Super Bowl Update

Because now's as good of a time as any, we'll look at the 2012 units over the next few days. I won't mention everyone that's returning - save that for spring - but will try to tie in some recruits.

So, here's the 2012 offense

QUARTERBACK - Corey Robinson's numbers were down a bit as a sophomore (62.2% completion, 3,411 yards, 21 TD, 15 INT) from his freshman (63.5%, 3,707 yards, 28 TDs, 15 INT), but I don't really buy the sophomore slump mention. As a freshmen, he threw a ton of shovel passes to Jerrel Jernigan and had better receivers and a more veteran offensive line in 2010. He also battled injuries all year, but never came out. He'll probably break all of Troy's career records next year. Behind him, looks like the backup battle will be between a couple of redshirt freshmen in Luke Barnes and Dallas Tidwell. JUCO quarterback Deon Anthony told me last week he was committed, but it seems like Pitt is putting the full-court press on him and if they offer, he may well end up there. So, I'd look for the Troy QB rotation next year to include Robinson, Barnes and Tidwell, and possibly redshirt freshman K.D. Edenfield as a change of pace guy.

RUNNING BACK - All of Troy's running backs are back, and most will be seniors. Shawn Southward (556 yards, 4 TD) and D.J. Taylor (367 yards, 6 TD) emerged as the top two guys. Chris Anderson (217 yards, 1 TD) is in the mix, but didn't get a carry over three of the last four games and played slot WR at WKU. Brian Exley was the fourth back, but didn't play much. T.J. Mitchell will be a senior. Daron White will be a redshirt freshman and he was impressive in fall camp. This wasn't a particularly strong group this year (last in the Sun Belt in rushing offense) and the top guys had some key fumbles.

WIDE RECEIVER - Eric Thomas (67-875 yards-9 TD, pictured above, AP photo) was Troy's best and most consistent offensive skill player this year, and Chandler Worthy (22-392-4 TD) emerged as a real threat down the stretch. Thomas will be a junior next year and Worthy a sophomore. Troy should have Jamel Johnson back from junior college and Chip Reeves back from sitting out the year as both were academically ineligible. I'd expect them to revert back to 2010 form because Johnson played his sophomore year in junior college and in Reeves' case, speed is always there assuming he kept in shape. An early look could have Thomas and Reeves at X, Justin Albert (40-338-1 TD) and Corey Johnson (43-440) at H, Worthy and Jaquon Robinson (18-211-2 TD) at Y and Jamel Johnson and Felton Payton (13-120-2 TD) at Z. B.J. Chitty (16-125-1 TD) is also in the mix. Then you factor in Troy signing several wide receivers, and Jacksonville-area receivers Brandon Brooks and Bobby Walker, as well as Elba's Michael Lindsey, come in with impressive credentials.

TIGHT END - Jim Teknipp and Gavin Ellis return as juniors next year. Neither get many balls thrown their way - 3 receptions each - but both do their assignments right when they're in the game.

OFFENSIVE LINE - This group loses two key seniors in left tackle James Brown and center Zach Swindall, but has a chance to be pretty good in 2012. Zach Johnson at right guard and Terrence Jones at right tackle both started most of the year as freshmen. Kyle Wilborn is one of the best linemen in the Sun Belt, but will have shoulder surgery again in the offseason. He'll probably be back at left guard. Who will the center be? Andrew Phillips was the backup last year, or Johnson/Wilborn could slide there. Jarred Fleming started games at left guard and right tackle and could end up as the left tackle. Redshirt freshman Dalton Bennett could get in the mix. Jimmie Arnold played a decent amount at left guard this year when Wilborn was hurt. Coach John Schlarman mentioned guys like Cody Jenkins and DeMarkus Underwood needing to step up. Chris Hawkins is a junior college recruit with three years left to play three, and he'll challenge for a spot.