Next test: Trojans to host second scrimmage
Published 8:38 pm Friday, April 12, 2019
- Photo/Jonah Enfinger Sawyer Smith throws a pass during practice.
The Troy Trojans will hold their final scrimmage on Saturday morning before holding their annual T-Day game on April 20.
With one more week of practice, the Trojans have spent the spring getting accustomed to a new coaching staff led by new head coach Chip Lindsey.
It’s been a feeling out process for everyone involved this spring, but Lindsey would like to see continued improvement in scrimmage number two.
“The best improvement you can make is from scrimmage one to scrimmage two and that is what we are hoping for,” Lindsey said.
Like in many of the spring practices around the country, there are plenty of positional battles occurring in Troy this spring, none bigger than at quarterback. For the second straight season, Kaleb Barker and Sawyer Smith will be battling for the top spot leading into the season opener against Campbell.
“There is a battle at every position,” Lindsey said. “We try to make sure that we make an effort where every position, every day has to compete. That’s why we mess with the depth chart and change it every day. We feel like we have two guys that have played a lot here, made plays and won games.”
Smith has gotten the majority of the reps in team drills this spring compared to Barker, who is limited to 7-on-7 drills after missing the second half of last season due to a knee injury.
“He is going great,” Lindsey said. “During 7-on-7 you can see flashes. He is in good shape right now. I think he is holding up well physically and we are going to get him to fall camp.”
Smith, who finished the second half of last season, has continued to make steady process throughout spring practice.
“He seems more comfortable,” Lindsey said. “He is throwing the ball better and making good decisions. I am really pleased with his progress so far. I think overall there is a calming factor when he and Kaleb both are in there.”
The scrimmage will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday. On April 20, the annual T-Day game will begin at noon.