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The Messenger’s roster breakdown for the 2024 Troy Trojans begins at quarterback as the Trojans look to replace a four-year starter.

There are few bigger losses for a football team than at quarterback and Troy will have the daunting task of replacing longtime starter Gunnar Watson. Returning from Troy’s 2023 team is junior Goose Crowder and sophomore Brantley native Tucker Kilcrease. New additions also include Gardner-Webb transfer Matthew Caldwell and Montgomery-Catholic freshman Caleb McCreary.

“We feel good about the progress of the quarterbacks and where they’re headed,” Troy Coach Gerad Parker said. “They’re developing a good relationship with (offensive coordinator) Sean Reagan and learning a new offense. It’s a brand new system but the guys seem comfortable and we’re learning. In order to win, we have to play well at that position, so we have to develop to where we can play well there.”

Crowder is the frontrunner to replace Watson and seemed to take control of the position during the spring. The 6-foot-2-inch, 214-pounder has a big arm and the leadership intangibles needed at the position. Kilcrease also got plenty of reps during the spring and adds some mobility to the position.

Crowder was an All-American and Alabama/Mississippi All-Star quarterback at Gardendale High School before starting his career at West Virginia. Kilcrease was an All-State quarterback Brantley, throwing for more than 7,800 yards and 104 touchdowns with just 12 interceptions during his high school career.

During his college career, Crowder has thrown for 151 yards and two touchdowns at Troy and West Virginia. Last season, Crowder threw for 94 yards and a touchdown as Watson’s primary backup. The most experienced player, however, is Caldwell.

“You can tell he’s been on two different college rosters. He’s a mature kid, he’s a big kid and he has a good way about him,” Parker said of Caldwell. “He prepares really well and the guys already respect him. He has a mature approach to things.”

The 6-foot-4-inch, 203-pounder has thrown for 1,083 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions during his career at Gardner-Webb and Jacksonville state. He’s also rushed for three touchdowns. He was Gardner-Webb’s starting quarterback last season before an injury derailed his 2023.

McCreary is young but brings a level of athleticism to the position that few players can.

“He’s still figuring things out. He’s learning a whole new offense and a new way of doing things,” Parker said of the freshman. “He’s athletic, he’s a great kid, he studies and he’s sharp. Those things will give him a chance here, he’s just still young.”

Troy also added 6-foot-5-inch Houston-Christian transfer Montana Wells to the roster. Wells redshirted at Houston-Christian last season but was one of the top quarterbacks coming out of the Houston, Texas area during his high school career.