Dylan Hurst As the beginning of the 2018-2019 Troy Trojans football season draws closer, the pressure to earn the starting spot as quarterback has reached its peak between Kaleb Barker and Sawyer Smith. Following performances by the two in the Student Appreciation scrimmage last Friday, Head Coach Neal Brown is still evaluating a battle that is still very much alive. “Offensively, I thought it was a good day,” Brown said in an interview with Troy Athletics. “I don’t think it was our best day.” “We’ve got to continue to evolve offensively. We did make some plays down the field in the pass game, which is good. I thought both quarterbacks did some nice things. I’ll have to wait until I watch the film to really evaluate them.” Junior Kaleb Barker, who wears jersey number seven, completed multiple long-yardage passes, with an early pass going for 45 yards. Barker also scrambled for a few first downs and was able to march the ball down the field to score. He often made plays rapidly, releasing the ball within two seconds of the snap, whether to throw or to make a quick handoff. In 2017, as a backup, Barker rushed 21 times for 181 yards and two touchdowns. He also completed eight of 13 passes for 143 yards with one touchdown.Redshirt sophomore Sawyer Smith, who wears jersey number three, often held onto the ball longer than Barker during his time under center. Smith completed several passes for moderate yardage after allowing his plays to develop. Smith also moved the chains several times on quick handoffs to multiple backs. Smith redshirted and didn’t play in 2017, but he did see action as a backup quarterback for Troy in his freshman year, 2016. In his six games played, he completed 18 of 25 passes for 181 yards and rushed 19 times for 73 yards. Both quarterbacks are under evaluation by the coaching staff as the starter for the season opener is expected to be named within the days leading up to opening weekend. Regardless, both signal callers are expected to receive play against Boise State and throughout the year.
Staff Writer
Comments