Troy University Athletics
Trojans Hit Practice Field For Start Of Fall Camp
8/2/2007 5:00:00 AM | Football
TROY, Ala.- Seven months after capturing their first Sun Belt Conference Championship, the Troy Trojans returned to the practice field Thursday night to begin preparations for the 2007 season.
“These guys are glad to finally be out here,” head coach Larry Blakeney said. “I feel like we are a little ahead of where we were this time last year but we still have a ways to go”
On the offensive side of the ball, the Trojans will be led by senior quarterback Omar Haugabook, who was named as the Pre-Season Player of the Year in the conference.
The offense will also have to replace several key departures on the offensive line.
“The offense looked to have good timing on their pass routes tonight,” Blakeney said. “I was pleased with the way the offense looked.”
The defense perhaps will be one of the most experienced groups in recent years. The defense will return eight starters and is deep at all positions. Senior linebacker Marcus Richardson will head the charge along with senior cornerbacks Leodis McKelvin and Elbert Mack.
“We have a chance to be good on defense this year,” Blakeney said. “This is one of the best looking groups we have had at Troy and if they can stay healthy, they will give us a chance.”
One of the big question marks for the Trojans entering the fall is the special teams unit. The Trojans will have to replace the long-snapper and the punter/ holder from the 2006 squad.
“Greg Whibbs is our kicker this year and I look for him to have a great year,” Blakeney said. “He's worked hard and he showed it today in the way that he kicked the ball.”
Behind Whibbs is a group of inexperienced kickers. Senior Adrian Vera and freshman Will Goggans are battling for the punting job.
“Right now Vera is our punter and we trust that he can do it,” Blakeney said. “We have a lot of guys who can do the job. We just need to make sure they are the right people.”
The Trojans will return to the practice field tomorrow night at 6 p.m. The first three days of practice will be in shorts and helmets due to NCAA regulations.
