Herd#039;s Snyder makes first offer to Lewis

Published 12:00 am Sunday, May 29, 2005

Mark Snyder returned home for his first head coaching job. He also returned home for his first recruiting offer.

Snyder, the new Marshall Thundering Herd head football coach, was an All-Ohio quarterback and safety for Ironton, guiding the team to the Division III state runner-up in 1982.

As Marshall's head coach, Snyder made his first scholarship offer Friday morning by offering Ironton junior running back Darius Lewis a chance to play for the Thundering Herd.

Lewis said it was an honor to be the first player offered a scholarship.

"It's great. It's sweet. He's from here and to be his first recruit from his hometown is pretty exciting," Lewis said.

Getting an early offer also lifts some of the pressure Lewis would face after the season trying to sort through other offers. It also eliminates being left with no offers in the event he suffers an injury.

"It means a lot. I can go into next season and not worry about getting injured. I know I've got a scholarship," Lewis said.

Accepting a verbal offer does not bound Lewis to Marshall. Lewis is still allowed to entertain other offers and sign with another school.

"I haven't had any other offers, so I'm not sure what I'll do. If (Snyder) does give me the right offer, I'll tell him yes," Lewis said.

However, Lewis said Marshall has always been high on his list of schools.

"I like it. I've been up there for a couple of games. It's a nice campus and the people are really nice," Lewis said. "They're getting a

new weight room, new turf, and they're going into a new conference (C-USA) so they will be playing some good teams."

Lewis was the Southeast Ohio Division IV district Offensive Player of the Year last fall as a junior. He was named to the AP All-Ohio first team.

Lewis rushed for 1,302 yards on 165 carries, averaged 7.9 yards per carry and scored 16 touchdowns plus 10 conversion points.

He also caught four passes for 83 yards and a touchdown.

"Darius is a heck of a running back. He's got good speed and great strength. He punishes the defense. He can play at that level," Ironton coach Bob Lutz said.

Although Lewis plays halfback at Ironton, the 5-foot-10, 220-pound is expected to combine his speed, quickness, size and powerful running to be a fullback in the Marshall offense.

NCAA rules do not permit Snyder to comment on prospective recruits.