| The Troy Trojans won their second consecutive | | | | boys up front. |
| conference title last year behind the strong play | | | | Defensively, Troy allowed nearly 30 points/game |
| of departed quarterback Levi Brown. They were | | | | but still managed to win nine of their thirteen |
| defeated in their bowl game once again in | | | | games. Defending the pass was a major issue, |
| overtime to end their season on a disappointing | | | | giving up 287 yards/game and opponents |
| note. The Trojans return only nine starters from | | | | connected on close to 62% of their attempts. |
| that squad and lost offensive coordinator Neal | | | | Corner Bryan Willis did his part last year as a true |
| Brown to Texas Tech. Middle Tennessee State is | | | | freshman. He had 73 tackles, 12 pass break-ups |
| the preseason favorite to win the conference, but | | | | and four interceptions that was good enough to |
| don't be shocked if Troy rebuilds quickly and | | | | earn a 2nd team all-conference selection. Both |
| makes a strong challenge. | | | | starting safeties from 2009 graduated but Willard |
| Troy moved the ball with ease in 2009, averaging | | | | Ross and Barry Valcin will move in as starters |
| an astonishing 337 yards/game through the air | | | | after seeing a considerable amount of action in |
| and another 149 on the ground. Those numbers | | | | the two deep. The defensive line is going to look |
| are expected to drop off with the loss of Brown | | | | completely different with no returning starters. |
| at quarterback. Six starters do return on offense | | | | They added a couple players from the juco ranks |
| though and the majority of skills players are back. | | | | and are relying on Miami transfer Antonio Harper |
| WR Jerrel Jernigan was a 1st team all conference | | | | to become the main pass rusher off the edge. He |
| performer as a junior leading the team in | | | | recorded three sacks in Troy's spring game. The |
| receptions, yards and finishing third on the team in | | | | linebackers are a veteran group, but lost the #1 |
| rushing. Troy loves to find different ways to get | | | | and #2 tacklers that were all-conference |
| Jernigan the ball as he is extremely good in space. | | | | selections. Bear Woods and Boris Lee combined |
| QB Jamie Hampton will likely get the nod to be | | | | for 28 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and |
| the starting quarterback this season. The mobile | | | | 270 total tackles. Their special teams unit should |
| signal caller has had issues with injuries throughout | | | | be solid with K Michael Taylor returning after |
| his career, but when healthy is very gifted. | | | | connecting on 11-14 field goals last season. Jerrel |
| Tebiarus Gill is another talented wide receiver that | | | | Jernigan will handle the kickoff return duties and |
| had a team high six touchdown receptions. The | | | | could return punts also. |
| Trojans have depth at running back, utilizing two | | | | Troy has never backed down from accepting an |
| players to carry the load in 09'. Shawn Southward | | | | invitation from power conference teams to play |
| rushed for 602 yards and a team high 12 | | | | during the non-conference schedule. They faced |
| touchdowns, while DuJuan Harris added 583 yards | | | | Florida last year and add Oklahoma State and |
| and another 10 scores. Their workload could | | | | South Carolina to the mix in 2010. Their season |
| increase with the addition of a run first | | | | will begin on Sept. 4th with a rematch vs. Bowling |
| quarterback and both should come close to | | | | Green (lost 31-14 last year). The Sun Belt |
| gaining 1000 yards if healthy. The offensive line | | | | schedule looks manageable, but they do have to |
| returns three starters and is led by 346 pound LT | | | | play Middle Tennessee State on the road. This |
| James Brown. They should do much more running | | | | might be a rebuilding year for the Trojans, but I |
| block this season which usually pleases the big | | | | still think they reach the 7 win mark. |
