Marshall will open its spring football drills today with a two-hour session starting at 4 p.m. at Maverick Field.

Head coach Thedrick Harris said the Mavericks will take the entire 30-day allotment allowed by the UIL to get in their 18 practices.

The time will include some off-days during which coaches will break down film with the players and teach them in a class room setting.

"With the numbers we have this year, every position will be competitive," said Harris, who will be conducting his second spring as head coach. "Where we're going to have a lot of competition will be in the offensive and defensive lines because of the amount of kids we have coming back."

Marshall will return four of its five starting offensive linemen from last season's 7-5 area playoff team, including District 12-4A's Offensive Lineman of the Year, Matt Sheppard. Blake Ford, who signed with Trinity Valley Community College in February, will be the lone Maverick trench man leaving.

Marshall also returns the bulk of its defensive front, including Eric McCowen and Leonard Leutele, among others.

As far as skill positions are concerned, the Mavs will return the majority of their weapons, including reigning 12-4A Offensive MVP Darius Jones and senior-to-be wide receiver Dameon Smith.

Both Jones and Smith have been receiving a lot of attention this spring, as each already boasts several offers from Division I schools.

Harris said junior-to-be Brandon Fitzgerald and sophomores-to-be Chandler Hancock and Bryce French will also receive snaps at quarterback.

The biggest hole left to fill will be the vacancy of departing running back Andrew Clough, who posted two straight 1,000-plus yard seasons on the ground.

Harris said J.C. Haigwood and Demien Timmins will be among the players that will get carries at the running back spot.

K.D. Johnson, Marshall's second-leading rusher last year, will also be coming back but will be nursing a knee injury during spring drills.

Johnson began last season on the team but did not finish the year after quitting.

"There is going to be a lot of bodies that are going to be practicing," Harris said. "We want to give them all an even shot and see where we need them."

The Mavs will hold practice Wednesday and Thursday of this week from 4 to 6 p.m. as well.