MarshallƵs Carl Chester (7) celebrates his touchdown with Braylon Braxton (1) against Stony Brook on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington.
MarshallƵs Carl Chester (7) celebrates his touchdown with Braylon Braxton (1) against Stony Brook on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington.
HUNTINGTON Ƶ For two key contributors on MarshallƵs offense, 2024 was a fresh start, and they couldnƵt be more thankful for it.
Wide receiver Carl Chester and quarterback Braylon Braxton each transferred to the Thundering Herd from Tulsa in the offseason with the goal of having a positive impact on the program they chose together.
ƵMe and him had a talk before we both committed to Marshall and said, letƵs do it the right way this time,Ƶ Chester said. ƵBuilding up chemistry on or off the field, throwing the ball, catches, routes, anything, you know, hanging with each other, watch a film together. So itƵs a big task, but IƵm loving it with him, heƵs loving it, and weƵre pushing each other along.Ƶ
Chester was the second-leading receiver for the Golden Hurricane last season with 401 yards and 22 catches but didnƵt consistently get in-game reps with Braxton, who played in just six games in 2023.
They are finally getting a chance to show their potential together in Huntington as Chester emerges as one of BraxtonƵs go-to targets.
ƵThe connection was already there with us, but him coming along and leading this team like he is now, itƵs a big leadership role he has and IƵm loving it,Ƶ Chester said. ƵSo me tagging along and helping my team out and us coming from ground zero and building up with new players is a fantastic thing.Ƶ
They are two of about 40 players in their first season at Marshall. Braxton has found Chester twice for touchdowns this season, once in the season opener against Stony Brook and then last week for a go-ahead score in the fourth quarter at Old Dominion.
It was ChesterƵs third touchdown of the year to go with 317 yards on 19 catches, and heƵs got the opportunity this week to become the fourth Herd receiver with at least 20 receptions in 2024.
Christian Fitzpatrick leads Marshall with 31, Chuck Montgomery has 25 and Elijah Metcalf, who has not played since the Sun Belt Conference opener against Appalachian State, has 20.
Ƶ Metcalf works back from a foot injury, Chester said heƵs still been a big part of helping lead the Herd during what has turned into a five-game win streak thanks to a highly productive receiving corps.
ƵEven though heƵs not playing, he comes to practice, he comes to the film room, he encourages us, gives us talks,Ƶ Chester said. ƵHim having that impact on us and communicating with us is leading us and keeping our head up when times get low.Ƶ
Marshall quarterbacks have thrown 24 touchdowns in 11 games this season, which is double their 13-game total from 2023. Chester is one of four players with at least three touchdowns, while Fitzpatrick and Toby Payne are tied for the team lead with five each.
ƵMy receivers coach, AD (Aaron Dobson), he preaches to us a lot about being confident, and when the opportunity comes, you have to run with it,Ƶ Chester said. ƵCoach (Charles) Huff always preaches to us too, like when the time comes to make you a big play, make sure you make it, make your big play.Ƶ
Marshall returns to action Saturday at 8 p.m. in the regular season finale against James Madison, which will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU. With a win, the Herd would represent the East Division in the Sun Belt championship game on Dec. 7.
Luke Creasy is a sports reporter for HD Media. He can be reached by phone at 304-526-2800.
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