Gill Looking for Redemption Against UAB

There was no misconception upon graduating from Vigor High School, Troy wide receiver Tebiarus Gill knew he would have to spend some time playing junior college football before getting his shot at the top level.

That's what he did. He was recruited out of high school and placed with a junior college program, and then he was heading back to the state of Alabama to play for his team. Gill posted solid numbers in his two seasons at Jones County Junior College in Mississippi, snagging 65 receptions for more than 1,700 yards and 14 touchdowns.

After his two-year stint at Jones County, he was ready to play for the team he originally signed with. The only difference this time was that Gill couldn't get in contact with the coaches there. He didn't get any phone calls, and he didn't get to play where he thought he would be.

That all happened when the coaching staff at UAB changed leadership while Gill was away at JCJC.

Gill did have a place to go, however, and the mutual happiness of his presence on the field has been good for both he and the Trojans. Gill gets his second shot at UAB on Saturday and he hopes to return the favor two-fold. The senior posted his first career touchdown against the Blazers in the 27-14 victory in 2009.

“I was pretty fired up against UAB,” Gill said. “There are a lot of those guys I played ball with before. They always tried to stop me when we were playing together at practice, and they couldn't. Now they get another opportunity, and I don't think they can do it.”

As the story turns out, Gill is happy to be a Trojan, and he is very proud to be a part of the Trojans' prolific offense. He is not flashy on the field, but he does pride himself on being a team player in the ground game and in the air.

“Basically, we are running the ball and blocking too,” Gill said. “We do a good job of blocking, and we're making big time plays too.”

When the time comes to pass, Gill knows he can contribute there as well.

“When they need a go-to guy in certain situations, I'm always going to be there,” Gill said.

Aside from the rivalry, this game has meaning to Gill on a personal level.

“When somebody turns their back on me, I don't like stuff like that,” Gill said.

On Saturday at Legion Field in Birmingham, Gill will be looking to turn his back on UAB and trot to the end zone. He'll simply call it returning a favor.

Troy University Athletics

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