Local talent headlines Troy’s early commits
Published 9:04 am Friday, November 25, 2011
While the Troy Trojans still have two games remaining in the 2011 season, their 2012 recruiting class is beginning to take shape.
Assistant head coach Shayne Wasden said that the Trojans were attempting to add more speed to the offense and to provide more of a big play threat.
“We have been recruiting some guys that can provide a little speed,” said Wasden. “These guys are hopefully going to make some ‘Jerrel-type’ plays.”
One of the Trojans top targets during the fall has been Elba receiver/running back Michael Lindsey.
Lindsey committed to the Trojans in early October, while raking up yards and touchdowns by the bunches for the Tigers.
Lindsey has accounted for 30 touchdowns, 21 rushing and nine receiving, and nearly 1,600 combined rushing and receiving yards.
“I chose Troy because of their offense,” said Lindsey. “I like the way they throw the ball, myself being the slot receiver, and it’s also close to home, so my family can come watch me play.”
Elba head coach Scott Rials thinks that Lindsey brings the big play ability that the Trojan coach staff is searching for.
“There are times when two or three guys have him hemmed up and he will break it for a touchdown,” said Rials. “It makes you think ‘How did he just do that?”
Joining Lindsey on the Trojan commitment list is fellow Wiregrass star, Brandon Burks.
Burks, a running back from Daleville, burst on the college radar after the Warhawks season opening win over Bullock County. Burks ran for 411 yards and seven touchdowns in Daleville’s 53-23 win back in August.
Burks rushed for at least 100 yards in five of Daleville’s 10 contests.
The star of the class could be Jacksonville, Fla. native Brandon Brooks. Brooks, a three star player according to Scout.com lead the First Coast Buccaneers in receiving.
Brooks pulled in 37 receptions for 800 yards, and committed to the Trojans after taking his official visit to Troy during the Middle Tennessee game in September.
The Trojans also picked up Gulf Shores quarterback Brandon Silvers. Silvers threw for 1,400 yards and six touchdowns for the Dolphins and picked the Trojans over Southern Mississippi. Silvers ranks as a two start prospect on the 247sports.com database.
A pair of “stared” wide receivers also recently pledged the commitment to the Trojans. Cody Core and Bobby Walker combined to account 753 yards receiving an 10 touchdowns for Auburn High School and Bartram Trail (Fla.) respectively.
The much maligned Troy Defense also picked up commitments from a few high school standouts.
Mitchell Roland (Auburn High School), Shaquille Beverly (First Coast High School, Jacksonville, Fla.), JaQuadrian Lewis (Fitzgerald High School, Fitzgerald, Ga.) and Brandon Timmons (Northwest Miss. Community College) have committed to Troy and all will have opportunities to play early on.
Troy also picked up three offensive line commitments. Luke Lawrence of Tuscaloosa, Antonio Garcia of Riverdale, Ga. and Chris Hawkins of Hutchinson, Kan. come to Troy looking to sure up the depleted Trojan front.