Top Troy Defensive Back Poll Results

Troy has had numerous great defensive backs during its history, so narrowing it down was always going to be a challenge. Below are the results of the Fan Poll. 

Honorable Mentions:
0 votes – Harris Spencer, Demetric Shipman
1 vote – Tony Myrick, Sherman Wilkinson, Chris Archie, Montres Kitchens
2 votes – Shane Black, Clifford Ivory, Eric Sloan, Brannon Condren
4 votes – Ronnie Shelley, Doug Mims

The Best
Rayshun Reed – 33.3% of the votes

Some of the players may be remembered for their careers, but few in this list (or really any of my lists) have had one play go down in Troy history. Reed’s Run in the Rain helped to seal the upset victory for the Trojans in 2001 over Mississippi State.

It’s serendipitous that I mention that play because Reed himself listed that as his favorite memory at Troy. “My favorite memory was being a part of the game we won at Mississippi State in 2001. We were elated to come away with victory and I was able to score a TD in a game that was history for us. So that will forever be a memory I cherish.”

Of his inclusion on this list, Reed said, “It’s really an honor in the sense of the legacy of football at Troy University. There’s no better way to be represented during my time at Troy, than for loyal fans to include me on a list of tremendous players in the rich history of Troy. I’m sure all of the guys on this list are the best of the best as well. So thanks to all the fans who took time to participate in this poll.”

Reed said he wouldn’t change any part of his time at Troy, aside from one aspect. “ I will say I wish I had the experience of the type of nice facilities they have now but I know that we were just building up to this level at that time and I’m excited for the kids to be able to come to Troy now and have access to a bunch of great amenities to be proud of.”

Reed also mentioned how much he loved the life experiences he gained from Troy, such as “ the opportunity to establish my athletic and academic goals in life, great mentorship from great coaches and faculty, and establish lifelong friendships and memories all in one.”

Reed hopes his lasting impact on Troy is that idea that, while Trojan players may not be the most highly recruited or have lots of fanfare, they came to Troy for one reason. “We all come to Troy because we love the people, we love the school, and we as players give everything we got to do something special for the fans, student body, and staff to be proud of each season.”

40% of the votes (tied) –

Freddie Thomas

 

 

 

Johnny Faulk

In the early 2000s, Johnny Faulk, along with Derrick Ansley, paved the way for players like Sherrod Martin and Leodis McKelvin to come along. Dothan, Alabama’s own Johnny Faulk put up great numbers during his time in Troy. Of his time, Faulk said, “I loved to go to practice and have fun with my team. The bond we developed on the field was unbreakable. I developed a network of friends that will last a lifetime.”
I asked Faulk about what his inclusion on this list meant to him. “It is an honor and a blessing to have the fans to remember me as one of the best players to come through Troy considering all of the great defensive backs that have played at Troy. I am flattered.”

Faulk said that he loved practicing with his team, but hoped “that my coaches, professors, athletic trainers and supporters knew that I gave everything I had on and off the field. I worked as hard as I could. I hope that I showed how hard work pays off.”

Faulk also told me that he loved the family aspect of Troy. “When I visit Troy, there is always a heartfelt welcome. Troy showed me love and pushed me to my greatest potential.”

Sherrod Martin

Sherrod was one of the cornerstones of the Sun Belt Champion defenses of the late 2000s. Martin felt that being included on this list was a blessing.

“I’m forever grateful and honored to be on a list with a great group of guys. Troy has a history of ballers, so the list could go on and on.”

Of his time in Troy, he mentioned that his favorite memories were training, enjoying the experiences of college and simply, football. He continued saying, “Troy’s impact on me was major. It’s not all about how big a university is. It’s all about the people, the coaches, the staff, the community, and your peers that makes a university great.”

When asked if he hoped there was any impact he left on Troy, he responded, “If you stay the course and keep faith, you can accomplish anything you put your mind too.

With a career like his, he definitely embodied that idea.

Cedarius Rookard

Blace Brown – 46.7%

Derrick Ansley – 53.3%

Leodis McKelvin – 73.3%

This was going to be a lock before I even made the poll. McKelvin is only one of two first round picks in Troy history and was, along with Sherrod Martin, one of those dynamic DBs that helped Troy win 5 straight Sun Belt Championships.

McKelvin said that it felt good to be recognized by his Trojan family. “Troy is always home for me. I love it there!”

Leodis felt his biggest memory of playing was running out of the Troy Helmet with James “Radio” Kennedy.

While McKelvin said he wouldn’t change anything about his time at Troy, he did want people to remember one thing: that you can come to Troy and be successful.

 

That about wraps up the DBs, but there will be more. Check back later this week and we will have our pre-rankings for the best Kickers in Troy History. As always, let me know what you think in the comments here or on Twitter, @BenOnSports.

 

Stay safe and be healthy!