The Troy Trojans football team hit the field at Veterans Memorial Stadium on March 25 after more than a week off. 

Head coach Gerad Parker said he could tell there had been a break for his players.

“It looked like an 11-day break and that’s okay,” Parker said. “That’s what it looked like, though, hence the reason we were in helmets today. I have to be better, too. In year two I’ve learned that an 11-day break will have some stuff for you to work through.”

Parker said part of the reason the Trojans returned to practice in helmets and no pads was to limit the chance of injury off a long break.

“We went in helmets today to get ourselves back and make sure we take care of some guys and make sure we don’t end up with some guys with some soft tissue stuff coming off a break,” he continued. “We got better as we settled in but you could tell we had some time off. This will be a good reality check for us to get back on Thursday getting the (helmets and shoulder pads) on.”

Parker said there were also benefits to the break.

“I think it’s really good for our guys’ minds and it’s a good pause for us with installs and maybe a chance for some guys that started with some (injuries) to get healthy,” he said. “We are healthier. There are some benefits and I like the two weeks on, break, three weeks on (structure) but the one negative is they have enough time off where their minds and bodies get away for a little bit. It’s a reality check back in it and we’ll be ready to go.” 

At the midway point of spring practices, Parker said the improved depth of the roster is something that is obvious when looking at practices.

“What we do know is we’re more player led than we were last year,” he said. “We have more depth on our roster to be able to practice a different way this spring. Our guys are eager and it’s highly competitive at every position group, which has allowed us to have very efficient practices. I’m pleased and I really mean that, but I want to see us take steps daily to get to where we want to be.” 

Parker said that he’s seen plenty of competition throughout the roster during the spring.

“I think there is a lot of healthy competition on the backend of our defense now with some of the acquisitions that have showed up since January,” said Parker. “That’s helped us and the defensive line is certainly deeper there and on offense there is a new batch of receivers and young guys that have ascended.” 

As Troy begins to prepare for the annual T-Day game, Parker said he’s excited to see what his team does at this Saturday’s scrimmage. 

“I think we really start to introduce and get game ready for what spring is,” he continued. “We get some down and distance stuff in and really let our guys just go out and play. We’re developing and you have to get depth in the spring. 

“We have some depth to make sure we continue grow and I’m excited to get out there Saturday and work some more game situations and more third down stuff and just let them play and get the coaches off the field. Let them go play and solve some things on their own.”

Troy returns to the practice field on Thursday morning before holding a scrimmage on Saturday.