TroyReport.com - Five Keys to 2012

August 21, 2012

TroyReport.com staff
Senior Analyst

DEPTH

Depth has been a issue for Troy in recent years. Injuries, even of the nagging variety, have taken their toll on the once dominant Trojans squad.

Troy has most of its key players back on offense, particularly at the skill positions.

Corey Robinson returns as Troy's signal caller. Shawn Southward, D.J. Taylor and Chris Anderson all return as the team's leading rushers. The wider receiver position is even more stacked with Chip Reeves back on the field and Eric Thomas coming back as the team's go-to guy. Every team in the country would ask for an extra offensive lineman or two and Troy is no different.

8/22 Update: Chris Anderson was declared academically ineligible.

The depth concern for the Trojans come on defense. The line needed to improve for Troy have a successful year and that remains to be a concern with the players returning from last season. Jacoby Thomas will play bandit, or as a standup end/linebacker. Tony Davis is a solid player, though not great, at the other end. Defensive tackle is the biggest question. Shermane TeArt and Kyle Lucas will have the first shot at the position but junior college transfers Xavier Melton and Derrek Upshaw might have something to say about that before season's end.

The linebacking corp is solid with Brandon Brian, Kanorris Davis and Demitri Miles all back.

The secondary got a big boost with the arrival of junior college All-American Zach Miller and USC transfer T.J. Bryant. Bryan Willis and Ethan Davis will bring experience to the position as well. Freshman Shaq Beverly has moved to the nickel spot and could prove to be a playmaker.

Barry Valcin and Bryden Trawick are solid safeties but Trawick lead the team in tackles last year with 123 and that never a good sign for a defense. Cameron Hudson has had a nice fall camp also.

Early signs show Troy will be improved defensively but an injury here or there could derail a fragile lineup.

FEATURED PRODUCT