This is a series of 10 Troy players to watch in 2013. Their successes/failures will play a big impact on the Trojans’ season.

10. Camren Hudson

9. Bryan Holmes

8. Antonio Gillespie

7. B.J. Chitty

6. Chris Davis

5. Deon Anthony

4. Mark Wilson

3. Eric Thomas

The Hands Man, Eric Thomas will not only be an impact player for Troy in 2013, he will be a game changer.

Troy is practically losing its entire rushing attack from last season and the offense will need time to sort out who’s who in the group of back they plan to use. Some will rise, some will fall, but Eric Thomas will have to be the guy Corey Robinson leans on when things get tough.

His spectacular plays against the likes of Tennessee and North Texas are well-documented but he needs six to seven touches a game.

Thomas is big enough to fight for the ball on the fade, fast enough to beat corners deep and runs routes well enough to get open in the post. Where he can make his money (not literal) is on the quick outs and screens that Troy likes to run. They may not always be flashy but Thomas is a lock to gain yardage if the ball is delivered on time and that’s what keeps the chains moving.

Last season Thomas was No. 2 behind Chip Reeves in receptions with 55. He tallied 667 yards and led the team with seven touchdown receptions. It will be interesting to see if he can get the numbers he did in 2011 without Reeves (67 rec, 875 yds, 9 TDs).