WSAZ Mobile - Sports

WSAZ Mobile >> WSAZ Mobile - Sports

Send Cato Leads Herd at Spring Practice

All fields are required

Back to Home

Cato Leads Herd at Spring Practice

Posted: 7:45 PM Mar 27, 2012
Reporter: The Associated Press

Marshall Spring Practice

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The first day of spring practice at Edwards Stadium was reminiscent of sandlot football complete with Rakeem Cato taking on the role of 'all-time quarterback.'

"It's good for me I get all the reps and get to see all the extra defenses and see the same thing over and over again and become a better quarterback," Cato said.

Marshall's rising sophomore signal caller was the only quarterback capable of throwing on the first day of Spring practice. Freshman Blake Frohnapfel is recovering from shoulder surgery. To spell Cato from wearing down during practice, the team turned to a former Herd quarterback. Co-offensive coordinator Tony Petersen played for Marshall for two seasons from 1986-1987 and had to take a few reps Tuesday.

"He's alright," Cato joked. "He's got a little more improvement, but he's alright."

"I think Tony Petersen looked better than Cato at times today, I don't know if that is good or bad." Marshall Head Coach Doc Holliday said after practice. "But Tony threw the ball well, but Cato will be alright and Blake will be alright."

Cato started nine games for the Thundering Herd in 2011 and thew for 2,059 yards and 15 touchdowns. Cato's teammates admitted Coach Petersen could still spread the ball around the field, but if they had the choice, they would stick with Cato under center for the Herd.

"I have to go with Cato," Aaron Dobson said. "Coach 'P' can trhow it, no doubt he can trow it, but i have to go with my QB right now."

"I'm going to go with Cato, yeah Cato," Frohnapfel said. "Don't tell Coach Petersen I said that though."

Holliday said Frohnapfel, the projected backup to Cato, will begin to throw with trainers three days a week.