The Best Offensive Line Era in Troy History
I only thought that the Tight Ends were a thankless position in the hierarchy of Troy’s positions. Boy, was I wrong. Statistics are at least available for tight ends. Offensive Linemen seem to be the most invisible players on the field when it comes to the stat sheet.
As usual, my basis for ranking these players was basing them off of All-America/All-Conference honors and records set at their position. As offensive line records are not kept officially by Troy, I have to base my decisions on the other half of my criteria. I will, whenever possible, augment my selections with any available statistics.
With this in mind, commentary on this ranking will be much more general. As always, along with the limitations I already mentioned, players included cannot be currently playing.
Due to the lack of statistics for the offensive linemen, I will divide the selections between All-Americans, each conference’s All-Conference performers, and any other notable players. Voting will also be handled in this manner.
Without further ado, let’s begin.
The Gulf South Conference Era
The Gulf South Conference constituted Troy’s first foray into an NCAA conference, playing in it from 1970-1990. The Trojans (and Red Wave for a couple of years) won six Gulf South Conference titles during this time and 2 National Championships. They also made another appearance in the Division II Playoffs in 1986.
Offensive Linemen from this era were prolific at their position, especially in the run heavy offense. Three Trojans gained All-American Honors, while 15 players were selected to 18 All-Gulf South Conference Teams.
All-Gulf South Selections
Tim Bryan, C – 1981
Jimmy Campbell, G – 1976 & 1977
Steve Campbell, C – 1987
George Coker, OL – 1989 & 1990
Jim Dubose, T – 1971
Mitch Geiger, G – 1984 AA, 1983-84 All-GSC
Marty Gilley, G – 1986
Ronnie Hannah, G – 1975
Reginald Hutchins, G – 1988
Donnie Jones, G – 1974
James Jones, T – 1982
Mark King, C – 1973 & 74 AA, 1973-74 All-GSC
Jack Peavy, G – 1985
Eddie Phillips, C – 1978
The Southland Conference Era
After moving to FCS, Troy joined the Southland Conference in 1996 and competed in its ranks until leaving for FBS in 2000. During their short five years in the conference, the Trojans won the league three times (1996, 1999, 2000, each with at least 10 wins). They went to the playoffs four out of the five years they were in the Southland. Four players were given All-American Honors during Troy’s time in the Southland. Eleven players earned All-Southland Selections on 16 different teams.
The Southland Era featured the #1 (7, 1996), #4 (14, 1997), and #10 (18, 1998) fewest sacks allowed in Troy’s history.
All-Southland Conference
Jim Byerly, OL – 1998
Blake Carruthers, OL – 2000 AA, 1999 & 00 All-Southland
Scott Childers, OL – 1996
Matt Davis, OL 1996 & 1997
Brent Harrison, G – 2000
Kerry Jenkins, OL – 1996 AA, 1996 All-Southland
Brent McAiley, OL – 1999 & 2000
Michael Moore, OL – 1999 AA, 1999 All-Southland
Cleve Roberts, T – 1998 AA, 1997-98 All-Southland
Leonard Shaughnessy, OL – 1998
Charles Thomas, OL – 1999 & 2000
The Sun Belt Conference Era
Troy joined the Sun Belt Conference in 2004 after spending three years in the FBS Independent Wilderness. The Trojans reached a bowl in their first year in the Sun Belt and have been to 7 more since, holding a 5-3 record in the postseason games. Troy has earned 6 Sun Belt Titles, including 5 straight from 2006-10. 17 players have earned All-Conference honors on 24 different teams.
The Offensive Line during the Sun Belt Era has seen stellar line play. 5 of the Top 10 fewest sacks allowed have come during this era. It holds the #2 (8, 2016), #5 (14.5, 2008), #6 (15, 2017), #7 (15.5, 2012), and #10 (18, 2015) spots.
All-Sun Belt Conference
Junior Louissaint, OL – 2004
Henry Tellis, OL – 2004
Zach Yenzer, OL – 2006
Kirbie Bodiford, OL – 2006
Dion Small, OL – 2007 & 2008
Chris Jamison, OL – 2007 & 2008
Tyler Clark, OL – 2009 & 2010
Danny Franks, OL – 2009
James Brown, OL – 2009
Kyle Wilborn, OL – 2012
Terrance Jones, OL – 2013 & 2014
Evan Mckissack, OL – 2013
Dalton Bennett, OL – 2014 & 2015
Antonio Garcia, OL – 2015 & 2016
Tyler Lassiter, OL – 2016
Steven Rowzee, OL – 2017
Deontae Crumitie, OL – 2017 & 2018
Independents and Others (Multiple Eras)
The independents and others were chosen due to their winning All-America honors while not in a conference or for being notable for the legacy they left on Troy history.
Seasons in these era also hold records for fewest sacks allowed. 1995 ranks #3 with 9 sacks allowed, while 1993 and 1994 are tied at #8 with 17.
Independents and Other Players
Cecil Miller, T – 1941 AA
Mike Amos, OL/DL – 1965
Bob Hall, C/T – 1994 & 1995 AA
Troy has long had a history of successful players, especially the offensive line. Most of an offense’s success is contingent on the thankless tasks carried out by the offensive line. Hopefully, now they’ve been given their due. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite era of Troy’s Offensive Line.
Poll – https://forms.gle/EA5NjjcHPQcgxjkW7
As always, follow me on Twitter (@benonsports) and feel free to comment here or there and let me know what you think!
Be on the lookout for the Defensive Line coming next Thursday!