Troy University Athletics
Troy Football Breakdown – Spears
8/24/2022 11:45:00 AM | Football
Backed by one of the most experienced players on the roster, Troy spear position has consistently provided solid coverage for the Trojan defense at multiple levels.
T.J. Harris, a three-year starter, is expected to lead the group that is the most versatile unit on the defensive side of the football for the Trojans. Tasked with combining three positions into one, Troy's spear position will play a crucial part in the Troy secondary.
They Said It
Assistant Coach – Bam Hardmon
"The spear is a triple-hybrid position between our safeties, linebackers and our corners because we've done a little bit more coverage with the position like a cornerback and safety and still must have the ability to be stout in the run, which is more like a linebacker."
Players to Watch
T.J. Harris returns as the presumptive starter at the position with 30 career starts under his belt, the fifth most of any Trojan on the roster. A preseason All-Sun Belt selection this year, Harris earned postseason All-Sun Belt honors last year after leading Troy's secondary with 58 tackles on the year. He enters the season with 15.5 career tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks to go along with three interceptions.
"T.J. has been great this camp," Hardmon Said. "Despite not coaching his position group before this season, we've had a great relationship. He understands my coaching methods, and I understand who he is. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, which I love, but at times I need to calm him down emotionally. His game experience is something that is unmeasurable and very much valued."
Sophomore Darrell Starling will provide the Trojans some depth at the position after playing 115 defensive snaps a season ago, while Orlando Lacey moves from receiver to the position and Taiyon Palmer slides over from cornerback to provide a solid coverage option. In addition, Lacey provides another veteran presence in the room as he enters his sixth season with the program and has played in 43 career games.
Position Notes
• T.J. Harris led all secondary players from the Sun Belt with 6.5 tackles for loss last season; he also added 4.5 sacks and a pair of interceptions.
• Despite playing most of his career on offense (he did begin his career as a reserve defensive back in 2018), Orlando Lacey has seven career tackles to his credit through his first four seasons, thanks to his work on special teams.
• Often confused for a nickelback, Troy's spear will be on the field as a part of the Trojans' base defense throughout the season. T.J. Harris played the third-most snaps of any Troy player on defense last year with 574, and they were almost split down the middle between passing and rushing plays.
Parting Shot
"We want them to be able to cover, and they have to be a thinker in the sense that they can handle multiple looks, be instinctive and be stout enough to hold up in the run," Hardmon said. "They have a lot of run fits on top of being able to not have issues when it comes to matchups with wideouts and tight ends. Understanding leverage is key to playing this position."
Players Mentioned
Skylar Meade Postgame - Mercer Doubleheader
Sunday, February 15
Scott Cross Postgame (Southern Miss)
Sunday, February 15
Player Postgame Press Conference (Kalee Rochinski, Savannah Money) - IU Indy, Radford
Sunday, February 15
Eric Newell Postgame Press Conference (IU Indy, Radford)
Sunday, February 15