A chat with Sherrod Martin

April 28, 2009

By Drew Champlin

Finally heard back from new Carolina Panther Sherrod Martin, who has been a busy man of late. He’ll report to a mini-camp this Thursday in Charlotte and begin his professional career.

Martin watched the NFL Draft with his parents in Griffin, Ga., and got the call from the Panthers shortly before they made him their second-round pick.

“I was always told to be ready for the unexpected,“ Martin said. “It’s been pretty exciting. They haven’t told me a whole bunch of stuff, really just getting my flight plans laid out.“

They still haven’t told him corner or safety, Martin said, but the likely position is corner. Carolina released one starter from a year ago.

“I know a few of the guys they have,“ Martin said. “For the most part, I’m just ready to go.“

Martin had major shoulder surgery on both shoulders in early 2006, causing him to miss that year. The NFL seemed so far off back then.

“It still was a goal,“ Martin said. “I’ve been blessed to reach this goal and with that, I’m going to set other short-term goals. One is to come in and compete for some playing time right away.“

One minor change

By Drew Champlin

Well, it could be a major change because of how I laid out today’s paper, but defensive tackle Steve McClendon got a better offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers and choose to go there instead of Philadelphia.

I’ll fix that in the online story.

Also, wideout Josh Allen, who finished in 2007, is getting another tryout with the New England Patriots. He got a tryout up there last year and was doing well, but broke his foot. He participated in Troy’s pro day again and did well.

So, here is the updated list so far from the guys who finished in 2008

Sherrod Martin - drafted 2nd round by Carolina Panthers
Terence Moore - signs with Tampa Bay Buccanners
Dion Gales - signs with Kansas City Chiefs
Kenny Mainor - agrees to tryout with New York Giants
Dion Small - signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Steve McClendon - signs with Pittsburgh Steelers
Trevor Ford - signs with Green Bay Packers

Tuesday links

April 27, 2009

By Drew Champlin

HERE is the feature I wrote on Troy pitcher Steven Morelock, who gets the start in Wednesday’s game and his road back after missing two full seasons with arm problems.

Troy is at Auburn tonight, Auburn is at Troy Wednesday. Morelock pitches in front of the home crowd Wednesday. It’s quite a story.

On the free agent signings, HERE is what appeared in Tuesday’s Dothan Eagle. Those of you who read this blog regularly saw it yesterday.

Heads up on pitching plans for Auburn series

By Drew Champlin

Troy plays at Auburn Tuesday and hosts Auburn Wednesday.

I spoke with head coach Bobby Pierce earlier today and he said the Trojans would start Tim Wheeler at Auburn and Steven Morelock Wednesday.

The Morelock pick is a surprise, since he missed the last two years with arm injuries and has barely pitched this year, but he threw late last week in practice and looked like he did when he was a freshman all-conference performer in 2005.

I wish I had more time to explain here on the blog, but I’m writing a story on it for tomorrow’s paper, but Pierce is looking for a fourth starter when tournaments come around and because of injuries and ineffectiveness, no one has stepped up to take on that role. Now, Morelock is getting a chance.

Trevor Ford reaches deal with Packers

By Drew Champlin

Former Troy cornerback Trevor Ford has reached a deal with the Green Bay Packers. More coming if I can reach him.

Ford will report to a rookie mini-camp Thursday through Sunday. He started all 13 games for Troy at cornerback last year. He stayed patient while his agent did the work on getting him a deal.

“You can’t hold your head down,“ Ford said. “You just hope that you get the call from someone to give you a shot. Everyone plays for a shot. To have one is an honor and a blessing.“

So, here’s what you have so far…

Sherrod Martin - drafted 2nd round by Carolina Panthers
Terence Moore - signs with Tampa Bay Buccanners
Dion Gales - signs with Kansas City Chiefs
Kenny Mainor - agrees to tryout with New York Giants
Dion Small - signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Steve McClendon - signs with Philadelphia Eagles
Trevor Ford - signs with Green Bay Packers

...and there might be more to come