Being Bryan Leftwich
Marshall quarterback no stranger to pressure

by MARK FARRELL
reporter

Marshall quarterback Byron Leftwich is no stranger to dealing with pressure.

When the Herd opens its season at Florida in front of an expected crowd of more than 80,000, pressure is one thing that Leftwich will have to contend with.

"I'm just going to be myself and take chances when I can. I'm not going to change myself just because its Florida," Leftwich said.

Despite following in the nearly legendary shoes of Chad Pennington last year, Marshall fans found out that when Leftwich just tries to be himself, good things happen.

He led the Mid-American Conference last year in every passing category, though he says those numbers are not important.

"My goal is to lead the team to a victory. If I would throw ten interceptions and we won 2-0, I would be happy."

This unselfish attitude may reflect what Leftwich learned his first season while playing behind Pennington.

"Chad taught me everything he could. So I see it as my duty to help (other teammates) as much as you can," Leftwich said.

When asked about Leftwich's role on this years team, Marshall Coach Bob Pruett responded simply, "He's the man."

Apparently Coach Pruett is not the only one who feels this way. Heisman talk has already begun to surround Leftwich.

There is even a web site in the works, www.LeftwichQB.com, that will contain video highlights and statistics of the Herd signal caller.

Leftwich seems more concerned with this weeks game plan than he does with the Heisman hype.

"Pre-season talk means nothing," Leftwich said.

One pre-season statistic that has not escaped the eyes of Leftwich or the Herd is the number one ranking of their opponent this Saturday.

Clearly a win over a team the caliber of Florida would mean a great deal.

"If you beat the number one team in the country, you can beat anyone. (A win) Gives Marshall respect and the MAC respect," Leftwich said.

Leftwich first experienced the pressure of playing in a big game atmosphere last year when the Herd played at Michigan State.

Though the Herd lost that game, the experience of playing in front of such a huge crowd could pay against Florida.

"We have played before 80,000 people before," Leftwich said. "If we execute our offense and defense, I like our chances."