Troy University Athletics
Photo by: Edward Fieder
Trojans’ Family Man is Ready for Senior Season
8/6/2011 2:26:00 PM | Football
TRAINING CAMP PHOTO GALLERY
It is not often when you think about the life of a college student-athlete that you think about having to support a family.
Such is the case for Troy senior defensive tackle Emanuel Dudley. In addition to going to school and working to rehab from off-season ankle surgery, Dudley is a married father of two young sons.
Those sons, Emanual Titus Dudley II and Alton Isaiah Dudley, keep Emanuel and his wife, De'Siree, busy all the time.
"My wife at home keeps everything straight,” Dudley said. “Having a good woman at home means I can really focus on my last season."
And Dudley is hoping to shine in his final season.
The Columbus, Ga., native had a ankle injury in January and has been working to get back to full strength since. He did not take part in spring drills and was excited on Saturday to just be back on the practice field.
“This was my first practice full go,” Dudley said. “I didn't get in for as many snaps as I wanted to, but I have to try to get in for as many as I can to get myself in shape for the season.”
Since the surgery, Dudley has been doing everything he can to regain his strength. He has been training harder than ever to get back to where he was before the injury.
“He is always on time, a good kid, and does exactly what he needs to do to be out on the field during practice," Trojans strength coach Richard Shaughnessy said.
Because of his experience, Dudley will be counted on to be a good leader on the defensive line this year.
"The young guys are struggling just trying to figure everything out,” Dudley said. “I know it is up to me to keep the Trojan tradition alive. It's up to us seniors to show the underclassmen the way."
Mo Crain, who coaches the defensive tackles for the Trojans, said that as long as he has Dudley at full strength by September 3, he will be happy.
“He has missed a lot of time, but now that he is back on the field playing, his presences is known and he will lead this defensive line," Crain said. “When he is not able to be in there, it gives me a chance to give some of those young guys more time to get ready.”
Dudley not only works hard on the field, his family life keeps him busy too.
“He is an experienced guy on this team and he has grown up quickly with a wife and two kids to think about,” Trojans head coach Larry Blakeney said. “His maturity is a good example for this team."
A Day of Rest
Following Saturday's practice, the Trojans got word from Coach Blakeney that they would get Sunday morning off to attend church. The squad will return to work in the afternoon with weights, treatment and meetings. The squad will return to the practice field on Monday morning at 7 a.m.
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.
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Donnie Smith - T-Day
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Gerad Parker - T-Day
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Gerad Parker - April 16
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