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!