Troy University Athletics
Photo by: Kevin Glackmeyer
Bryan Looking to Continue Climbing
8/16/2011 12:26:00 PM | Football
Over the last two weeks, Trojan fans have gotten to know their football team as players compete in fall camp. With Tuesday marking the last day before classes begin on the Troy campus, a theme among these upcoming stars is becoming apparent.
WALK-ON
TroyTrojans.com viewers have already met Jaquon Robinson, Justin Albert and Brian Exley who are all walk-ons. Tomorrow you will meet D.J. Taylor, another in the Troy walk-on generation. Today however, you will meet a walk-on who has earned a starting spot, and a scholarship to go along with it.
Brannon Bryan came to Troy from Andalusia High School where he was a force on both sides of the ball, playing linebacker and fullback. His father, Tim, played at Troy from 1978-81.
Bryan redshirted his first year on campus in 2008 and did not see the field in 2009. However, in 2010, he stepped in at South Carolina and made his first career start.
“Last year he started his first game against South Carolina,” Troy linebackers coach Benjy Parker said. “He came in and we were a better football team with him in there.”
Bryan went on to start each of the final three games at linebacker, all Troy wins, including the 48-21 romp of Ohio in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. In his four starts, Bryan accumulated 21 tackles, including a career-best eight against Ohio.
Not bad for a former walk-on.
“It takes a lot of hard work, in the weight, in the film room,” Bryan said. “You just learn as much as you can from the older guys that have been here and know how to get it done.”
Wait a minute; this is all starting to sound familiar. Trojan fans remember Bear Woods, a former standout linebacker who came from the walk-on generation.
“He was a hard worker. He knew where he was supposed to be and he got there,” Bryan said of Woods. “I took notes from him, tried to do my part as a younger guy and just stepped up when my time came.”
With the 2011 opener at Clemson less than three weeks away, the junior linebacker is poised to help anchor a defense that looks to make it six straight Sun Belt titles for the Trojans.
“We talk all time about getting better every day, and I'm expecting him to be better than he was last year,” Parker said.
Back to School
With classes beginning in Troy on Wednesday, the days of early morning, semi-cool practices are gone. Starting tomorrow the Trojans will move to their regular season practice schedule, which means practice will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday-Friday and 6:30 p.m. on Mondays.
Student-Athlete Social
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is sponsoring a social for all student-athletes on Tuesday evening. All student-athletes will eat dinner at Sartain Hall at 5:00 p.m. then those wishing to will meet at Camp Butter & Egg for team-building activities.
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.
Goose Crowder - T-Day
Saturday, April 18
Donnie Smith - T-Day
Saturday, April 18
Gerad Parker - T-Day
Saturday, April 18
Gerad Parker - April 16
Thursday, April 16