Troy notes: Lang looking for redemption

TROY — Brandon Lang didn’t get to help Troy try to make a second straight trip to the New Orleans Bowl last year.

The Trojan defensive end was on the sidelines as Troy fell 38-32 to Florida Atlantic, the ninth straight game he missed as a result of a torn ACL suffered against Oklahoma State in Week 3.

Which makes Saturday’s return game with the Cowboys in Stillwater that much more important.

Lang, a starter last year before the injury, will get his first start this year since fellow end Kenny Mainor went down with a season-ending knee injury last week.

“I want this game more than any game we play this year except for FAU because it’s the game I got hurt,” Lang said. “I want revenge.”

The injury cost Lang much of his sophomore season. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound former Georgia signee is working to get the speed and explosion back that he lost from the surgery.

Evidence that it’s there came last week, when coaches were pleased with the success of ends Lang, Mainor and Cameron Sheffield.

Lang sacked mobile Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor for a loss of 16 near the end of the first half, pushing the Buckeyes out of field goal range.

Lang remembers being cut blocked last year, but didn’t remember who the Cowboy lineman was that got the block.

“Not sure,” Lang said. “I think it’s a guard, but it doesn’t matter. Whoever’s in the way is just going to get it.”

Lang said his knee is back to 100 percent.

He almost returned late last year, but wasn’t cleared by trainers.

Troy knows OSU defense: Cowboys defensive coordinator Tim Beckman served as a graduate assistant at Auburn in 1988-89, working under Troy head coach Larry Blakeney, an assistant at AU at the time. Troy special teams coach Shayne Wasden played for Auburn at the time.

Jason Jones, OSU’s first-year defensive backs coach, coached that unit for Rice in the 2006 New Orleans Bowl, when Troy thumped the Owls 41-17.

McDowell to redshirt: Senior linebacker David McDowell is slated to redshirt this season in order to get the most use out of his eligibility.

McDowell plays the strong side (SAM) linebacker, but that player is out of the game when nickelback Terence Moore is in, which is nearly every snap. Moore is a senior this year and if McDowell is back next year, it could give Troy three senior starters at linebacker with Boris Lee and Bear Woods.

“He’s a great SAM, but there’s not many snaps for the SAM this year,” defensive coordinator Jeremy Rowell said.

Orlando defensive lineman commits to Troy: Troy picked up a commitment for the 2009 class when Orlando (Edgewater), Fla., defensive end Shermane Teart committed recently.

The 6-foot-2, 250-pound Teart plays defensive end right now, but could grow into an interior lineman.

“I felt like it was a very good place for me,” Teart said. “It seems like another Edgewater with the tradition. They’re based off their defense like it is here.”

Teart said he plans on making an official visit to Troy after his high school season is over. Georgia Tech, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Georgia Southern and Miami, among others, were showing interest.

He said he’s fully committed to Troy and not looking at other schools any more.

“I’m set on Troy,” Teart said. “I’m ready to get up there.”