TROY – Sure, Troy has to replace third-round draft pick Antonio Garcia on the offensive line, but graduations also caused two other openings in the starting rotation.
The Trojans are turning to true sophomores J.L. Gaston and Tristan Crowder to replace right guard Xavier Fields and right tackle Tyler Lassiter, two key pieces in a unit that surrendered just eight sacks last year, offensive line coach Matt Moore said Thursday.
Gaston – who has been practicing at right tackle this season – served as a backup center last year, while Crowder saw significant time at guard toward the end of 2016, Moore said.