February 1, 2010 was a special day for Troy linebacker De’Von Terry. That was the day he found out that he made the football team. It was also the day his son, Javon, was born.

“He’s a big part of my motivation,” Terry said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity that I’ve been given. It’s been a long time coming.”

Terry, who is a walk-on from Enterprise High School, is a backup for team leader Kanorris Davis but made the most of his chances in Troy’s season opening victory against UAB. The senior recovered a fumble, intercepted a pass and recorded five tackles in the first game he has participated in for the Trojans.

“He’s not a huge guy but he’s lean and can run,” head coach Larry Blakeney said of the 6-1, 179-pound Terry. “It was a great experience to see a young man like him be successful.”

During Terry’s first two seasons in which he was relegated to scout team duty, Blakeney allowed him leave practices early to work jobs at Sonic and Santa Fe to help pay for school. Blakeney said Terry never violated the agreement they had and has become a dependable person on and off the field.

The one know as “Goose” by his teammates, a nickname he acquired in high school, is concentrating on just football now and is on track academically after a rocky start at college.

His first year at Troy, Terry wasn’t academically eligible to play football and in 2009 the Trojans didn’t have a roster spot available. The next season Terry tried out again.

“I had to try out just like everyone else,” Terry