Johnson's Journal - Troy Football Builds Momentum as Fan Day Packs Trojan Arena

Forty-five minutes after wrapping up practice in the sweltering heat Saturday morning, the Troy football players made their way to the comfortable setting of Trojan Arena for the annual Football Fan Day, where interactions included autographs, questions, handshakes and plenty of smiles.

"It reminds everybody of why you are doing it," Troy defensive coordinator Dontae Wright said after chatting with some fans in line. "It reminds them that all of these people are looking at them … counting on them … for some type of inspiration.

"It's a really good thing for these young men to be able to see that these people really care - they want to see us be successful and want to support us. They (players) know they're playing for something bigger than themselves."

Troy supporter Lynda Scheid of Brundidge was taking it all in, asking each player to include their jersey number as they autographed a schedule poster provided to those in attendance. She even asked where their hometown was, often leading to a lengthy conversation.

Scheid started coming to Troy games in 2019 after moving to the area and has become a big fan.

"It's just that everybody is so friendly," Scheid said of initially rooting for the Trojans. "We just absolutely love it. We love football; we love basketball; we love the volleyball team. We go to all the Trojan sports. I can't wait for the first game."

Good crowd shows up
Lines stretched around the inside of the arena as fans had a chance to meet not only the football team, but also the Troy cheerleaders and T-Roy, the school mascot. Conecuh Dogs, sodas and water were provided in what was a festive setting.

Dan Heck, Deputy Athletics Director/External Relations & Revenue Generation, was among those greeting fans in line and handing out posters for them to have signed.

"For us, this is kind of the unofficial start of the 2026 season from a fan standpoint," Heck said. "Coming off the (baseball team World Series) run to Omaha, Kyle (athletics director) and I talk a lot about as a department, 'How do we carry that momentum from June into August?' This is a way to do that - to get people excited. This is just another reminder we're one day closer to the 2026 season."

Heck also stressed the importance of the players interacting with those who support them.

"That's one of the things with the student-athletes that we talk about is they're more than just players," Heck said. "Sometimes, when you're wearing a helmet or pads, it's hard to put a face to the name, or even humanize these players. This is a great chance to get to know them as people.

"Troy is about relationships and being real, so this is a great way - especially for our newer players - to meet the fans, and for the fans to get to know them."

Back on the field
Troy head football coach Gerad Parker believes his team is in a much better position depth-wise for the fast-approaching season opener at home on Sept. 5 against Sam Houston. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

"We certainly feel like we have more depth, which is a credit to a bunch of guys being able to do a lot of jobs," Parker said. "I think that helps you in all three phases (of the game), but particularly in special teams.

"When you're able to have some young players - or players that are two or three on the depth chart - they still have a pivotal role in reps on special teams."

Parker really likes the make-up of the squad.

"I think it's a more disciplined team going into the season than we have had in years past,"
Parker said, pointing out that referees have been brought in for more practices to create a more game-like setting. "I think creating exposure in a very positive way is the whole key to this, and we've created more exposure in all phases, which I think helps you be more prepared for game one."

Being more disciplined has been stressed during practice sessions.

"The definition of discipline to me is doing your job repeatedly for team glory," Parker said. "That's how we define it at Troy.

"When you know your job and you're doing it for the man next to you, I think it really defines who we want to be as a team, and it's the only way you can play at a high level. It's something we've spent a lot of time discussing."

Standing out in crowd
Some new faces at wideout are expected to quickly become household names among Troy fans.
Junior college transfers Noreel White (East Mississippi CC) and Howard Kinchen (Pearl River CC), along with Arkansas transfer Jace Petty, have earned high marks.

"I think for us at wideout, you certainly see that Noreel White and Jace have both kind of ascended at becoming highly productive players if they continue," Parker said. "Of course, Howard Kinchen would be at the top of the list as well. So those three new faces in the wideout room, you'll see out there early and often for us."

At running back, Purdue transfer Jaheim Merriweather, a third year, and returner Jordan Lovett, a fourth year, should give the Trojans a solid one-two punch.

"Those guys are getting there," Parker said.

Defensively, the secondary will be counting on some new faces, though a familiar name in fifth year safety Justin Powe will be the anchor. Powe is a preseason All-Sun Belt second team selection.

"I'm anxious to see our safeties and our corners," Parker said. "Obviously led by Justin Powe returning, but there are familiar names like Shemar Welch (third year cornerback) … and I think if Shemar continues to play disciplined, he will take steps, along with Tai Terrell (East Central CC), a new name and multiple people in the secondary.

"Joe Lott (third year) at safety along with some newcomers - there are a bunch to throw out there. There are some familiar names that were maybe depth chart guys last year that now get key roles along with people we've brought in."

Kicking it around
Though the Trojans have arguably the best punter in the nation in preseason All-American Evan Crenshaw, the field goal and kickoff duties are still unsettled.

"I would say still in a competitive, up-in-the-air situation," Parker said. "You think maybe somebody separates and you're ready to announce something, and then maybe it doesn't happen that way.

"We've still got some steps to make. They're getting better. Who will kick the football off for us first, and who will take field goals first - I wouldn't be ready to give an answer yet.

"But I will say I don't think that means we don't have one in this case. I think it's just who will separate and be ready when the lights are on."

Troy University Athletics

Johnson's Journal - Troy Football Builds Momentum as Fan Day Packs Trojan Arena

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Evan Crenshaw

Howard Kinchen

Joe Lott

Jordan Lovett

Jaheim Merriweather

Jace Petty

Justin Powe

Tai Terrell

Shemar Welch

Noreel White

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