Marshall Lands Three Major Recruits, Makes Big Splash To Open National Signing Day

It took Marshall less than one hour to make a splash in the 2016 National Signing Day after the announcement of 4-Star Linebacker Jaquan Yulee had signed with the Herd.  In June he was committed to Alabama, but now its Marshall and the 6-foot, 252-pound linebacker could provide an instant impact for the Herd. The massive linebacker pulled down his commitment to the Tide Jan. 7 stating, "I still love Bama just want to make sure I'm making the right choice."

Yulee was recruited by nearly 20 schools and chose Marshall over schools such as Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Michigan State and Florida State.  After losing Evan McKelvey and D.J. Hunter in the Herd's linebacker's room, Yulee arrives at the perfect time and is expected to compete for extended playing time in 2016.

Following Yulee's splash, tight end Pro Wells made his commitment official, bringing a nightmare of a matchup to defenses lined up opposite the 6-foot-5 athlete. The dual-sport athlete (basketball) uses his height advantage to stretch the field, providing a primary target for a jump ball situation in the end zone. Wells fell just shy of 1,000 yards receiving during his senior season and can work underneath and downfield with great skill at both.

Wells had offers from several schools including Iowa State, UCF, USF, South Carolina and WKU. Wells decommitted from Marshall early in January but quickly recommitted one week later.

An expected splash came late in the morning with 4-Star wide receiver Willie Johnson announcing his commitment to Marshall. Checking in at 6-foot, Johnson is a shifty and speedy receiver that looks a lot like Deandre Reaves. He lines up at any position on the field and had over 1,500 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in his high school career.

Johnson selected Marshall over offers by Tennessee, Miami and North Carolina. Johnson said his late decision was based off guidance from his coach, telling his players when they make a commitment; it needs to be the team they sign with.

More to follow on these three players as well as a full report and comments from Coach Holliday later today.