HN counts down the 20 most important players.
marshall.rivals.com
Starting our yearly countdown of Marshall's 20 most important players for the 2021 season.
Voting Criteria: Player's importance to the team in 2021, overall talent, and future potential for the upcoming season. A player's long-term/NFL prospects were not taken into consideration.
Voting Panel: Publisher Chris McLaughlin, and Herdnation.com staffers Sean Hammond, Aaron Perkins and Aaron Coleman.
20. Alex Salguero, C, Sr.
Salguero got a chance to start last year after Levi Brown graduated and took full advantage if his opportunity. The Florida native started every game for Marshall and was extremely solid up front. With the losses of Cain Madden and Josh Ball, Salguero will be very important to the team's success on offense in 2021.
19. Shane Simmons, DE, Sr.
Simmons was heavily recruited out of high school and signed with Penn State, where he appeared in 40 games over the past four seasons. A foot injury has kept him from reaching his potential but with the early departure of Darius Hodge, Marshall has a need for pass rusher on the edge and Simmons certainly fits the bill.
18. Will Ulmer, OT, Sr.
It feels like Will Ulmer has been a part of the Marshall program for a batter part of a decade. In reality, Ulmer's 2021 campaign with MU will be his sixth in Huntington. If he stays healthy Ulmer will leave Marshall making more than 50 starts along the offensive line. Like Salguero, his experience and steadying influence upfront will be extremely important if Marshall is to be successful this year.
17. The Kicker Position.
Shane Ciucci returns but he was far from stellar in 2020. The Fresno State transfer was accurate inside 40 yards (6-7) but was only 1-3 on kicks longer than 40 yards; with a long of just 43. Louisiana-Monroe transfer Jared Porter figures to give Ciucci a run for his money.
16. Willie Johnson, WR, Sr.
Speaking of players who have been around for a long time; hello Mr. Willie Johnson. It feels like ages ago that Johnson made his debut in kelly green and white. Like Ulmer, that debut was actually six years ago. Johnson has always been something of an enigma; flashing brilliance at times yet almost completely disappearing for long stretches at others.
