secondly, he seemed to hint at issues within the program.  The phrase "don't lose yourself in the program" really stood out.  In addition, it appears that he didn't feel respected off the field or as a man, and that is ultimately what led to his departure. https://twitter.com/isaiah_green17/status/1283857286218358784?s=20

Yesterday, it was announced and confirmed by the Marshall Athletic Department that two-year starting quarterback Isaiah Green entered the transfer portal and would be leaving the team. Green started 22 of 23 games that he played and started all 13 games in 2019.  During his time at quarterback for the Thundering Herd, he passed for 4,897 yards, 30 touchdowns, 21 interceptions and also rushed for 416 yards and 6 touchdowns. Following the announcement, several teammates of Green at Marshall spoke out and claimed that the reports of him leaving were inaccurate. Broc Thompson, a sophomore wide receiver on the team, was one of the most vocal players, saying, "My QB is not transferring.  FALSE NEWS." https://twitter.com/CantGuardBroc/status/1283436550517329925?s=20 Talik Keaton, a redshirt sophomore wide receiver for the Thundering Herd, echoed Thompson's sentiments: "He's not going anywhere.  False News!" https://twitter.com/talikk72/status/1283438341996912643?s=20 Although his teammates said that news of him transferring were untrue, Green himself did not deny it.  Instead, he fired back on rumors that he left due to not wanting to compete for the starting position by saying, "Now they trying to spin it like I'm scared of competition.  They'll say anything to make their story look good!" https://twitter.com/talikk72/status/1283459961444597760?s=20 Despite the uncertainty on social media, he has been removed from the team roster and the Athletic Department has confirmed it.  To clear up any confusion created by social media, Isaiah Green is no longer a part of the Marshall Thundering Herd Football team.

Moments ago, Isaiah Green, a two-year starting quarterback for the Marshall Thundering Herd, announced that he has decided to enter the transfer portal. The Marshall Athletic Department released a brief statement that said, “Marshall confirmed today that quarterback Isaiah Green has entered the transfer portal.  The department will have no further comment.” Green, originally from Fairburn, Georgia, is a junior and started the last two seasons at quarterback.  He threw for 2,438 yards, 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions as a sophomore last season. This, of course, is a huge, shocking loss for Marshall.  Green was expected to lead the Thundering Herd for the next two seasons.   Stay tuned to the Voice of Motown for more information on his reasons for transferring as they become available. https://twitter.com/KeithMorehouse/status/1283431017840283648?s=20

Morgantown, West Virginia - Moments ago, Kerry "KJ" Martin, Jr., the outstanding sophomore defensive back from Charleston, West Virginia, posted a cryptic message on social media that could lend some clarity to the situation involving his defensive coordinator, Vic Koenning. Last month, Martin accused Koenning of "mistreatment" and making him feel uncomfortable during conversations that he had with him.  Koenning was placed on administrative leave while West Virginia University has an independent investigation conducted. This evening, Martin posted the following message on social media: "Conversation was needed..."  Obviously, Martin could have been referring to anything going on in his life, but he also could have been talking about a much-needed conversation with the coaching staff and Vic Koenning in particular. https://twitter.com/KMartinJr11/status/1283185702566531075?s=20 Hopefully, Martin and Koenning were able to finally come together to discuss the situation like men and come to some sort of resolution.  It is far more likely that recruiting and the culture within the program could be affected the longer that there is uncertainty with the Koenning situation. Perhaps this was the first step in resolving this black cloud that has been hanging over the West Virginia football program for the last month.

Morgantown, West Virginia - Dave Weekley, host of Hotline on the MetroNews network in West Virginia, recently brought up a very reasonable, possible scenario surrounding the investigation into Vic Koenning by West Virginia University.  The investigation, which presumably started last month, is of course in regards to sophomore cornerback Kerry Martin's accusations about the defensive coordinator. On his nightly show, Weekley stated that perhaps the reason the investigation is taking so long is that Koenning is negotiating a buyout with the university. Weekley was clear to say that this was "only a guess on his part", but it's really the only logical reason that this "investigation" is taking as long as it is. The fact is that the damage is already done.  Koenning returning to coach player(s) that have accused him of mistreatment is simply not realistic.  West Virginia University would be wise to move forward quickly and get this situation behind them as swiftly as possible.  The indecision and doubt is not good for anyone...not recruiting, not the football program, not the university. With this said, a buyout appears to be the most fair, reasonable way to end this fiasco. If in fact the university is in negotiations to end his time as the defensive coordinator, Koenning should not accept anything less than the full amount he's owed on his current contract. Koenning currently makes $675,000 a year and is signed to a three year contract. On March 1, 2021, he is scheduled to receive a pay raise of $25,000, which would push his salary to $700,000.  In total, the university owes Koenning $1,375,000. If the investigation reveals that Koenning's offenses were not extreme, he should be paid in full.  From the accusations revealed on social media by Kerry Martin, Jr., Koenning's actions don't necessarily warrant him to be fired, but him remaining employed will only hurt the football program moving forward.  With this known, Koenning should absolutely demand to not take a penny less than the $1,375,000 that he's owed on his contract. West Virginia University, pay Vic Koenning what he's owed, move on and let's put this disastrous situation behind us.

Moments ago, Nijel "CrimeDogg" Mcgriff, a 6'3 280 pound defensive end from Northwest Mississippi Community College, made his commitment to play for the West Virginia Mountaineers. Mcgriff, a three star originally from Jacksonville, Florida, chose the Mountaineers over offers from Florida State and Ole Miss.  Welcome Home! https://twitter.com/McgriffNijel/status/1282859631195365382?s=20

Pittsburgh, PA - According to Pitt officials, there will be only 25% of the stadium’s capacity allowed at one time.  The measure, which is designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, will be enacted for the upcoming season. Shockingly, Pitt officials expect the safety measure to actually increase the average attendance at home games in Pittsburgh. According to Heather Lyke, Director of Athletics at Pitt, “Our tremendous fans have been practicing social-distancing for several decades in preparation for a pandemic like the one we’re currently going through.  Rest assured, the University of Pittsburgh is the most prepared and ready fanbase in the entire country to spread out and socially-distance responsibly during upcoming athletic events.” Pitt doesn’t do a lot well, but you can’t question their fervor and enthusiasm towards preventing the spread of infectious diseases.  Outstanding work, Panthers!

Morgantown, West Virginia - When Liberty defensive back transfer Kei'Trel Clark chose Louisville over West Virginia recently, it was shocking.  Clark all but committed to the Mountaineers a few days earlier, posting, "Almost like heaven" on his social media accounts.  West Virginia Head Coach Neal Brown "liked" the post and Mountaineer wide receiver Ali Jennings, a close friend of his, posted "Let's Go" after that.  Clark's commitment to the Mountaineers seemed inevitable, but it never happened. https://twitter.com/_treclark/status/1279197390667419653?s=20 Clark entered the transfer portal and left Liberty over what was later described as "racial insensitivity" at the university.  In his announcement that he was leaving Liberty, Clark said the following: "However due to the cultural incompetent within multiple levels of leadership, it does not line up with my code of ethics. So therefore I had to do what I felt like was right in my heart and I pray that you support me and pray for me as I find a new home to further my education and football career." Clark, a talented former 3 star cornerback from Midlothian, Virginia, naturally wanted to go somewhere he felt welcomed.  West Virginia University - in the middle of a race scandal - does not fit that profile right now for young, black student-athletes who are considering joining the Mountaineers. If a black recruit is torn between West Virginia University and another university that does not have a coach on staff that has been accused by players of being insensitive, which do you think players will choose? This was certainly the case with Kei'Trel Clark.  Without the Vic Koenning situation, there is a very good chance that he would now be a Mountaineer.  However, his potential position coach at West Virginia is Vic Koenning, and Koenning's future is still undecided.  Although it's difficult to lose recruits to other schools, his decision to go to Louisville makes sense for him. West Virginia University - now 20 days into their investigation - needs to resolve this situation and they need to resolve it now before they lose more recruits. In addition, West Virginia's top commitment for the upcoming season, David Vincent-Okoli, a four star cornerback from Gaithersburg, Maryland, posted on social media that he "was unsure that he made the right decision" and questioned whether "he was pressured to make this choice."  Granted, Vincent-Okoli could have been talking about anything...maybe he is simply a homesick freshman, but you have to wonder if this has anything to do with Koenning, his position coach, and the uncertainty of the situation. The investigation has taken far too long.  This is not something that needs to take longer than a week and the absurdity of it lasting nearly a month is frightening.  West Virginia University, Shane Lyons, Neal Brown, get this resolved before we lose more players.

Morgantown, West Virginia - Kerry Martin dropped his accusations against defensive coordinator on social media on June 23rd.  That's 15 days ago. While West Virginia University is certainly entitled to do their due diligence to determine next steps when it comes to Koenning's position with the team, what message is this sending to the team, the players and the fans? Either Koenning acted out of line and should be dismissed as the defensive coordinator of the team, or his actions were appropriate and we should all move forward. This is the perfect opportunity for Neal Brown to stand up for his players and against any kind of discrimination within his football program.  Even if Koenning isn't guilty of any terribly egregious, overcoming the stigma surrounding a racial issue without major change is almost impossible. Brown and Koenning have known each other for some time now and have undoubtedly formed a friendship or bond outside of football, but if Brown wants to move on from this negative stain on his program, he should make the difficult decision of recommending that his defensive coordinator be fired. This, of course, is not an easy decision for Neal Brown, who is clearly a loyal and devoted person, but it's ultimately what must be done to move forward.  The idea of Koenning returning and everything being hunky dory and copacetic among the players is unrealistic.  Martin is not the only player involved in this; many other players on the team have either openly supported him or showed support by liking his comments on social media. It's very possible that Brown is playing the waiting game, hoping that the independent investigation that West Virginia University has conducted comes back saying that Vic Koenning should be dismissed.  This would be the easiest, best solution for Brown. However, if Neal Brown wants to show his players that he truly has their best interest at heart and that he fully supports them, he should make a statement saying that he stands behind them.  You can't have it both ways.  You can't support the players while also defending the actions of the accused person. In fact, Brown should have already done this.  This wishy-washy stuff about an independent investigation and support for both sides sends the wrong message for the current players, the culture of the program, and future recruits.

Morgantown, West Virginia Over the past two weeks, it's become abundantly clear that change is necessary in college sports.  Coaches need to be more sensitive about what they say and do, players need to given a voice and feel empowered to express themselves if they feel discriminated against. Following Kerry Martin's accusations against defensive coordinator Vic Koenning, redshirt senior wide receiver TJ Simmons spoke out about the fans' reaction to Martin.  In his message on Twitter, Simmons said the following: "It's obvious that some of these "fans" only care about you when you are making plays on Saturdays.  Keep the fake love!" https://twitter.com/a_scouts_dream/status/1275591937664397313?s=20 Simmons' response came after West Virginia fans referred to his teammate Kerry Martin, Jr. as a "crybaby", a "problem", and numerous other names too offensive to repeat here. It's disgraceful and embarrassing to be associated with a group of fans that can so quickly turn on one of its own. A large portion of West Virginia fans are stuck in the past, unfortunately.  Players don't just put their heads down and suck it up like they did in the past.  They have social media, they want their voices to be heard, and there's nothing wrong with that. To be clear, Martin's decision to speak out was bold and it was brave, and Simmons' response to the fans couldn't have been more accurate. As proud Mountaineers, it's our responsibility to treat these outstanding young men and women that represent our state and university well off the field as well as on it.  We must extend our enthusiasm for what they accomplish on the field to what they do in their own personal lives.  West Virginia Mountaineers are Mountaineers for life, not just when we agree with them and certainly not only when they are participating in sports.

Morgantown, West Virginia - Neal Brown and Vic Koenning are not only colleagues, they are very close personal friends.  Both coaches bounced around quite a bit as assistants before ending up at Troy, where Brown - in his first stint as a head coach - hired Koenning to be his defensive coordinator. While at Troy, Koenning and Brown meshed really well on and off the field.  After their initial year at Troy in 2015, Koenning's defense was spectacular.  In 2016, Troy's defense was 22nd in the nation in scoring (22.1 points per game), 13th in yards per carry (3.38 yards) and 4th in overall takeaways.  In 2017, it only got better for Troy's defense under Koenning - 11th nationally in scoring (18.5 points per game), 3rd in rushing yards per carry (2.87) and 16th in the country in takeaways.  In 2018, the duos final year at Troy before leaving for West Virginia, the defense stayed consistently great, giving up only 22 points per game (28th in the country), 3.29 yards per carry (11th) and 3rd in the nation with 31 takeaways. Koenning runs a base 3-3 front with an 11th player either being a fourth linebacker, second end rusher or fifth defensive back based on the situation, and it has proven to be successful at all of his stops as a defensive coordinator.  Although the Mountaineers finished with the 74th ranked defense nationally in Koenning's first year with the team, the defensive line is loaded with talent and there's incredible potential for the upcoming season to be significantly improved. With this said, the sticky situation that Neal Brown and his longtime friend and defensive coordinator find themselves in is going to be very difficult to navigate.  Brown knows that Koenning will bring a successful defense to the Mountaineers and he also trusts him.  Both would love for the Kerry Martin accusations to simply go away (or not have happened at all), but that is not the case. Upon learning about the social media posts from Kerry Martin, Brown likely picked up the phone and immediately called Koenning.  Below is hypothetically, very likely, how the conversation went. Brown: Vic, are you doing all right?  I'm totally caught off guard and stunned here. Koenning: Yeah, I'll reach out to Kerry to try to figure out what's going on.  I'm as shocked as you are.  I've had some talks with the team about the protests and what's going on in the world, but I never thought I crossed a line or said anything out of bounds. Brown: I know you are a good man and we'll get this figured out.  I spoke with Shane (Lyons, athletic director) and we're going to put you on administrative leave while we do an investigation and get this all figured out. Koenning: If there's anything you need from me, let me know.  I've really tried hard to do right by these kids and I feel awful that this is happening. Brown: I know.  We will reach out to the players and be in touch with you.  It's important that we're sensitive to the needs of the players during this time. And with that, the short, awkward, unfortunate conversation between two friends at a very difficult time was over.  The decision whether Koenning will remain employed or fired in the hands of an independent investigation by West Virginia University. This has to be an extremely tough time for Koenning, but also Neal Brown, who has built his culture at West Virginia on the foundation of trust, respect for players and family.  Not only does this put a crack on an otherwise pristine facade of the West Virginia football program, he could also lose a very close friend and someone he truly trusts in the process.

Morgantown, West Virginia - West Virginia Athletic Director Shane Lyons has been mentioned as a potential replacement for ACC Commissioner John Swofford, who will retire after 24 years on the job. Whoever replaces Swofford will have big shoes to fill.  He's the longest-tenured commissioner in conference history and has accomplished a lot during his time as the head of the Atlantic Coast Conference. According to the Winston-Salem Journal, Shane Lyons could be one of the favorites to replace Swofford.  In the article titled "Who will replace Swofford?  Here are some names to watch", Lyons is one of the first and most prominent names mentioned.  "Another Swofford hire, Lyons worked at the ACC from 2001 to 2011 as Associate Commissioner for Governance and Compliance.  He's been the Athletic Director at West Virginia University since 2015, and spent the previous four years as Alabama's Deputy Athletic Director.  Lyons also chairs the NCAA Division I football oversight committee." Lyons is accomplished, has a history with the ACC, and was hired by the John Swofford, the current Commissioner and someone the conference will undoubtedly lean on for guidance in selecting the new Commissioner. Even if Lyons isn't interested or ultimately doesn't get selected, he is a hot commodity in the world of football, and it's unrealistic to think that he'll be at West Virginia University for the rest of his career. With that said, whether it's this year or in a few years, West Virginia will likely be searching for a new Athletic Director to replace Lyons.  While there are many outstanding Athletic Directors around the country that would be interested in taking over as the Athletic Director at WVU, none are more accomplished or experienced than former West Virginia Athletic Director Oliver Luck. Luck, a three-year starter at quarterback for the Mountaineers from 1978-1981, was the Athletic Director at WVU from 2010-2014.  Although he missed badly with his handling of the Bill Stewart retirement and subsequent hiring of Dana Holgorsen, Luck has the experience and connections to make him a really, really solid re-hire if Lyons moves on. During his four years in Morgantown, Luck made sweeping and important changes for the West Virginia Athletics Department.  West Virginia's move from the Big East to the Big 12 was perhaps his shining moment, a move that may not have happened without him.  In addition, he hired Randy Mazey as the Head Coach of the West Virginia baseball team, was responsible for the funding of the beautiful Monongalia County Ballpark (home of the Mountaineer baseball team), signed a multi-media rights deal with IMG for $86 million over 12 years, and instituted beer sales at the football stadium. Although controversial at times, Luck proved that he was not afraid to make big moves.  His connections and experience in college football would be huge for the Mountaineers.  Not only was he the Athletic Director for West Virginia University, he was also the NFL Europe President and the General Manager of the Houston Dynamo (a Major League Soccer team) prior to his stint in Morgantown, he was also the Executive Vice president for Regulatory Affairs for the NCAA and the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the now-defunct XFL. Luck, one of the most connected and experienced people in football, is now looking for employment.  If Lyons leaves for the ACC, West Virginia would be crazy not to approach Oliver Luck for a return to the Mountain State.

Morgantown, West Virginia Traditional, drop-back quarterbacks are a thing of the past in college football and it's a real shame that Trey Lowe, former dual threat quarterback for the Mountaineers, was never given a real opportunity. Trey Lowe was never been given a chance to shine in his young college football career, but he had all of the tools to be West Virginia’s next great quarterback and Neal Brown's offense was built for a player like him.  This has nothing to do with his race or the fact that West Virginia football’s greatest moments happened when the Mountaineers were led by black quarterbacks (Major Harris and Pat White), Trey Lowe is a dual threat quarterback. In college football, it’s almost become a necessity to have a quarterback that can both throw and run to be successful.  Most defensive schemes in college football are blitz heavy and this leads to the quarterback leaving the pocket often to evade increasingly fast defenders. Not only does a dual threat quarterback give an offense the ability to escape defenders, they also create an additional threat that traditional pro style quarterbacks do not.  This flexibility is particularly important for a team that struggles to block effectively like the Mountaineers did throughout last season.  A dual-threat quarterback gives an offense the opportunity to make something out of nothing. Back in 2008, Brown, who was only 27 years old at the time, was promoted to offensive coordinator at Troy,and he ran his then-signature offense called "NASCAR SPREAD."  His second year as an offensive coordinator, his team was 3rd in the nation, averaging 485.7 yard per game. Brown perfected this offense under Tommy Tuberville at Texas Tech.  In order to be run at its maximum effectiveness, Brown needed speed at every position - including the quarterback position - and there was a focus on players running to the line immediately after the play and quickly snapping the ball 8 seconds after the previous play and before the defense was ready.  This 2010 version of the "NASCAR SPREAD" was ranked 15th in the country in total offense, 6th in passing and 72nd in rushing. Why West Virginia's offense struggled in Brown's first season in Morgantown is pretty obvious.  He didn't play a quarterback with the physical abilities to run his offense.  Austin Kendall is a fine college quarterback, but he lacks the necessary speed.  Brown's loyalty to Austin Kendall last season was commendable, but Lowe was the perfect player to run the offense that he's had tremendous success with in the past. Jarret Doege isn't the prototypical quarterback to run Brown's offense, but he has the ability to get out of the pocket and make plays, and his experience as the leader of the team is invaluable.  Two years from now, when dual-threat freshman quarterback Garrett Greene takes over, we'll see the real "NASCAR SPREAD" and this is when the Mountaineers' offense will really take off.

Moments ago, several "Let's Go" tweets fired off on Twitter and that of course signaled that the Mountaineers landed another recruit.  This morning, West Virginia earned a commitment from Edward Vesterien, a strong-side defensive end from Finland. The 6'4, 240 pound Vesterien also held offers from Massachusetts and Coastal Carolina. https://twitter.com/vesEdward/status/1277605422921326594?s=20 Welcome Home, Edward! https://twitter.com/NealBrown_WVU/status/1277614102886715393?s=20  

Morgantown, West Virginia - Since arriving at West Virginia University, Neal Brown has done and said everything perfectly.  While previous head coaches were less concerned with their personal images, Brown has gone out of his way to represent the university and state in a way that would make the people of West Virginia proud. Although the Mountaineers struggled in Brown's initial season, finishing 5-7 overall and 3-6 in the Big 12 Conference, there was tremendous growth during the season and, more importantly, Brown did it the right way. In addition to growth on the field, Brown's top focus since arriving in Morgantown was building a culture within the program that put players first and put a priority on family, camaraderie and togetherness for his team. That's what makes this latest development surrounding sophomore safety Kerry Martin, Jr. and defensive coordinator Vic Koenning particularly devastating for Brown; it completely shatters the image that Brown has so carefully cultivated.  While we all assumed that the West Virginia players were happy and content in Brown's bubble, it appears that that is simply not the case. Brown's statement said it all: "I come to you tonight sick about today’s events. Earlier today, Kerry Martin expressed his voice and he had every right to do so. I first learned about Kerry’s stated concerns via Twitter. I care deeply about everyone involved and have waited to speak publicly so that I could first speak with Kerry, Vic, the team, and our administration. After speaking with Kerry, I took immediate action. Along with Shane and his team, we launched an independent investigation. I spoke with all parties involved, the defense as a unit and the team as a whole. I again emphasized to our team that our program culture will be one of acceptance, respect, tolerance, and positive relationships. I stressed to our team and staff that we will be open and transparent throughout the University process." Acceptance, respect, tolerance, positive relationships - all pillars of Neal Brown's culture - suddenly came crumbling down.  Brown will now have to show us a different side of him, one in which he proves that he can handle adversity and controversy.  Real leaders handle misfortune and hardships with class, dignity and resolve, and there's no question that Neal Brown is up for the challenge of repairing a truly unfortunate situation for West Virginia University.