Troy University Athletics
Troy Position Preview - Linebackers
8/28/2024 8:32:00 AM | Football
TROY, Ala. – The Troy linebacker unit is one of the only position groups that did not change significantly from the 2023 season. Co-defensive coordinator and inside linebacker coach Nathan Burton inherited a seasoned unit with six upperclassmen and only two new additions to Troy's roster.
This season, Jordan Stringer headlines the position group as a key piece to the Trojans' defense. The junior has been with Troy his entire collegiate career, and the Augusta, Georgia, native has seen an increased role in Troy's defense every season and finished last season with a career-high 68 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks and an interception.
Brendan Jackson was a key addition for the Trojans this offseason. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker was a dominant force at Gardner-Webb the past two seasons. As a junior, Jackson earned First team All-Big South honors after recording 71 tackles, 11.5 tackles-for-loss and four sacks.
Stringer and Jackson's leadership has been key to the position's growth, as both were named permanent team captains for the 2024 season.
Terry Thomas is another key returner this season. Thomas earned a scholarship before the start of the 2023 season and started nine games next to Jayden McDonald. The Childersburg, Alabama, native finished his sophomore campaign with 41 tackles, three tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks.
Steven Cattledge is looking to bounce back this season after he missed the majority of last season with an injury he suffered in week two against Kansas State. Cattledge started for the Trojans in the 76 Birmingham Bowl against Duke and recorded a season-high four tackles and a tackle-for-loss in his first start at the Division I level.
TJ Thompson and Luke Hodge appeared in every game for the Trojans last season. Both linebackers were key pieces in Troy's special team units. Thompson is looking to find more defensive snaps this season after recording seven total tackles and forcing a fumble as a sophomore. Hodge, a redshirt sophomore, has not yet received a defensive snap in his collegiate career but had 139 snaps on special teams which was the fourth most on the team.
Keyshawn Campbell and Anthony Butler round out the returning linebackers from last season. Campbell, a redshirt freshman from Vero Beach, Florida, only appeared in four games last season. Butler, a senior from Alabaster, Alabama, did not see any game action in 2023 but transitioned from a bandit to an inside linebacker this offseason.
Kam Weaver is the only true freshman entering this position group this season. The Andalusia, Alabama, native was a consensus three-star recruit coming out of high school. On3 ranked Weaver as the No. 58 player in Alabama and the No. 152 linebacker in the nation after he recorded 77 tackles, 18 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and 12 pass breakups as a senior.
This season, Jordan Stringer headlines the position group as a key piece to the Trojans' defense. The junior has been with Troy his entire collegiate career, and the Augusta, Georgia, native has seen an increased role in Troy's defense every season and finished last season with a career-high 68 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks and an interception.
Brendan Jackson was a key addition for the Trojans this offseason. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker was a dominant force at Gardner-Webb the past two seasons. As a junior, Jackson earned First team All-Big South honors after recording 71 tackles, 11.5 tackles-for-loss and four sacks.
Stringer and Jackson's leadership has been key to the position's growth, as both were named permanent team captains for the 2024 season.
Terry Thomas is another key returner this season. Thomas earned a scholarship before the start of the 2023 season and started nine games next to Jayden McDonald. The Childersburg, Alabama, native finished his sophomore campaign with 41 tackles, three tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks.
Steven Cattledge is looking to bounce back this season after he missed the majority of last season with an injury he suffered in week two against Kansas State. Cattledge started for the Trojans in the 76 Birmingham Bowl against Duke and recorded a season-high four tackles and a tackle-for-loss in his first start at the Division I level.
TJ Thompson and Luke Hodge appeared in every game for the Trojans last season. Both linebackers were key pieces in Troy's special team units. Thompson is looking to find more defensive snaps this season after recording seven total tackles and forcing a fumble as a sophomore. Hodge, a redshirt sophomore, has not yet received a defensive snap in his collegiate career but had 139 snaps on special teams which was the fourth most on the team.
Keyshawn Campbell and Anthony Butler round out the returning linebackers from last season. Campbell, a redshirt freshman from Vero Beach, Florida, only appeared in four games last season. Butler, a senior from Alabaster, Alabama, did not see any game action in 2023 but transitioned from a bandit to an inside linebacker this offseason.
Kam Weaver is the only true freshman entering this position group this season. The Andalusia, Alabama, native was a consensus three-star recruit coming out of high school. On3 ranked Weaver as the No. 58 player in Alabama and the No. 152 linebacker in the nation after he recorded 77 tackles, 18 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and 12 pass breakups as a senior.
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