Freshman Corey Robinson passed for 194 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday’s scrimmage. (Photo courtesy Kevin Glackmayer/Troy Unv. Athletics)

Contributed
(August 14, 2010)

TROY – After struggling last week in the first scrimmage of fall camp, the Trojans offense erupted on Saturday, posting four touchdown scoring drives and connecting on field goals three other times.

The offense saw its biggest gains with redshirt freshman Corey Robinson at the helm. He led the Trojans to each of its scoring drives and threw for two touchdowns.

Robinson completed 16-of-22 passes for 194 yards and the two scores. He also threw a late interception.

Despite the solid numbers, Robinson split time with redshirt junior Jamie Hampton. The Cedar Bluff native completed just 10-of-24 passes for 49 yards. He also threw an interception.

Even with a solid outing from Robinson and the lackluster showing by Hampton, Troy head coach Larry Blakeney still isn’t ready to settle on a starter for September 4 against Bowling Green.

“I’m not sure we’ve got a quarterback that’s ready to make a stand yet,” Blakeney said. “We’ve just got to keep sawing wood.”

Likewise, Robinson is not letting the competition bother him and is trying to prepare for whatever playing time he might receive.

“Right now, we are just trying to get ready for the season,” Robinson said. “I’m trying not to think about that right now, even though it’s always back there. I’m just trying to get ready for the season so that if I do play I can go out there and help us win some games.”

Robinson engineered the highlight drive of the morning completing a 43-yard touchdown throw on a “Go” route to junior wide out Chip Reeves. Reeves finished the morning with three catches for 88 yards and the score.

Reeves’ speed was one of the big difference makers in the Troy offense on Saturday morning.

“Chip’s faster than anything we’ve seen except for probably Jerrel [Jernigan],” Robinson said. “He’s got that extra gear. When he sees a ball, he can just go get it. “

The Trojans’ other score through the air came on a series that included Robinson connecting with freshman Sam Haskins on three consecutive plays before finding him in the endzone from 13 yards out for the touchdown. Haskins tallied five catches for 50 yards on the day.

The ground game was equally strong for Troy on Saturday. TJ Mitchell carried the bulk of the load, running 12 times for 64 yards. Senior DuJuan Harris totaled 42 yards on six carries and a score.

Additionally, senior wide receiver/quarterback Jonathan Chandler carried four times in a Wildcat formation and reached pay dirt.

Blakeney also heaped praise on his defense that played inspired for the duration of the scrimmage.

“It looks like our scheme on defense is good and we’ve got some players over there that are excited about playing and scrimmaging today,” Blakeney said. “We did some good things defensively.”

Redshirt freshman safety Caleb Massey along with defensive end John Robles turned in the defensive highlights with athletic returns after interceptions.

Massey took his pick of Robinson 60 yards to the end zone for a score, while Robles had his play blown dead following a terrific read of dump off in the flats attempt by Hampton. The officials blew the play dead once Hampton got caught in the middle. All Troy quarterbacks were wearing yellow “no contact” jerseys on Saturday.

Massey finished the day with seven tackles, while Bryant McKissic added six. Barry Valcin, Brannon Bryan and Robles added five stops.

Troy’s kickers also had strong days. Junior Michael Taylor was 2-for-2 with field goals of 23 and 47 yards. Freshman Dylan Johnson connected from 29 yards out on his only attempt.

Punter Will Goggans averaged 34.4 yards on five punts.

The Trojans also got some experience for a few younger offensive linemen on Saturday. Returning starter at right tackle Kyle Wilborn and projected starter at right guard Jacob Creech both missed the scrimmage.

“We’ve got Wilborn out now and we are moving folks around,” Blakeney said. “The only solid places are Tyler Clark, Tyler Graves and James Brown. We’ve even moved Graves to right guard to give a young guy a chance at left guard. I think the biggest thing is to solidify the front and know who the best five are and get them running together and learning each other.”

The Trojans get an off day on Sunday before hitting the field Monday at 3:30. For more information on Troy athletics, stay tuned to TroyTrojans.com and be sure to follow @TroyAthletics on Twitter.