Barker ‘100 percent’ heading into preseason practice
Published 6:22 pm Wednesday, July 24, 2019
- Troy quarterback Kaleb Barker (7) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boise State in Troy, Ala., Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. (Photo/Thomas Graning)
Trojan head coach Chip Lindsey announced that quarterback Kaleb Barker will be a full participant heading into fall camp at the Sun Belt Conference Media Day on Monday.
Smith played in just six games last season before he tore his ACL during Troy’s win over Georgia State on October 4.
Lindsey went as far as saying that Barker will be 100 percent heading into the season.
“He’s back, full speed, 100 percent,” Lindsey said during his press conference.
Barker was limited during spring practice. He was held out as a precaution during all team drills and participated in just 7-on-7 drills. He did not play in the T-Day Scrimmage at the end of spring practice.
“He was limited in the spring just to keep him from getting rolled on,” Lindsey said. “I really thought he did a nice job. When he’s in there, it feels different. He has established himself as one of our leaders. He has matured, he has grown in that aspect. We’re really excited about him.”
Barker completed 72 percent of his passes a season ago before the injury. He threw for 1,013 with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions. He threw for four touchdowns in Troy’s win over Florida A&M in week two. Barker rushed for 57 times for 261 yards and had three touchdowns.
Troy will open up the season on August 31 when they host Campbell beginning at 5 p.m.