Troy University Athletics
Camp Report: Secondary Makes Progress
8/6/2009 2:00:00 AM | Football
TROY – With three departed starters, several different Trojans are slated to see increased playing time in the Troy secondary this season and four days into practice the depth chart is beginning to shake out.
Entrenched at one starting corner spot is senior Jorrick Calvin and after strong springs, safeties Chris Bowens and Courtland Fuller appear to be safe at their posts.
The other corner spot is the position currently up for grabs and Trojans defensive coordinator/secondary coach Jeremy Rowell is excited about what he is seeing from a youngster.
“I'll tell you what Bryan Willis at the other corner is doing fabulous,” Rowell said. “I am tickled to death by his performance right now. From spring to now he's made tremendous improvement. A lot of it is just on confidence. He's got abilities and gifts and he's using them.”
The true freshman hails from Shaw High School in Columbus, Ga., the same school that produced fellow Trojans Emanuel Dudley, Rod Winston and Bowens along with former Troy player Terence Moore.
While Willis has not guaranteed himself the starting role opposite Calvin, if he continues his strong play Rowell thinks it will be difficult to not give it to him.
“Willis is better and better everyday. If he keeps making plays it's going to be tough for somebody to beat him out,” he said.
ROSS SHOWS OUT: Another defensive back that has caught not only his position coach's eye, but also the eye of head coach Larry Blakeney with his strong play thus far is junior safety Willard Ross.
Ross spent two seasons at Mississippi Delta Community College but now he finds himself pushing for playing time behind the senior Bowens.
“It looks like Ross is a physical player. He's got a chance to make a difference at safety,” Blakeney said.
Rowell has been impressed with the junior's improvement in the first four days of practice.
“Ross coming in from JUCO is going to help us. He's learning. Ability wise, reacting, moving around – he's got all of that. He's just got to get through the learning curve. He understands it; he's just got to tie it all together.
The Trojans hit the field at 6 pm on Thursday for their first session in full pads. Practice is open the public.
Entrenched at one starting corner spot is senior Jorrick Calvin and after strong springs, safeties Chris Bowens and Courtland Fuller appear to be safe at their posts.
The other corner spot is the position currently up for grabs and Trojans defensive coordinator/secondary coach Jeremy Rowell is excited about what he is seeing from a youngster.
“I'll tell you what Bryan Willis at the other corner is doing fabulous,” Rowell said. “I am tickled to death by his performance right now. From spring to now he's made tremendous improvement. A lot of it is just on confidence. He's got abilities and gifts and he's using them.”
The true freshman hails from Shaw High School in Columbus, Ga., the same school that produced fellow Trojans Emanuel Dudley, Rod Winston and Bowens along with former Troy player Terence Moore.
While Willis has not guaranteed himself the starting role opposite Calvin, if he continues his strong play Rowell thinks it will be difficult to not give it to him.
“Willis is better and better everyday. If he keeps making plays it's going to be tough for somebody to beat him out,” he said.
ROSS SHOWS OUT: Another defensive back that has caught not only his position coach's eye, but also the eye of head coach Larry Blakeney with his strong play thus far is junior safety Willard Ross.
Ross spent two seasons at Mississippi Delta Community College but now he finds himself pushing for playing time behind the senior Bowens.
“It looks like Ross is a physical player. He's got a chance to make a difference at safety,” Blakeney said.
Rowell has been impressed with the junior's improvement in the first four days of practice.
“Ross coming in from JUCO is going to help us. He's learning. Ability wise, reacting, moving around – he's got all of that. He's just got to get through the learning curve. He understands it; he's just got to tie it all together.
The Trojans hit the field at 6 pm on Thursday for their first session in full pads. Practice is open the public.
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