A spring tradition at Troy University the last several years has seen walk-on football players placed on scholarship and that continued this year with receiver DJ Epps and running back Tae Meadows both earning scholarships.

Over the years, Troy walk-ons turned scholarship athletes have included the likes of All-Conference players like Hunter Reese, Carlton Martial and Craig Slocum Jr. Epps is a junior receiver from Seale, while Meadows is a junior running back from Roanoake. Troy head coach Gerad Parker revealed to the duo, and the rest of the team, about the decision to place them on scholarship prior to T-Day. 

“In a world of college football, an ever-changing world of rosters, everyone wants to complain about something, but both of these players have earned this right,” Troy Coach Gerad Parker said. “They have put themselves in a position to add value to us on Saturdays and done things the right way and when you do that at Troy University, we are going to reward that.

“I don’t care about roster sports or who we may get out of this portal or from junior college, we’re going to reward the players that serve this university and our football team the right way and put them on scholarship when they’ve earned that right. Those two guys have earned it. One of the coolest parts of my job are things like that.” 

Meadows rushed for more than 6,000 yards during his high school career at Handley High and was named the Class 4A State Championship Game MVP as a senior. Last season he carried the ball three times for 41 yards. 

“Tae has taken a huge step forward for us in the offseason with what he’s done, hence why we put him on scholarship,” Parker said of Meadows. “We couldn’t be happier with where he is and expect big things out of him and he’s earned our trust.” 

Epps was an all-area athlete at Russell County High School before coming to Troy. Last season, he caught one pass for five yards and caught a touchdown pass during T-Day this season.

“I was surprised,” Epps said with a smile about being placed on scholarship. “We came to the team meeting room and right at the end, Coach Parker announced it. I just had to hold my tears in. I’m super grateful and blessed to have this opportunity.” 

Epps said his teammates have always had his back and that Meadows is one of his best friends on the team, so it was special for them both to earn this recognition.

“My teammates have had my back all spring, rooting me on and they know I put the work in,” said Epps. “(Meadows) is one of my closest friends and he puts in the work every single day, too. He puts his down and just works. I’m super proud of him.”