Head coach Tony Gibson announced the addition of five new players to the Thundering Herd’s 2025 football roster. The group enhances depth across several skill positions, including two defensive backs, a running back, a wide receiver, and a kicker.
Among the new faces are Zah Jackson, a standout from Huntington High returning to his hometown program, and Justin Williams-Thomas, a running back transferring from Cal who brings added depth to the backfield.
Meet the New Herd Members
Zah Jackson, DB – 5’10”, 185 lbs, Huntington, W.Va. (via WVU)
Jackson transfers from West Virginia University after a decorated high school career at Huntington High, where he excelled on both sides of the ball under coach Billy Seals. A three-star recruit, he helped lead his team to a 2022 Class AAA state title and earned two All-State First Team selections. He also won the Carl Lee Award, given to West Virginia’s top defensive back. Jackson received multiple Power Five offers, including from NC State and Mississippi State.
Sammy Etienne, DB – 5’11”, 185 lbs, Winter Haven, Fla. (via WVU)
Etienne reunites with Jackson after also transferring from WVU. A product of Lakeland High School in Florida, he posted 59 tackles and one interception in 2024. Before attending Lakeland, he played at Auburndale High. He was a three-star recruit with offers from Power Four programs like Washington, Oregon State, Kansas State, and Colorado.
Justin Williams-Thomas, RB – 6’0″, 215 lbs, Dallas, Ga. (via Cal)
Williams-Thomas comes to Marshall from Cal, where he played for two seasons following his freshman year at Tennessee. Over three years, he logged 128 rushing yards on 32 carries. A four-star recruit from East Paulding High School, he was ranked as one of the top 25 running backs in the Class of 2022 and had over 30 major college offers, including from USC, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Michigan.
De’Andre Tamarez, WR – 6’0″, 174 lbs, Overtown, Fla. (via Western Carolina)
Tamarez transfers from Western Carolina, where he appeared in all 11 games in 2024, recording 33 receptions for 576 yards and six touchdowns. His breakout performance came against Montana, with 229 receiving yards and a touchdown on eight catches. He played high school football at Carol City, a renowned program in Florida.
Lorcan Quinn, K – 6’1″, 190 lbs, Donaghmore, Ireland (via St. Patrick’s Academy)
Quinn joins Marshall as the top-ranked kicker for 2025 according to Kohl’s Kicking Academy. At a camp held at IMG Academy, he made all eight of his field goal attempts, including successful kicks from 68 and 69 yards. Before switching to American football, he played Gaelic football for five years.
All five newcomers have signed with Marshall and are set to participate in summer training and preseason camp ahead of the 2025 season, which kicks off in August.
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