As spring nears, the Troy Trojans spring football competitions will begin to heat up. Now that Brandon Silvers has graduated, a new leader will have to step up and take the leading role at quarterback. The competition will be stiff, as Neal Brown faces the task of naming a starter. Sophomores Sawyer Smith and Kaleb Barker will battle it out for the right to lead the Trojans to what could be another Sun Belt Championship. The two play-makers will have their hands full as they incorporate a new-look Trojan offense in 2018.
Troy Trojans Spring Football Outlook
Quarterback Battle
The annual T-Day Spring Game will be held on April 21. Both quarterbacks will be showcasing their abilities in front of the Trojan faithful that day. For Barker, the stakes couldn’t be higher. He appeared in a few games last season, and managed the game very well. When he was instilled into the scheme, Barker performed at a high level. Smith has yet to see a lot of action, but Trojan fans should be excited about what he can bring. Both quarterbacks will get their fair share of reps in practice leading up to the spring game. Silvers left a mark on the program that will last for ages. In recent seasons, Troy has done a phenomenal job with quarterbacks. Smith and Barker could be next to make that list.
Rushing Attack
Jamarius Henderson will likely be the starting running back in 2018. The redshirt-sophomore transfer from Memphis is seeking to take the reins from Jordan Chunn. Henderson will battle with B.J. Smith for a staring role. The tandem of tailbacks in Troy has become a position to watch within the last few years. Chunn started it and now Henderson and Smith look to continue the tradition.
Wide Receiver Outlook
One position that may already be set in stone is wide receiver. Returning starter Damion Willis can elevate his game in 2018 as he seeks another starting role. Willis started a few games in 2017, and proved that he belongs in the Cardinal and Black. Another name to watch at the position is Sam Letton. The junior will be fighting for a starting spot opposite of Willis on the offense.
Overall Offense
The Troy offense overall will be a special one this season. With new faces in familiar places, Brown and his staff should be excited for what is to come in September. The team may have lost a lot of talent, but Brown and staff recruited well and can keep the momentum going at every position.
Defense Outlook
Switching to defense, the Trojans spring football outlook will be an intriguing topic. Star cornerback Kam Melton has graduated. That opens up a hole at that position for a new star to emerge. Sun Belt star Marcus Jones does return, as he is only a sophomore. A threat in the secondary and on special teams, Jones can take the leadership role for the Troy defense this season. Junior Melvin Tyus also returns for the Trojans. On the defensive side, the Trojans are set with multiple starters coming back to lead the way.
Troy Trojans Spring Football will be an interesting watch as spring nears. The Trojans seek to repeat as Sun Belt Champions and earn another bowl berth. Coming off an 11-2 campaign last year, Brown has his team equipped and ready to work.
