Trojans look for continuing success during a season of change
Published 6:40 pm Tuesday, July 23, 2019
New Troy head coach Chip Lindsey, along with quarterback Kaleb Barker and safety Melvin Tyus were introduced to the media during the annual Sun Belt Conference Media Day on Monday in New Orleans.
It will be a season of change in Troy as they get set to embark on another successful 10-win season. They will have to do it with a new head coach. Neal Brown left in the offseason and became head coach at Western Virginia – in steps Coach Lindsey.
“I’m excited about becoming the new head coach,” Lindsey said during his press conference. “Growing up in the state, Troy is obviously really special to me. Being able to come back home and work has been really exciting. I’m excited for 2019.”
Lindsey, Barker and Tyus spent their day talking to numerous radio stations as well as ESPN+.
Media day brings along the unofficial start of the college football season.
Lindsey arrived at Troy in early January and the first six months of the job has been a whirlwind for the new head coach.
“It’s fast, furious and exciting,” Lindsey said. “Building a staff, I think was the biggest thing we did. We got the right kind of guys here. Recruiting, I think we did a nice job finishing off that class.”
The biggest step for Lindsey this offseason was simply getting to know his new team.
“When you take over a team I think people forget sometimes that there is a lot of learning that goes on there. The biggest thing was getting into the homes of some of the recruits that we had, getting to know our own team and having dinner with them.”
Troy had 15 practices this spring under their new head coach, culminating in the annual T-Day game.
“It was really huge for us,” Lindsey said. “I think it established our identity and that is what we are trying to do.”
During the press conference, Lindsey spoke on the new and exciting times at the University, including the turf at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
“We have a lot of great things going on at Troy,” Lindsey said. “I think the momentum we have is outstanding.”
Troy will have some familiarity this season. They return 11 total starters including seven on offense led by returning quarterback Kaleb Barker.
Troy will return just four starters on defense, but Lindsey is excited for the younger players to step up this fall. Troy will return each one of their specialists on special teams.
The upcoming season is slated to begin on August 31 when they host Campbell. It will be the first of six regular season home games at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The will also host Southern Miss, Arkansas State, South Alabama, Georgia Southern and Appalachian State.
“We have a great home schedule,” Lindsey said. “I know our fan base is really excited about it and hopefully it will be a huge advantage for us playing at home.”