TROY – Jarvis Hayes’ smile was broader and more genuine last Saturday than the one he had forced at the start of Troy’s football camp.
The defense carried most of the day in the Trojans’ first scrimmage, but Hayes’ smile included some self-satisfaction. He and his surgically repaired shoulder had passed a test.
“Today was the first actual contact and I could feel the difference,” Hayes said, unable to mask the relief in his voice. “At first I was kind of nervous about my shoulder. After the first hit I was OK. I felt like I was back to where I needed to be.