The Boys of Fall: Day 1 of Trojans’ Camp

As the Trojans open camp on Friday August 2nd, the attention from the media is largely on the starting quarterback. With the season quickly approaching, they all want to know, not only if Barker is healthy physically, but if he is ready mentally to be back leading the offense.

First-year head coach Chip Lindsey certainly believes that he is.

Most of Day 1 at camp for the Trojans was spent installing packages, both offensively and defensively. With new coordinators on both sides of the ball and a new head coach, installation periods are incredibly important to get everyone on the same page.

Aside from Barker, another group that drew a lot of attention was the offensive line unit. This is a group up front that returns four starters, good for 91 career starts for the Trojans. Tristan Crowder and Kirk Kelley, the two returning guards for Lindsey, were both named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt Team.

If the Trojans want to dominate their schedule and contend for the Sun Belt Title, it is going to start with the offensive line. If they can execute their run blocks and leave holes in the defense for Preseason Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year, B.J. Smith, the Trojans’ offense could be explosive.

Also, let’s not forget that Barker was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the FBS before he went down with injury. If the guys up front can give Barker some time to go through his reads in the pocket, there is no reason why Barker cannot match his numbers from the first six games of the 2018 season.

For the remainder of the camp schedule, visit the Troy Athletics Football page