Opening day of practice

By Drew Champlin

Published: July 30, 2008

I’ll be in attendance at Troy’s practice tonight. Since it’s not until Sunday that they can go full pads, there’s really not a lot you can tell from the fi rst couple of practices. For instance, no one knows how good the new running backs like Maurice Greer, TJ Mitchell and Chris Anderson will be from what happens today and tomorrow. But, there are still storylines and stuff to write about.

Here’s a few that I’m looking at. Let me know what you might be interested in.

How many newcomers will play significant roles?

I would say around 5. I keep hearing good things from players about cornerback Jorrick Calvin, and I predict he ends up a starter. With the cornerback situation in limbo, even JUCO transfer Kedric Manning could wrap up a starting spot. Freshman Bryan Willis will get a look. Safeties Michael Ricks (if he gets eligible) and Daniel Sheffield probably won’t start, but would see time since three seniors depart after this year. At running back, you’ll see Greer play for sure. Anderson and Mitchell it depends on how well they pick things up, since they’re freshmen. I expect WRs Chip Reeves and Tebiarus Gill to play. Defensive end Mario Addison is an interesting question - he was pretty good last year in JUCO, but could he redshirt if the three top guys coming back (Lang, Sheffield, Mainor) are healthy? Defensive tackles Anthony Shaw and Tim Lamb will get looks.

What about the kicking game?

Head coach Larry Blakeney just wants someone who can kick it through the uprights. Redshirt freshman Michael Taylor is the likely guy, but Sam Glusman is back with the team and is known for his accuracy on shorter kicks. The biggest problem is at punter, where redshirt freshman Will Goggans has to prove he can be the man with a regular kicking scheme. If not, they’ll have to rugby it again.

Will Jamie Hampton get pushed?

Hampton has grown an inch and gained about 25 pounds of muscle last year. From talking to him this summer, he definitely looks the part, and guys are praising his leadership skills. How will that translate onto the field, and will guys like Levi Brown and Tanner Jones make a run for his spot? Freshman Dan Parker will get a look because of his athleticism. It will be interesting to see how he throws the ball.

Keep coming back for more Troy football discussion.

Of note, Troy lost out on a couple of recruits when DT Tim McGee said he’d go to Memphis after not being able to get into Minnesota. He visited Troy last week and is eligible this fall. WR Conner Vernon (Miami, Fla.) committed to Duke and Troy was a real possibility with him (source: rivals.com)