Patience pays off for Troy QB Levi Brown

By Drew Champlin

Published: December 17, 2008

NEW ORLEANS — Levi Brown just had to be patient.

Troy’s junior quarterback saw his chances of playing go down when sophomore Jamie Hampton was named the starter in the spring, but when Hampton went down with a season-ending knee injury, Brown began his journey which culminated with a Sun Belt championship and a trip to the New Orleans Bowl.

Brown, who transferred from Richmond and sat out last year, was the Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year after throwing for 1,775 yards with 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He’ll make his eighth start of the year Sunday when Troy (8-4) plays Southern Miss in the bowl game.

“I’m sure he didn’t jump for joy (when Hampton was named the starter),” Troy head coach Larry Blakeney said. “But he kept competing and he kept working. Normally those guys that are patient and keep working and keep trying, it comes back to you.

“It happens to all different kinds of players. I’m proud of him and I’m proud for him.”

Brown’s journey won’t end here. He’s slated to be the starter in the 2009 season, offensive coordinator Neal Brown said. Hampton’s knee injury — two torn knee ligaments — won’t be fully recovered by next season for Hampton to perform to his fullest ability as a runner, and he has a redshirt year available.

Sophomore Tanner Jones also suffered a season-ending knee injury, but he doesn’t have a redshirt year available.

“At this point, that’s our plan,” Neal Brown said. “Jamie and Tanner’s rehabs are going well and they’re working hard, but in talks with the doctor, it takes a full year to recover. He can play some, but it takes a full year to be 100 percent recovered.”
Hampton hurt his knee Oct. 7 at Florida Atlantic. Jones hurt his Oct. 25 at North Texas. Both had surgery Nov. 14.

“With the type of player Jamie is — runner/passer, we felt like it was the best thing for him,” Neal Brown said. “We want to do what’s right for Jamie.”

Hampton threw for 1,046 yards with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions. He ran for 236 yards and four touchdowns.

“Jamie did lead us to two road victories over good teams,” Neal Brown said, referring to Troy’s wins over Middle Tennessee and Florida Atlantic. “The next time you see him play, he will be significantly better than he was in the third quarter at FAU.”
Jones’ injury wasn’t as severe as Hampton’s, Brown said, “though it wasn’t night and day.” Jones’ recovery process will be accelerated and he should be ready for next season. Both will be able to participate in some spring drills, but likely no 11-on-11 work.

That leaves Troy with two more quarterbacks — Dantavious Parker, who will be a sophomore, and incoming freshman Corey Robinson, who will be on campus in January.

“Dan needs a redshirt, but whether it’s next year or not we’ll have to see,” Neal Brown said. “We had to press him into duty because we needed a second guy ready.”

Parker playing sparingly and scored two rushing touchdowns. Robinson will get a look in spring practice.

Trojans report to New Orleans: Troy’s team reported to New Orleans Wednesday for a 5 p.m. team meeting. The team then had a New Orleans Bowl welcoming party at Rock and Bowl. Practice begins today at 2 p.m. at the New Orleans Saints facility.

New commitments: Running back Demond Dennis of Atlanta, Ga., pledged to sign with Troy in February. He had previously committed to Georgia Tech and is rated as a 3-star back on rivals.com. His high school coach, Darren Myles, told the AJC.com that the opportunity for early playing time was the clinching factor.

Also, offensive tackle James Brown from Southwest Mississippi Community College signed a midyear letter of intent Wednesday. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound Brown will enroll in January as a sophomore with a redshirt year still available, but is expected to challenge for a starting spot.