HUNTINGTON - Like most true freshmen, Omar Brown was more than a bit intimidated when he stepped onto Marshall University's football field for the first time.

That occurred April 1, when the Thundering Herd began spring drills with the first of 15 practice sessions.

"It's a big difference from high school," Brown said.

The quiet and modest Brown no longer is overwhelmed when he jogs out of the Shewey Athletics Building into Edwards Stadium.

In fact, the 5-foot-10, 181-pound safety is making a name in the secondary.

"Coming into the spring, I wasn't really expecting a whole lot out of him knowing I have four or five guys who aren't afraid to play in there," Marshall safeties coach Shannon Morrison said.

"He's working his way into the mix.

"I gave him a chance to see what he can do. I threw the youngster in there and the youngster has proven he can play. But he still has a long way to go."

Brown has played both safety positions (free and strong) during spring drills, which will conclude Saturday afternoon with the annual Green-White game at 3 p.m.

"I'm learning slowly," Brown said, "but I'm learning surely."

Brown works with the second unit when Marshall uses traditional formations, but he jumps to the first string when the Thundering Herd employs additional defensive backs.

Morrison said Brown's playing time is a result of his skills, not the Thundering Herd's injuries.

Safeties John Saunders (thumb) and C.J. Spillman (shoulder) are out, thanks to mid-spring setbacks.

"He has earned his reps," Morrison said.

Marshall Coach Mark Snyder has given Brown a vote of confidence.

"He's going to be a good player some day," Snyder said. "I like (him) as a youngster. I'm excited about him."

Brown is a grayshirt, which means he signed with the Thundering Herd in February 2007 but delayed his enrollment until January 2008.

Brown was an All-State cornerback at Berkeley High School in Moncks Corner, S.C. Nicknamed "The Head-Hunter," he recorded 100 tackles, 25 pass breakups and 11 interceptions in his senior season.

Brown was lightly recruited despite those impressive totals.

So, Brown and one of his high school coaches hopped in a car and visited schools throughout Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and West Virginia in search of an opportunity.

Their four-state road trip generated scholarship offers from Kentucky, Marshall and Murray State.

Brown, of course, picked Marshall - and Thundering Herd coaches are glad he did.

"He's a great addition whether it be next year or down the road," Morrison said. "He has made real good strides. He has been a surprise the way he has picked up the stuff we are supposed to do.

"Physically, we knew he had something, although he's a little bit underweight to play safety at only 180 pounds. He will be going against running backs like Terrell Edwards and Chubb Small. That will wear on him."

Brown is a natural at his position, Morrison said.

"He has a great feel in the back end as far as feeling where he is supposed to be and what he is supposed to do," Morrison said.

"Even sometimes when he has no idea where he is supposed to be, he ends up being in the right place because of his athleticism and because he has the actual feel of being a football player.

"You don't have a lot of guys like that."

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FANS MAY buy 2008 Herd season tickets Saturday before the Green-White game from noon until 3 p.m.

Marshall officials said it is the general public's first opportunity to buy season tickets. To date, only 2007 season ticket holders have been able to renew seats or buy additional seats.

Prices range from $88 to $579. Call 1-800-THE-HERD or go online to herdzone.com for more information.

Game admission is $5. Proceeds from Saturday's game will go to the Marshall University Quarterback Club, which supports the football program.