Troy University Athletics
Photo by: Kevin Glackmeyer
Freshman Proves Himself Worthy in Trojansโ Victory
9/24/2011 8:40:00โฏPM | Football
In a game filled with twists, turns and numerous momentum shifts, the Troy Trojans appear to have found themselves a new weapon among the plethora of playmakers at their disposal.
The Trojans secured their sixth straight victory in the “Battle for the Palladium”, defeating Middle Tennessee State 38-35 Saturday afternoon at newly named Larry Blakeney Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
While the scoreboard showed the Trojans sustained their dominance of this fierce rivalry, the game seemed to be relatively in hand for the scrappy Blue Raiders until freshman Chandler Worthy made his presence known.
In one play, the Hampton, Ga., native went from unheralded freshman to baby-faced assassin, burning the Blue Raiders' secondary for a 75-yard touchdown on a picture perfect pass from quarterback Corey Robinson.
It was Worthy's first career touchdown reception on just his second career catch. The long bomb gave the Trojans their first lead of the game, 31-28, with 1:11 left in the third quarter.
“I saw an opportunity and I had to take it,” Worthy, who just turned 18 years old nine days ago, said.
The fleet-footed receiver said his extensive film room sessions prepared him for the situation he faced against the Blue Raiders. When he recognized the set-up, Worthy was licking his chops in anticipation of a tide-turning play.
“As soon as I saw the back walk down, I saw the opportunity and took advantage of it,” Worthy said. “I knew I could beat man coverage. I went inside and let the ball take me back out.”
Robinson knew it would only be a matter of time before Worthy made his presence known.
“I kept telling him, 'Rookie, I got faith in you,' ” Robinson said. “It was a great catch and a great run after. He can really run.”
Sophomore wideout Eric Thomas, who also had a touchdown in the game, enjoyed hearing his teammate came up big in a game defined by clutch plays.
“It was good for him to step up. We needed a touchdown,” Thomas said.
Worthy appears as if he will settle right in to the culture of the Trojans, who endlessly preach the concept of “next man up”. Worthy's big play was another sign of the youth movement that has infused the Troy receiving corps.
However, Worthy noted that he knew that he was in a much different situation. A situation that exemplifies team unity and a never say die attitude.
“I'm used to a team fighting on the sideline, but not this team,” Worthy said. “We were picking each other up.”
As for getting his first collegiate touchdown, Worthy summed his feeling up as best he could.
“It feels great running down, looking at the fans screaming,” Worthy said. “It's been a while. I was just enjoying the moment.”
Robinson sees a bright future as it relates to Worthy and his contributions to the Trojans as the season progresses.
“I'm glad we've got three years left with him,” the quarterback said.
If tonight's game was any indication, this could be the beginning of a scintillating college career for the youngest of the Trojans' young guns.
The Trojans secured their sixth straight victory in the “Battle for the Palladium”, defeating Middle Tennessee State 38-35 Saturday afternoon at newly named Larry Blakeney Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
While the scoreboard showed the Trojans sustained their dominance of this fierce rivalry, the game seemed to be relatively in hand for the scrappy Blue Raiders until freshman Chandler Worthy made his presence known.
In one play, the Hampton, Ga., native went from unheralded freshman to baby-faced assassin, burning the Blue Raiders' secondary for a 75-yard touchdown on a picture perfect pass from quarterback Corey Robinson.
It was Worthy's first career touchdown reception on just his second career catch. The long bomb gave the Trojans their first lead of the game, 31-28, with 1:11 left in the third quarter.
“I saw an opportunity and I had to take it,” Worthy, who just turned 18 years old nine days ago, said.
The fleet-footed receiver said his extensive film room sessions prepared him for the situation he faced against the Blue Raiders. When he recognized the set-up, Worthy was licking his chops in anticipation of a tide-turning play.
“As soon as I saw the back walk down, I saw the opportunity and took advantage of it,” Worthy said. “I knew I could beat man coverage. I went inside and let the ball take me back out.”
Robinson knew it would only be a matter of time before Worthy made his presence known.
“I kept telling him, 'Rookie, I got faith in you,' ” Robinson said. “It was a great catch and a great run after. He can really run.”
Sophomore wideout Eric Thomas, who also had a touchdown in the game, enjoyed hearing his teammate came up big in a game defined by clutch plays.
“It was good for him to step up. We needed a touchdown,” Thomas said.
Worthy appears as if he will settle right in to the culture of the Trojans, who endlessly preach the concept of “next man up”. Worthy's big play was another sign of the youth movement that has infused the Troy receiving corps.
However, Worthy noted that he knew that he was in a much different situation. A situation that exemplifies team unity and a never say die attitude.
“I'm used to a team fighting on the sideline, but not this team,” Worthy said. “We were picking each other up.”
As for getting his first collegiate touchdown, Worthy summed his feeling up as best he could.
“It feels great running down, looking at the fans screaming,” Worthy said. “It's been a while. I was just enjoying the moment.”
Robinson sees a bright future as it relates to Worthy and his contributions to the Trojans as the season progresses.
“I'm glad we've got three years left with him,” the quarterback said.
If tonight's game was any indication, this could be the beginning of a scintillating college career for the youngest of the Trojans' young guns.
Amiah Butler Postgame Press Conference - Mercer
Thursday, September 11
Josh Lauer Postgame Press Conference - Mercer
Thursday, September 11
๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ช๐ฎ๐น๐น - ๐ฆ๐ญ๐ฌ, ๐๐ฎ
Wednesday, September 10
Behind the Wall - S10, E2
Wednesday, September 10