TROY – In some ways, opening the 2018 spring practices Tuesday was the same as beginning last year’s for Troy quarterbacks Sawyer Smith and Kaleb Barker.
In one major way, it was vastly different.
Much like last year, Barker and Smith began spring drills as the two signal callers taking the majority of the snaps and competing against each other for playing time.
Unlike last year, they are no longer vying to be the primary backup to four-year starter Brandon Silvers – instead trying to secure the starting role themselves.
Both quarterbacks noted Silvers’ departure made Tuesday’s practice feel much different than last year when they filled in for an injured Silvers during the spring.