Local Star Jackson, Former Cal RB Williams-Thomas Headline Newest Additions to Marshall Football
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Football head coach Tony Gibson announced the addition of five new players to the 2025 Thundering Herd roster on Tuesday, bringing reinforcements across multiple skill positions.
The incoming group features two defensive backs, a running back, a wide receiver, and a kicker—adding experience and depth to key areas.
Among the notable signees is former Huntington High standout Zah Jackson, who returns home to play for the Herd after a stint at West Virginia University. Also joining the backfield is Justin Williams-Thomas, a transfer from Cal and former four-star recruit.
Here’s a breakdown of the new signees:
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Zah Jackson – DB | 5-10, 185 | Huntington, W.Va. | WVU
A hometown product, Jackson played this past spring at WVU and was a decorated two-way player at Huntington High. He helped lead the Highlanders to a state title in 2022, was a two-time All-State First Team selection, and won the Carl Lee Award as the top defensive back in West Virginia. Jackson held offers from multiple Power 5 programs, including NC State and Mississippi State. -
Sammy Etienne – DB | 5-11, 185 | Winter Haven, Fla. | WVU
Etienne, who also spent the spring with WVU, joins Jackson at Marshall. The former Lakeland High School standout recorded 59 tackles and an interception during the 2024 season. A three-star prospect, Etienne had offers from Power 4 schools like Washington, Oregon State, Kansas State, and Colorado. -
Justin Williams-Thomas – RB | 6-0, 215 | Dallas, Ga. | Cal
A transfer from Cal, Williams-Thomas brings power and depth to the running back group. The former four-star recruit began his college career at Tennessee and rushed for 128 yards over three seasons. Once ranked among the nation’s top 25 RB prospects, he held more than 30 offers out of high school, including Michigan, Auburn, USC, Ole Miss, and Pitt. -
De’Andre Tamarez – WR | 6-0, 174 | Overtown, Fla. | Western Carolina
Tamarez transfers in after a strong season at Western Carolina, where he posted 33 receptions for 576 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. He had a standout performance against Montana, catching eight passes for 229 yards and a score. He’s a product of Florida’s Carol City High School. -
Lorcan Quinn – K | 6-1, 190 | Donaghmore, Ireland | St. Patrick’s Academy
A top-rated kicker via Kohl’s Kicking Academy, Quinn impressed at IMG Academy with perfect field goal kicking—hitting from as far as 69 yards. Originally from Ireland, Quinn also has a background in Gaelic football.
All five players are expected to participate in summer workouts and fall camp as the Herd prepares for the 2025 season opener this August.
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