Super Bowl Update

Here are pictures of some of Troy's signees today. I took the ones of Michael Lindsey and Brandon Burks. I got pictures sent to me from other signees.

If any signees or relative of signees reading this has a picture from them signing today, or just from today in general, please send to me and I'll get it posted. I'll keep this pushpinned on the right side of the blog.

Tuscaloosa offensive lineman Luke Lawrence with his family.

Hazel Green offensive lineman Tyler Lassiter signing with Troy.

Jacksonville, Fla., wide receiver Brandon Brooks with his family.


Daleville running back Brandon Burks at the Dothan Eagle luncheon

Elba wide receiver Michael Lindsey at the Dothan Eagle luncheon.


Madison-Bob Jones defensive back Rishad Goode signed with Troy today.

Here is Auburn High linebacker Mitchell Roland celebrating his signing.

Here is offensive coordinator Kenny Edenfield giving some insight on every last one of Troy's offensive signees today.

Here's a rather long, 4-5 minute video with Troy defensive coordinator Jeremy Rowell. He talks about the signing class and what impact these guys will have in next year's defense, and if there will be a scheme change or not.

Sally Jo Saunders was a good friend to Renee's. We got to know her back in the 1990s when Renee's was young and in a tiny 500 square foot space on Hewitt Avenue. Although she was private about her personal life, she was always interested in what was going on at Renee's and in the community.

Sally became a regular attender at all the special events, sales and fashion shows we had at Renee's. She was loyal and helpful; she told everyone else about our promotions, and encouraged others to patronize not only Renee's, but all the retail establishments downtown Everett. If you attended any of the affairs, likely she offered her suggestions and thoughts about what you should try on, what you might purchase, and appreciated and pushed items she thought were reasonably priced.


Sally had a flair for fashion. She enjoyed wearing hats, and they became her trademark. Brightly colored knit tops always captured her attention. She understood the value of knit tops for both warmth and layering; she could never have too many.

She cared about people. And people cared about her. She became good friends with another long-time customer and former employee, June Hansen. She consistenly called June to check on her and offer rides and friendship.


Sally's untimely death was a shock to all of us. The week she passed away, most businesses were closed because of all the snow. Since I live nearby I was able to keep Renee's open. Every day she would call to see if I was here, and to express her concern about the snow. The night of her heart attack (Jan. 21), she called at 5:30 and emphasized that I should go home. Ultimately, she was the one who went "home."

"A Celebration of Life will be held for our loving sister, cousin, and dear friend on Saturday, February 18, 1:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 3105 Pine Street, Everett," says the Herald. Read the entire obituary here. John Gray, Sally's brother, encourages all of Sally's friends to bring photos and memories to share during her memorial.


We will miss Sally and her presence immensely. Rest in peace, dear Sally. Rest in peace.

Updating this post as @TroyAthletics is sending out twitter posts on the signees come in. Much more coverage as the day goes on.

Brandon Brooks (WR, Jacksonville, Fla.)
JaQuadrian Lewis (DB, Fitzgerald, Ga.)
Andre Allen (RB, Panama City, Fla.)
Zach Miller (DB, Butler County Kan. CC)
Bobby Walker (WR, Fruit Cove, Fla.)
Jamal Stadom (DE, Melbourne, Fla.)
Terris Lewis (LB, Linden, Ala.)
Tyler Lassiter (OL, Hazel Green, Ala.)
John Knight (DB, Thomasville, Ala.)
Luke Lawrence (OL, Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Brandon Silvers (QB, Gulf Shores, Ala.)
Garrett Peek (DE, Millbrook, Ala.)
Brandon Burks (RB, Daleville, Ala.)
Michael Lindsey (WR, Elba, Ala.)
Juan Neloms (DB, Tallahassee, Fla.)
Montres Kitchens (DB, Burke County, Ga.)
Mitchell Roland (LB, Auburn, Ala.)
Antonio Garcia (OL, Riverdale, Ga.)
Xavier Melton (DL, Butler County CC, Kan.)
Derrek Upshaw (DL, Jones County JC, Miss.)
Rishad Goode (DB, Madison, Ala.)
Braylon Williams (DE, Kilgore JC, Texas)

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Other updates

**Troy lost a commitment as DL James Mathis of Valdosta signed with Sun Belt rival Florida Atlantic.
**Wide receiver Cody Core signed with Ole Miss
**Defensive back Chris Humes signed with Arkansas State. He had visited Troy and told al.com he was committed to Arkansas.
**Jones County Miss. DE Anthony Wilson, who visited Troy last week, signed with Southern Miss.

In mid-January, two service members joined a group of avid hunters for the 19^th Annual Buckmasters Life Classic Hunt.   The hunt took place at Sedgefields Plantations and the founder and President of Buckmasters, Jackie Bushman hosted two American heroes for this annual hunting trip.

“I am in the process of being medically retired and was feeling somewhat worthless; the whole process is not fun. This hunt made me realize that I do have worth, that people do care, and there are people who are less fortunate than I am.”

The management team at Detroit Business Consulting spent last week in warm Atlanta where we learned from some of the best in the business. It was an educational and entertaining week!

The keynote speaker was Eric Greitens, a navy seal who served time overseas for the war and is CEO of The Mission Continues, which helps veterans find a way to serve their community and country after they return from war. Eric spoke about the vigorous training that someone goes through to become a navy seal and how it tests them mentally and physically.

Other speakers focused on the successes of 2011 and the goals of 2012. We discussed new clients that had breakout sessions for more specified training. We were also entertained by Cirque du Soleil in between speakers and Saturday evening was full of fun games and networking.

Our next conference will be in March in Indianapolis. Details to come!