Trojans work in first scrimmage

TROY — The schedule is eye-popping and unique, and not just because the defending national champions and runners-up are on it.

Seven of Troy’s first nine games are on the road, and that includes a Tuesday and a Thursday game. The last three are at home, but that schedule of five Saturdays goes like this: game-bye-game-bye-game.

Forget the games at LSU, Ohio State and Oklahoma State, where the Cowboys are looking for revenge of last year’s 41-23 Troy win, though that line brought the most laughs at Saturday’s Troy media day.

“They might have a bonfire and burn some of T. Boone’s money to get ready for the game,” Troy head coach Larry Blakeney said, referring to billionaire T. Boone Pickens, who has donated more than $400 million to his alma mater Oklahoma State.

But forget those games because wins there won’t win the Sun Belt outright, which the Trojans are trying to do for the first time after co-championships the past two years.

The Aug. 28 opener at Middle Tennessee, a Thursday, and the Oct. 7 tilt at preseason favorite Florida Atlantic, a Tuesday, will tell the early tale.

“If we’re still in it, walking and drawing breath, then we’ve still got a chance with that unique home stand,” Blakeney said. “The two target games without a doubt at Middle Tennessee and FAU. We have to be at our dead level best to beat Middle Tennessee.

“The big challenge is taking where we are at the midpoint of the year and closing the deal wherever it is.”

Troy’s first Sun Belt home game isn’t until Oct. 18 against Florida International.

Scrimmage report: Troy’s first fall scrimmage was Saturday. Quarterback Jamie Hampton, who holds a firm grasp on the starting position, went 18-for-26 with 149 yards and a 16-yard touchdown pass to Fred Turner. Backup Levi Brown was 12-for-16 with 97 yards.

Maurice Greer led all rushers with 11 carries for 42 yards and two 1-yard touchdown runs. Chris Anderson scored on a short rushing touchdown early. Kennard Burton led all receivers with five catches for 37 yards.

Wideout Jerrel Jernigan, running back DuJuan Harris and linebacker Boris Lee saw limited action.

“It felt a little soft to me,” Blakeney said. “I like where we are, but I didn’t hear a whole lot of thunder and lightning today.”

Calvin moving up: Jorrick Calvin came to Troy as a reputation for a top-notch cover corner, but right now is third behind Trevor Ford and Chris Bowens.

However, he’s in line to be the Trojans’ punt returner, replacing Leodis McKelvin, who is now with the Buffalo Bills.

“He’s natural catching the ball,” Troy assistant coach Shayne Wasden said. “He has good speed and good vision.”

Calvin has worked with wideouts Chip Reeves and Jernigan at the position.

Searcy making a move: With three seniors atop the defensive tackle depth chart, true freshman James Searcy appears to be the most ready-to-play true freshman defensive lineman.

“He (reported) in shape,” defensive tackles coach Mo Crain said. “He’s done everything I’ve asked. He’s taken some serious counseling from me between practice. He’s taken a pounding, which freshmen have to do. He’s got the opportunity to help us and he’s one that has to grow up quick.”

Daniel Orr, a walk-on from Eufaula, is the fourth defensive end right now and he’s battling Searcy and Rashad Roussell for playing time. Crain hopes to have six ready.

One intriguing prospect at the position is Tim Lamb. Lamb has caught coaches’ eyes, but is listed at 5-foot-11 and 338 pounds.

“I love Tim Lamb,” Crain said. “He’s trying, so you can’t be disappointed in that. He wants to do what we ask him, but he can’t get to that point yet. He asks questions in meetings, but he just has to come along.”

Tough choice at defensive end: New defensive ends coach Randy Butler said Kenny Mainor, Brandon Lang and Cameron Sheffield will all get equal time, but figuring out the first two who line up against MTSU will be a tough decision.

“I spent 15 years at Southern Miss and these guys can play anywhere in Conference USA and can probably play for anybody in the SEC or ACC,” Butler said.

The next three in line are sophomore John Mark Patrick, junior Jeremy Hawkins and freshman Brandon Boudreaux. Junior college transfer Mario Addison has all the tools, but could redshirt this year.

“(Defensive coordinator Jeremy (Rowell) said he really reminds him of (NFL all-pro and former Trojan) Demarcus Ware,” Butler said.

Other news and notes: Troy picked up two commitments from 2009 high school seniors over the weekend. Defensive tackle Montavious Williams of Cairo, Ga., committed to Troy Friday and offensive tackle Jay Stansberry of Bremen, Ga., committed Saturday at the scrimmage ... Running backs coach Chad Scott said that running back Xavier Moreland had ascended to the top of the depth chart before his collarbone injury Tuesday. He’s expected to miss at least five weeks ... Troy begins class Wednesday and holds its second and final scrimmage next Saturday.