Per Mike Barber: Corey Marshall expected to stay with the Hokies

Since a few of you have asked, junior defensive end Corey Marshall is expected to practice with #Hokies this spring and play this fall.— Mike Barber (@RTD_MikeBarber) January 9, 2014

With Ken Ekanem and Dwayne Alford being a bit of an unknown quantity at stud defensive end (James Gayle's position, usually lined up over the right tackle, often to the tight end side), news that Marshall, who has experience at both defensive end spots, is a pleasant surprise. Traditionally, Bud Foster uses his best all around defensive end at the stud position to help take on the run at the point of attack (which is also the same reason that the stud end doesn't always produce the number of sacks that you would expect from your best pass rusher–often a tight end can be aligned to chip him). Marshall's bigger frame may be well utilized at the point of attack.

At the same time, both Marshall and Dadi have mostly played the defensive end position, lined up wide and angled over the left tackle. Dadi had moments where he struggled at the point of attack against the run, and can likely be more disruptive at the defensive end spot. However, Wiles has used him on that left side in passing situations when Gayle was gassed. It will be very interesting to see how both are used, where Alford and Ekanem fit in, and to see if Marshall has recovered the trust of the coaching staff this spring.