Troy University Athletics
Troy Breakdown – Offensive Line
8/29/2022 6:00:00 PM | Football
Troy returns four of its five starters along the offensive line, and the unit is now under the direction of Super Bowl winning coach Cole Popovich.
They Said It – Assistant Coach Cole Popovich
"We've made a lot of progress from the spring, but we still have a long way to go. We're still trying to figure out a few spots and who are our best five to go with. They are doing a good job adjusting to the new coaching style that we've brought in. I think the whole team has done a good job embracing the new coaches and the new systems that we've implemented. That's a credit to our older players, they've bought in, and it's made all our jobs a lot easier."
Players to Watch
The Trojans return four starters up front with Austin Stidham, Jake Andrews, Deandre Butler and Grant Betts back from the 2021 squad. Troy is tied for ninth nationally with four starters returning on the offensive line, while the Trojans' combined 105 starts among its O-line is tied for 27th.
Stidham, a two-time first team All-Sun Belt selection, returns at left tackle after he finished third in the league among tackles (min 400 pass blocking snaps) with a 77.1 pass-blocking grade per Pro Football Focus and ranked 13th among all tackles in the Group of Five.
"Having Austin is awesome because he's been here for a long time, and he reminds me of guys you work with you'd call a true pro," Popovich said. "He comes in every day, and he's ready to go. He studies hard and takes care of the rest of the group; makes sure that everybody's needs are met."
Andrews slides over from guard to play center as he replaces Dylan Bradshaw at the spot. Andrews led Troy with a 98.5 efficiency rating per PFF and did not allow a sack in the final 10 games of the season. Betts was also relatively clean most of the season, with just two penalties in 792 total snaps.
"Jake's done a great job moving to center," Popovich said. "He's always the leader of the room because he ends up talking and communicating a lot. He's done a nice job embracing that role and running with it."
Butler started 10 games last season, missed a pair due to injuries, and didn't allow a sack in 7-of-10 starts, while Tyler Harvey-Fallows is penciled in to start at the other guard position after joining the squad in the summer.
Position Notes
• OL coach Cole Popovich spent six seasons with the New England Patriots and is the owner of two Super Bowl rings.
• Austin Stidham is a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American earning it for the 2020 and 2021 seasons; he was the first Troy football player ever to earn the honor and just the fifth two-time All-American in Troy history.
• Austin Stidham was not called for a penalty in a pass-blocking situation all season; one of just 12 tackles in the Group of Five to not be called for a passing penalty all season.
• Last season, Jake Andrews, Troy's top-rated pass blocker and second-rated run blocker per Pro Football Focus, allowed just one sack on 468 pass blocking snaps.
Parting Shot
"We need to understand the gameplan, make sure that we get targeted correctly and get a hat on a hat every play," Popovich said. "If we can do those things, we'll have a chance to be successful."
They Said It – Assistant Coach Cole Popovich
"We've made a lot of progress from the spring, but we still have a long way to go. We're still trying to figure out a few spots and who are our best five to go with. They are doing a good job adjusting to the new coaching style that we've brought in. I think the whole team has done a good job embracing the new coaches and the new systems that we've implemented. That's a credit to our older players, they've bought in, and it's made all our jobs a lot easier."
Players to Watch
The Trojans return four starters up front with Austin Stidham, Jake Andrews, Deandre Butler and Grant Betts back from the 2021 squad. Troy is tied for ninth nationally with four starters returning on the offensive line, while the Trojans' combined 105 starts among its O-line is tied for 27th.
Stidham, a two-time first team All-Sun Belt selection, returns at left tackle after he finished third in the league among tackles (min 400 pass blocking snaps) with a 77.1 pass-blocking grade per Pro Football Focus and ranked 13th among all tackles in the Group of Five.
"Having Austin is awesome because he's been here for a long time, and he reminds me of guys you work with you'd call a true pro," Popovich said. "He comes in every day, and he's ready to go. He studies hard and takes care of the rest of the group; makes sure that everybody's needs are met."
Andrews slides over from guard to play center as he replaces Dylan Bradshaw at the spot. Andrews led Troy with a 98.5 efficiency rating per PFF and did not allow a sack in the final 10 games of the season. Betts was also relatively clean most of the season, with just two penalties in 792 total snaps.
"Jake's done a great job moving to center," Popovich said. "He's always the leader of the room because he ends up talking and communicating a lot. He's done a nice job embracing that role and running with it."
Butler started 10 games last season, missed a pair due to injuries, and didn't allow a sack in 7-of-10 starts, while Tyler Harvey-Fallows is penciled in to start at the other guard position after joining the squad in the summer.
Position Notes
• OL coach Cole Popovich spent six seasons with the New England Patriots and is the owner of two Super Bowl rings.
• Austin Stidham is a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American earning it for the 2020 and 2021 seasons; he was the first Troy football player ever to earn the honor and just the fifth two-time All-American in Troy history.
• Austin Stidham was not called for a penalty in a pass-blocking situation all season; one of just 12 tackles in the Group of Five to not be called for a passing penalty all season.
• Last season, Jake Andrews, Troy's top-rated pass blocker and second-rated run blocker per Pro Football Focus, allowed just one sack on 468 pass blocking snaps.
Parting Shot
"We need to understand the gameplan, make sure that we get targeted correctly and get a hat on a hat every play," Popovich said. "If we can do those things, we'll have a chance to be successful."
Players Mentioned
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