Troy Trojans Unit Preview: Receivers

This is the final unit preview for the Trojans. To see the defense, start over at the loaded defensive line. Catch up on offense with the backfield.

Tight End

Sam Letton - JR - 12 games, 11 starts, 11 catches for 115 yards, 1 TD

Gabe Hill - SR - 13 games, 1 start, 1 catch for 32 yards

Jebb Davis - SR - 12 games

The tight end in Coach Brown’s offense primarily serves as a lead and edge blocker, as evidenced by the lack of involvement in the passing game. Sam Letton answered the call when needed, including big catches against Boise and LSU. Gabe Hill served primarily as a blocker, while Jebb Davis only saw a few offensive snaps, mostly contributing on special teams.

Wide Receivers

Traveon Samuel - SR - (Louisville) 21 catches for 339 yards

Sidney Davis - SR - 13 games, 3 starts, 8 catches for 77 yards

Tray Eafford - SO - 9 games, 17 catches for 312 yards, 3 TDs

Damion Willis - SR - 13 games, 8 starts, 42 catches for 620 yards, 3 TDs

Deondre Douglas - SR - 13 games, 12 starts, 48 catches for 628 yards, 4 TDs

Daniel Crowell - JR - JUCO Transfer

Luke Whittemore - RFr - Has not played

Richard Hallman - JR - 9 games, 5 catches for 96 yards, 1 TD

Louisville transfer Traveon Samuel dazzled in spring camp and put his name in ink on the starting lineup with a 65-yard touchdown reception in the spring game. Douglas Davis and Willis return as experienced starters. Crowell is a big bodied JUCO transfer who came in late in the spring. Eafford was making strides as a true freshman big play threat, leading the team in yards per catch, before a knee injury cut his season short. Hallman provides reliable depth at the Y position, and Whittemore received plenty of praise over the spring from Coach Brown.

Projected Depth Chart

TE - Letton/Hill/Davis

WR - Douglas/Samuel/Willis/Davis

Rotation WR - Crowell/ Hallman/ Eafford/ Whittemore/ Hallman

Verdict

Troy lost three of their top 5 pass catchers last season, however they will return their top two receivers and add an explosive transfer in Samuels. The reserves are experienced and lethal, with a mixture of size and speed to fill in at any of the receiver spots. Expect plenty of rotation from the reserves. Troy utilized eight receivers last year, and six of them had more than 10 catches on the season. This is an extremely deep unit that will put up numbers if the quarterback situation pans out.