Troy University Athletics
Troy Football Breakdown – Safeties
8/26/2022 11:02:00 AM | Football
As with most positions on Troy's defense, the Trojans' safeties are loaded with experience at the top of the depth chart and backed with young talent waiting in the wings.
They Said It
Defensive Coordinator – Shiel Wood
"I've been pleased with the group. They have had great focus, attention to detail and work ethic throughout preseason camp, and they are invested in what we're doing. They are studying hard to learn the system; this is year one, and we're getting ready to play our first game, so there is a decent learning curve, but they have been invested in doing that well.
"Our safeties are kind of the quarterbacks of the defense in the sense that they do a lot of communications in terms of adjustments based on formations. We have different ways we can play our run support or pass coverage techniques, and it is important to have guys who are able to process well and be effective communicators in loud environments and stressful situations."
Players to Watch
Dell Pettus and Craig Slocum have combined to start 43 games entering the season, with Pettus carrying the bulk of the weight behind 33 career starts. A freshman All-American in 2019, Pettus has earned a pair of All-Sun Belt honors and was ranked as the 23rd-best tackler in the country last season by Pro Football Focus.
"Dell has been extremely vocal with his leadership and mentoring the younger guys and teammates at the position," Wood said. "He is professional in terms of work ethic and putting in the extra time to learn the plays and studying opponent film."
Slocum started 10 games for the Trojans in 2020 after earning a scholarship during fall camp. This past season, Slocum played 275 defensive snaps in addition to his work as one of Troy's key players on special teams.
"Craig has been a great leader in the room in how he leads by example and by being vocal and helping the younger guys," Wood said. "He's always studying and watching extra tape, just trying to maximize every ounce of ability he has. Also, I've been pleased with his professional approach to the game."
Keyshawn Swanson, another former walk-on who earned a scholarship, and Carloss Crawford will also see some time for the Trojans at the two safety positions. Swanson came up with a critical pick-six in Troy's victory at Texas State last season, while Crawford has 13 career games under his belt as a Trojan after transferring into the program prior to the 2020 season.
Position Notes
• Dell Pettus led all freshmen in the Sun Belt Conference with 63 tackles after taking over the starting duties at free safety in the third week of the 2019 season.
• Dell Pettus' 33 starts are the fourth most of any player on the Troy roster, while his 33 consecutive starts rank as the third most.
• Craig Slocum played 173 snaps on special teams in 2021, the third-most of any player on the team.
• Craig Slocum was named to the Pro Football Focus National Team of the Week following Troy's season-opening victory at Middle Tennessee in 2020.
Parting Shot
"They play with an edge, they have an attitude on the football field, and its infectious throughout the defense," Wood said. "They play with confidence; we always talk about having confidence because you absolutely know what you're doing and don't have doubt. When you don't have doubt as a football player, and you have clarity of mind, you're able to play up to your full potential, and that's what those guys are continuing to perfect."
They Said It
Defensive Coordinator – Shiel Wood
"I've been pleased with the group. They have had great focus, attention to detail and work ethic throughout preseason camp, and they are invested in what we're doing. They are studying hard to learn the system; this is year one, and we're getting ready to play our first game, so there is a decent learning curve, but they have been invested in doing that well.
"Our safeties are kind of the quarterbacks of the defense in the sense that they do a lot of communications in terms of adjustments based on formations. We have different ways we can play our run support or pass coverage techniques, and it is important to have guys who are able to process well and be effective communicators in loud environments and stressful situations."
Players to Watch
Dell Pettus and Craig Slocum have combined to start 43 games entering the season, with Pettus carrying the bulk of the weight behind 33 career starts. A freshman All-American in 2019, Pettus has earned a pair of All-Sun Belt honors and was ranked as the 23rd-best tackler in the country last season by Pro Football Focus.
"Dell has been extremely vocal with his leadership and mentoring the younger guys and teammates at the position," Wood said. "He is professional in terms of work ethic and putting in the extra time to learn the plays and studying opponent film."
Slocum started 10 games for the Trojans in 2020 after earning a scholarship during fall camp. This past season, Slocum played 275 defensive snaps in addition to his work as one of Troy's key players on special teams.
"Craig has been a great leader in the room in how he leads by example and by being vocal and helping the younger guys," Wood said. "He's always studying and watching extra tape, just trying to maximize every ounce of ability he has. Also, I've been pleased with his professional approach to the game."
Keyshawn Swanson, another former walk-on who earned a scholarship, and Carloss Crawford will also see some time for the Trojans at the two safety positions. Swanson came up with a critical pick-six in Troy's victory at Texas State last season, while Crawford has 13 career games under his belt as a Trojan after transferring into the program prior to the 2020 season.
Position Notes
• Dell Pettus led all freshmen in the Sun Belt Conference with 63 tackles after taking over the starting duties at free safety in the third week of the 2019 season.
• Dell Pettus' 33 starts are the fourth most of any player on the Troy roster, while his 33 consecutive starts rank as the third most.
• Craig Slocum played 173 snaps on special teams in 2021, the third-most of any player on the team.
• Craig Slocum was named to the Pro Football Focus National Team of the Week following Troy's season-opening victory at Middle Tennessee in 2020.
Parting Shot
"They play with an edge, they have an attitude on the football field, and its infectious throughout the defense," Wood said. "They play with confidence; we always talk about having confidence because you absolutely know what you're doing and don't have doubt. When you don't have doubt as a football player, and you have clarity of mind, you're able to play up to your full potential, and that's what those guys are continuing to perfect."
Players Mentioned
Eric Newell Postgame Press Conference - Faulkner
Saturday, October 18
𝗕𝗘𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗟 - 𝗦𝟭𝟬, 𝗘𝟲
Wednesday, October 15
Behind the Wall - S10, E6
Wednesday, October 15
Football Press Conference (Players) - ULM Game
Monday, October 13