In recent years, the Trojans limped into the annual T-Day scrimmage with multiple injuries. On Saturday morning at Veterans Memorial Stadium, fans were treated to a more traditional game day-like scrimmage and they were treated by big plays from the Troy playmakers including wide receiver Luke Whittemore.

Strong camps have become the norm for Whittemore and he helped pave the way to a win for the grey team on Saturday. Whittemore hauled in five passes for 94 yards and a touchdown in cool and windy conditions inside the stadium.

“I have really just tried to be consistent,” Whittemore said. “I did have a good spring last year, but I didn’t want it to be a one-time thing. I want to keep progressing and get stronger and faster. I have a lot of good players around me and I am thankful I was able to perform well (Saturday).”

Whittemore’s touchdown came on a pass from Gunnar Watson. The two hooked up multiple times throughout the contest, leading to some playful banter between Whittemore and the grey team quarterback Sawyer Smith.

“It was a funny conversation between us,” Whittemore said. “Sawyer was kind of mad at me because I wasn’t catching any of his balls, but I was catching all of Gunnar’s. It was pretty funny there, but Gunnar and Sawyer both played really well today, fitting some balls into some tight windows and I was glad with how they played this spring.”

Whittemore, like the other members of Troy’s offense, has had to adjust to the new-look coaching staff. On Saturday, the transition continued to be a smooth one.

“It’s always kind of a difficult process, but I think it has gone smooth. We like coach Lindsay a lot and we like the system he has offensively,” Whittemore said. “The guys have really bought into the culture and the system.”

In past seasons, Whittemore has been down in the depth chart behind guys like Dondre Douglas, Damion Willis and others. Now he will be looked at to play a valuable role in the offense.

“I just want to keep doing what I do and keep playing my game,” Whittemore said. “Hopefully it will carry on into the season.”

Whittemore will have his work cut out for him going up against the Troy defense in practice throughout the summer and fall camp.

“Those guys have made me better,” Whittemore said. “Me and Terrance Dunlap have gone at it all spring and he is a guy that is a really good athlete and corner. I have to come with my A-game every day if I want to beat him.”

In the short amount of time he saw him this spring, Lindsey has liked what he has seen out of his receiver.

“I think he is going to make a lot of plays before his time is done,” said head coach Chip Lindsey. “He has had a great spring. He is a guy that is where he is supposed to be all the time. He is a guy that is going to make plays when he gets an opportunity. I like where he is right now.”