Super Bowl Update

Here's a brief look at the new Trojans - from midyear and February - and my guess at their chances of getting on the field for the 2012 Trojans. Bear in mind that I know some Feb. signees will not qualify, and some will grayshirt. I do not know who those guys are yet, though.

QUARTERBACK

Deon Anthony (Hinds CC - midyear): Anthony chose Troy despite getting late interest from BCS conferences. He'll battle Corey Robinson in spring practice and gives Troy a legit Wildcat option, or a dual-threat guy if he's the starter. Chances of playing: Very good. Anthony will have a role this fall, but we'll see how much.

Brandon Silvers (Gulf Shores, Ala. - February): Silvers has wanted to be a Trojan since he could pick up a football. Silvers is a very athletic guy who can run and throw. Chances of playing: Very slim. He's got a bright future, but Troy has some guys in front of him. Best to redshirt and learn the offense.

RUNNING BACK

Andre Allen (Panama City, Fla. - February): Allen ran for 4,000-plus yards over his junior and senior seasons at Arnold High School. The 3-star recruit is probably generously listed at 5-9, 180, which is about where current starter Shawn Southward was at this stage. Chances of playing: Slim. Offensive coordinator Kenny Edenfield said that, with four senior running backs, odds are high that Allen redshirts.

Brandon Burks (Daleville, Ala. - February): Burks is generously listed at 5-10, 190, but make no mistake about it, he can play. Burks topped 400 yards in the season opener against Bullock County and has a good head on his shoulders. Chances of playing: Slim, see above with Andre Allen. Also factor in with the seniors that Troy returns Brian Exley and Daron White as well.

WIDE RECEIVER

Jamel Johnson (Holmes CC, Miss. - Midyear): Johnson was very good as a freshman in 2010, but grades sent him to JUCO for a semester. He's a big-bodied guy that can run well and has good hands. Chances of playing: For sure, and he's a likely starter at the Z-WR spot.

Brandon Brooks (Jacksonville, Fla. - February): Brooks helped lead First Coast to a Class 7A state runner-up finish. Three-star recruit topped 1,000 yards receiving and is listed at 6-0, 185 pounds. Chances of playing: Decent to good. Troy is searching for playmakers, and Brooks will get a shot to hit the field early.

Bobby Walker (Bartram Trail, Fla. - February): Also a 3-star recruit, Walker topped 500 yards in each of his last two seasons. He's listed at 6-1, 170. Chances of playing: Decent. He'll get a shot just like Brooks. I don't know as much about Walker as I do about Brooks, but he looks like he also has a chance to play early.

Michael Lindsey (Elba, Ala. - February): Lindsey led Elba to the Class 2A state title and he'll be an H-WR just like Jerrel Jernigan. He's listed at 5-10, 185 (he's not that tall or big), but he looked mighty dapper on Signing Day with the bow tie, and he's fast as lightning. Chances of playing: Very good, since he's going to be at the H-WR and it might be easier for him to get on the field first among the trio of true freshman wideouts assuming Brooks and Walker are at other positions. Lindsey's got a chance to make his career project like Jernigan's did.

***OF note, my guess is that two of these three freshman WRs play. I think all three have a good chance, but I just think that two of them will. Which ones? We'll find out when they get here.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Chris Hawkins (Hutchinson, Kan. CC - midyear): Hawkins is about 6-2, 295 pounds, and a re-sign from the 2010 class. He'll come in and play one of the tackle spots as a sophomore with three to play three. Chances of playing: Very good - he'll start or be a sixth or seventh man.

Antonio Garcia (Riverdale, Ga. - February): Garcia is one of those big guys who once played basketball and was talked into playing football. Good move, as he's 6-7, 265 and athletic. Chances of playing: Slim, as true freshmen offensive linemen rarely ever play. He'll get a chance to develop into a college tackle.

Tyler Lassiter (Hazel Green, Ala. - February): Lassiter is another big tackle with more bulk on him than Garcia (about 6-7, 300). He looks to finish his blocks well in his highlight clips. Chances of playing: Slim, like Garcia, he'll probably need a year to redshirt and develop.

Luke Lawrence (Tuscaloosa, Ala. - February): Lawrence was one of Class 6A power Hillcrest's top players (hate to admit Hillcrest is a power now because I'm a Central-Tuscaloosa alum). He was highly recruited and projects as a guard. Chances of playing: Slim, but perhaps better than the two tackles. Then again, there's not much proven depth at guard and the returning older guards have dealt with injuries.

KICKER

Ryan Kay (Hampton, Ga. - Midyear): Kay is actually a grayshirt from the 2011 signing class, but no reason to use one of the 85 on him last year with Michael Taylor being a senior. Kay is the only scholarship placekicker as of right now. Chances of playing: Pretty good, though he'll compete with Jed Solomon, a walk-on who redshirted last year, and others for the starting spot.

PUNTER

Will Scott (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC - Midyear): Scott was signed to come in and be the starting punter, so it's certainly his job to lose. Scott was impressive and earned some All-American honors during his sophomore year. Chances of playing: Very good, as I'd be surprised if he doesn't win the punting job.