Nov. 19, 2009
By Marc Daniels
UCFAthletics.com
Look at his stats at the end of a game and it will never tell the entire story of how good he is. But Torrell Troup just let's his play speak for itself. He doesn't need to be told how many tackles or sacks he has. Just ask his opponents how good he is.
UCF's front four has been solid all season. The numbers show that as the Knights are among the nation's leaders in sacks and tackles for loss and in stopping the run.
But as the small group of seniors play their final home game against Tulane on Saturday, there will be no applause loud enough to truly show the appreciation Torrell Troup deserves.
"He just plays the game the way it should be played," said George O'Leary. "And the thing about Torrell is that he practices the way he plays and that's what makes a special player."
When Troup arrived at UCF he was a big guy that needed to learn the college game. He played his freshman season but his talents began to shine midway through the 2007 season when UCF's defense got on a roll in its championship season.
By the time Troup began his junior season, his weight down and his speed and power started to get noticed.
"Torrell began to make plays when double teamed that freed up others to get stops," said Bruce Miller. "And once that happens, everyone benefits."
Troup became an unstoppable force when teams tried to run at him. It didn't matter if it was two lineman who tried to block Troup; the product from Conyers, Ga., simply took them on.
This season, Troup is a team leader. He is part of one of the top defensive fronts in the country. He is absolutely one of those players who could start anywhere in the nation.
But one of the most impressive things about Troup has nothing to do with his football talents on the field. He gets "it."
The "it" is dealing with the media. The "it" is being fan friendly. The "it" is being positive all the time. The "it" is being one heck of a football player.
In UCF's recent win over then 12th ranked Houston, Troup partnered with Miller to wreak havoc at defensive tackle against Cougar quarterback Case Keenum. Despite Keenum attempting to get rid of the ball quickly, Troup and Miller got pressure and both sent the message early that running the ball on UCF was not an option.
"He is unstoppable no matter what defenses try to do," said Cory Hogue. "Bruce and Jarvis know their sack totals are so high because Torrell takes care of the middle."
Troup has seen his share of ups and downs while at UCF. He would love to see the Knights win Saturday, get some help and possibly win another Conference USA championship. Either way, his football playing days are far from over. Troup will play on Sundays and he will be a heck of a pro player. So when seniors come out for the final time on Saturday, take a moment and find number 98 and show your appreciation. He will reward you with an all-American effort and when the game is over he will smile, because Torrell Troup is just a great guy.
Marc Daniels' From the Press Box runs several times per month on UCFAthletics.com. Listen to Marc during UCF football, men's basketball and baseball radio broadcasts on the UCF-ISP Sports Network. Each weekday, Marc hosts "The Beat of Sports" on ESPN 1080 in Orlando from 9-11 a.m.