Troy Football: Trojans must prove they’re not one-hit-wonder

Offense

The Troy offense was proficient if not quite prolific by 2017 standards. Even so, they scored 31.5 points per game on the way to an 11-2 record. They benefitted from a veteran offensive line that was among the best in the country at keeping defenses on the plus side of the line of scrimmage. Troy quarterbacks were sacked an average of just 1.15 times per game, and opposing defenses managed only 4.23 tackles for loss per outing.

Even with a strong offensive line, though, Troy struggled to generate much of a running game. Jordan Chunn, the most experienced back, is now with the Dallas Cowboys. Fullback Josh Anderson is gone after exhausting his eligibility. That leaves former Memphis transfer Jamarius Henderson as the most experienced back on the team. In his first year on the field for Troy, he finished with 355 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 45 carries and added 11 receptions for 95 yards.

One of the key players in this year’s Troy offense could be graduate transfer Traveon Samuel, who started six games as a receiver and filled in as a runner for Louisville last season. After catching passes from 2016 Heisman winner and first-round NFL Draft pick Lamar Jackson, Samuel offers an experienced and highly-skilled receiver and running back for whoever steps in at quarterback.

Focusing on the quarterback battle

Who will drive the Troy offense, though? That is the biggest question heading into the 2018 season. Four-year starter Brandon Silvers was a critical component of Troy’s rise over the past four years under Neal Brown. Now the offensive staff must settle on a replacement for their offensive catalyst.

Kaleb Barker looks like the most likely candidate to replace Silvers at starter. Barker looked strong in the spring scrimmage, connecting with Louisville transfer Samuel on a touchdown pass. The junior backed up Silvers last season and is the lone player on the roster with game experience at the college level.

Though Barker leads the race, though, he cannot get complacent. Redshirt sophomore Sawyer Smith also showed promise in the spring game, and he will look to supplant his counterpart at the end of the summer before the season commences. Settling on the right leader under center will be critical for Troy’s chances of success in 2018 and beyond.