Troy University Athletics
Photo by: Kevin Glackmeyer
Tight End Duo Looking To Make An Impact
8/15/2011 4:48:00 PM | Football
There has been a lot buzz through the Troy University football coaching staff and media about the two true tight ends on the roster for the Trojans this year.
Sophomores Gavin Ellis and Jim Teknipp are both preparing for big years for the Trojans. They give Troy a weapon the offensive unit hasn't truly had since the days of Jordan Leslie.
Throughout the off season they continued to workout and train hard to make sure that they stayed healthy for the riggers of the coming season. Both will be counted on to give an added boost in pass protection and in blocking for the ground game, as well as big targets to match up against linebackers in the slot in the passing game.
“Staying healthy during the off-season makes the transition into the season practices easier,” Ellis said.
The Cullman native used the off season to add almost 40 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot, 6-inch frame.
Teknipp, a transfer from UCF who sat out last season, agreed that conditioning is the key to the tight ends having a successful season.
“It also helps you maintain your skills, so when the season starts you can continue to build on where you left off,” Teknipp said.
During Saturday's scrimmage, Ellis made several clutch catches and Tecknipp had multiple key blocks for the offense.
“The scrimmage was fun,” Ellis said. “We still have a lot to work to do before the first game.”
Both Ellis and Teknipp are ready for the season to start. They have been working hard on various blocking drills and footwork.
“To be in front of all those people (at Clemson). A big win to open the season up, that's what we have been working hard for,” Teknipp said.
Ellis is looking forward to taking the field for the first time.
“Once you walk out of that tunnel, it makes (the hard work) all worth it,” Ellis said. “Nothing beats the game day atmosphere.”
Blakeney Happy With Scrimmage Results
Like any preseason scrimmage, there were plenty of positives and negatives on display on Saturday for the first scrimmage of the fall for the Trojans.
Coach Larry Blakeney said the negatives weren't as bad as he first thought.
“We gave up a few big plays on defense, and we didn't tackle as well as I would like on defense, but it wasn't as bad as it looked on the field,” Blakeney said. “We just have to keep sawing wood, keep working.”
The offense got off to a hot start and made some big plays early, but the defense rallied later.
“Offensively, we made some plays, but we also had a couple of turnovers, something that we can't afford to do,” Blakeney said.
The Trojans returned to practice on Monday morning for the first of two scheduled practices. The team will close the preseason portion of camp on Tuesday morning. Classes begin on the Troy University campus on Wednesday and practices will move to the afternoon starting at around 3:30 p.m.
“We'll get a little more work in the kicking game tonight,” Blakeney said after the morning practice on Monday. “We want to make sure we get all of our work done and have a good plan on special teams.”
Following the scrimmage on Saturday, the coaching staff made some adjustments to the preseason depth chart.
The Trojans will have another scrimmage at Veterans Memorial Stadium this Saturday. The scrimmage is scheduled to get started at 10:30 a.m.
Quiet Runner Stands Out
Anyone who was on hand for the scrimmage on Saturday probably took a second to look up number 36 on the Troy roster. Redshirt freshman running back Brian Exley, a native of Geneva, put on quite a show.
Overall, he rushed for 58 yards, but had a couple of long runs called back by penalties. It wasn't just the yards that were impressive, but the way he got them. More often than not two, three or more defenders got flattened each time he carried the ball.
“I am hoping Exley can stay well,” Blakeney said. “He is more seasoned now and he has some abilities that can help this team. He has really good size and better than average speed for a big guy. He can stop and go and cut. I am hoping that he becomes a part of this offensive production.”
Exley did not enroll in college immediately after high school even though he was recruited to Troy. He came in as a walk-on last year and redshirted, but is making a strong impression on his teammates during camp.
“He runs the ball hard, to say the least,” sophomore quarterback Corey Robinson said. “He is a quiet guy, but he works hard and he has learned the offense. I definitely think he will have a place in this offense because he will certainly plug it up in there.”
Football Appreciation Night/Fan Day
The 2011 Troy Football Appreciation Night is scheduled for Saturday, August 20. The annual fund-raising event for the Trojans Football program will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for $125 per couple by calling 334-670-3683 or 334-670-3682.
The 2011 Fan Day is scheduled for Sunday, August 21, at 2 p.m. at Sartain Hall. Members of the football, volleyball, soccer and cross country teams will be on hand, along with the Troy cheerleaders, to pose for pictures and sign autographs. Admission to Fan Day is free and free hot dogs and soft drinks will be available for all fans, while supplies last.
Sophomores Gavin Ellis and Jim Teknipp are both preparing for big years for the Trojans. They give Troy a weapon the offensive unit hasn't truly had since the days of Jordan Leslie.
Throughout the off season they continued to workout and train hard to make sure that they stayed healthy for the riggers of the coming season. Both will be counted on to give an added boost in pass protection and in blocking for the ground game, as well as big targets to match up against linebackers in the slot in the passing game.
“Staying healthy during the off-season makes the transition into the season practices easier,” Ellis said.
The Cullman native used the off season to add almost 40 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot, 6-inch frame.
Teknipp, a transfer from UCF who sat out last season, agreed that conditioning is the key to the tight ends having a successful season.
“It also helps you maintain your skills, so when the season starts you can continue to build on where you left off,” Teknipp said.
During Saturday's scrimmage, Ellis made several clutch catches and Tecknipp had multiple key blocks for the offense.
“The scrimmage was fun,” Ellis said. “We still have a lot to work to do before the first game.”
Both Ellis and Teknipp are ready for the season to start. They have been working hard on various blocking drills and footwork.
“To be in front of all those people (at Clemson). A big win to open the season up, that's what we have been working hard for,” Teknipp said.
Ellis is looking forward to taking the field for the first time.
“Once you walk out of that tunnel, it makes (the hard work) all worth it,” Ellis said. “Nothing beats the game day atmosphere.”
Blakeney Happy With Scrimmage Results
Like any preseason scrimmage, there were plenty of positives and negatives on display on Saturday for the first scrimmage of the fall for the Trojans.
Coach Larry Blakeney said the negatives weren't as bad as he first thought.
“We gave up a few big plays on defense, and we didn't tackle as well as I would like on defense, but it wasn't as bad as it looked on the field,” Blakeney said. “We just have to keep sawing wood, keep working.”
The offense got off to a hot start and made some big plays early, but the defense rallied later.
“Offensively, we made some plays, but we also had a couple of turnovers, something that we can't afford to do,” Blakeney said.
The Trojans returned to practice on Monday morning for the first of two scheduled practices. The team will close the preseason portion of camp on Tuesday morning. Classes begin on the Troy University campus on Wednesday and practices will move to the afternoon starting at around 3:30 p.m.
“We'll get a little more work in the kicking game tonight,” Blakeney said after the morning practice on Monday. “We want to make sure we get all of our work done and have a good plan on special teams.”
Following the scrimmage on Saturday, the coaching staff made some adjustments to the preseason depth chart.
The Trojans will have another scrimmage at Veterans Memorial Stadium this Saturday. The scrimmage is scheduled to get started at 10:30 a.m.
Quiet Runner Stands Out
Anyone who was on hand for the scrimmage on Saturday probably took a second to look up number 36 on the Troy roster. Redshirt freshman running back Brian Exley, a native of Geneva, put on quite a show.
Overall, he rushed for 58 yards, but had a couple of long runs called back by penalties. It wasn't just the yards that were impressive, but the way he got them. More often than not two, three or more defenders got flattened each time he carried the ball.
“I am hoping Exley can stay well,” Blakeney said. “He is more seasoned now and he has some abilities that can help this team. He has really good size and better than average speed for a big guy. He can stop and go and cut. I am hoping that he becomes a part of this offensive production.”
Exley did not enroll in college immediately after high school even though he was recruited to Troy. He came in as a walk-on last year and redshirted, but is making a strong impression on his teammates during camp.
“He runs the ball hard, to say the least,” sophomore quarterback Corey Robinson said. “He is a quiet guy, but he works hard and he has learned the offense. I definitely think he will have a place in this offense because he will certainly plug it up in there.”
Football Appreciation Night/Fan Day
The 2011 Troy Football Appreciation Night is scheduled for Saturday, August 20. The annual fund-raising event for the Trojans Football program will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for $125 per couple by calling 334-670-3683 or 334-670-3682.
The 2011 Fan Day is scheduled for Sunday, August 21, at 2 p.m. at Sartain Hall. Members of the football, volleyball, soccer and cross country teams will be on hand, along with the Troy cheerleaders, to pose for pictures and sign autographs. Admission to Fan Day is free and free hot dogs and soft drinks will be available for all fans, while supplies last.
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