The Troy Trojans held their annual T-Day this past Saturday, and new players emerged as potential starters. To start, backup quarterbacks Sawyer Smith and Kaleb Barker stole the show behind center. Redshirt sophomore transfer running back Jamarius Henderson showed what he is made of and what fans can expect this season. Though a few starters sat out, the backups and newcomers showed their worth in Troy and gave fans a taste of good things to come. Head Coach Neal Brown was highly impressed by the play of his players after the game. The game ended tied at 19, but then a competition came along to decide the winner.
Following the game, Brown called all players to the south endzone and declared a three drill competition to decide the winning team. Between the Gray team and White team, it was an all out slug fest. With just under 10 seconds left, the White team scored a touchdown and needed a two-point conversion to tie the game. And they did just that. So, on comes the drill competition. Winning team gets steak dinners and losing team gets hot dogs. Sounds like a deal, right? Oh, it was for sure. The White team ended up winning 21-20 on a controversial play that just did get them the win.
Henderson did have a breakout game. He had a big 51-yard rush that electrified the crowd and showed everyone why he came to Troy. When he made the decision to leave Memphis and transfer to Troy, everyone involved with the Trojans knew they were getting a special player. Henderson finished the spring game with 84 rushing yards on eight attempts. Backup quarterback Barker had four rushing attempts and tallied 43 yards and one touchdown.
The story of the game was at the quarterback position. With starter Brandon Silvers out due to a hand injury, it was up to Smith and Barker to show their worth. Both young quarterbacks had a battle and Smith looked better overall. His passing efficiency was off the charts. Though Barker did throw one interception, he finished five of eight passing with 38 yards. Smith finished nine of 15 for 161 yards and no touchdowns. Missing Silvers was a big blow, but letting the young guys get their reps in showed that Troy has depth at quarterback for a few years.
Troy Trojans Spring Game Recap
Troy had a successful spring game all around. After losing four starting linebackers from last season, the Trojans had a hole to fill at the position and a few guys stepped up to show their emergence for next season. Baron Poole looked tremendous, as did numerous other Trojan players.
Running back Keith Johnson had a nine yard rush for a touchdown, and saw the field quite a bit during the spring game.
For the Trojans, all signs point to another great season. Troy does have tough games against Boise State and LSU in 2017. If last season is any indication for next season, the Trojans could possibly pull off two big upsets and receive national attention once again.
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