Despite a downpour early in Thursday’s practice, the Troy football team got two hours of work in.

The defense ruled putting pressure on the offensive line and quarterbacks.

“That group is a lot better,” head coach Larry Blakeney said. “They’re flying around and really making every work. There is still plenty of work to do but I’m pleased with the progress they’ve made.”

Troy’s defensive unit ranked 96th in total defense a year ago but looked primed for a rebound season in 2013.

Robinson, Bennett get nicked up, Anthony returns

Quarterback Corey Robinson left the field just before practice concluded on Thursday with an apparent elbow injury. Blakeney couldn’t give any details about the possible injury but it doesn’t appear to be serious.

Offensive lineman Dalton Bennett is looking to overcome a high ankle sprain. Bennett was on the sideline on Thursday and didn’t appear to have too much discomfort. The sophomore is looking to anchor the Trojans offensive line at center.

Quarterback Deon Anthony completed all drills at practice. Anthony had been dinged up and sat out several drills over the last few days.

Eric Thomas feels at home at X-receiver spot

Two seasons ago, Eric Thomas was Troy’s leading receiver as the team’s X-receiver. Last year, he made the move to the opposite side of the offense to make room for Chip Reeves. Now, the senior is back to where he made a name for himself as a sophomore.

“It has really come back naturally, there is nothing that has really bothered me about the transition,” Thomas said. “I can play both side, I just like the left side more. We’ve got the players to execute this offense and score points. We’ve got receivers that can do anything, it’s just a matter of putting our minds to it.”

As a sophomore in 2011, Thomas caught a team-high 67 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns. Last season, he hauled in 55 passes for 667 yards and seven scores.