Troy senior safeties Camren Hudson and Chris Pickett sat out all contact drills in spring practice. They were forced to stand on the sidelines and watch thier teammates practice. Both suffered shoulder injuries last season and spent the spring recovering.

Hudson seperated his left shoulder in Troy’s season opener versus UAB. Fighting through some pain and discomfort, he played in every game for the Trojans. Hudson said the time off in the spring gave him a chance to watch and learn defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt’s new system.

“I got learn mentally. It allowed me to see what we were learning from the sideline,” Hudson said. “Coming back from surgery, I feel a lot better. I feel like I can make the hits I want to make, play the way I want to play.”

Pickett suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder against North Texas but only missed one game. He also had offseason surgery.

“I feel good. Sitting out spring practice gave me a chance to work harder in the training room, in the weight room,” he said. “The trainers helped me a lot. Laying off of it helped a lot, too. I feel 100 percent, I feel great.”

DEON ANTHONY LOOKING GOOD AT INSIDE RECEIVER

Troy reserve quarterback Deon Anthony has not only been preparing to throw touchdown passes but catch a few as well. He’s been working with the inside receivers and caught several short passes on Monday.

Though it is unlikely to see Anthony hauling in any long ball, he gives the Trojans another athletic body on the field. Anthony says play receiver has helped him understand the offense even better.

“I having a lot of fun right now. Coaches have told me not get too comfortable because I’d be moving right back to quarterback at some point,” he said.

Anthony said he fully expects for the Trojans to use him and Corey Robinson at the same time this season. Anthony threw for 856 yards last season with nine touchdowns, he also rushed for 390 yards and eight more scores.

DARON WHITE SITS OUT MONDAY SESSION

Running back Daron White sat out Monday’s practice session with heat related issues. A common problem this time of year, several Troy players have been forced to cut their sessions short due to the rising temperatures.

White is competing for a spot in the running back rotation that includes Brandon Burks, Khary Franklin, Michael Lindsey and freshman Jordan Chunn.