It’s finally August and that means two things–students arriving on campus and Trojan football is just around the corner.
Taylor University football arrived on Aug. 2 to begin preparations for the upcoming season. The Trojans are coming off a historic 9-2 (4-1) season and are looking to build on it. The first step to success as a team begins in the preseason.
Fall camp is used as an opportunity to get the upperclassmen back into the swing of things and bring the newcomers up to speed. The transition from high school football to the collegiate level can be a difficult one, and it’s up to the people who have been there before to help and guide that process.
“You have to take it step by step and day by day,” senior defensive back Reese Pinckney said. “As a senior, there are things that you’ve adapted to. The focus is now on the younger guys and building them up.”
The first few days of camp are spent doing just that—getting the freshmen and transfer students acclimated to Trojan football. One freshman who has turned heads is running back Jedd Galvin, who head coach Aaron Mingo has said could have an immediate on-field impact.
“He has taken every opportunity in practice to move up the depth chart,” Mingo said. “He has a great ability to score touchdowns.
Another person who has made the transition smooth for underclassmen is senior quarterback and three-year starter Damon Hockett.
Hockett was at the helm of the third-ranked offense in the NAIA that put up 48.6 points per game in the 2024 season. This season offers a chance to take another step forward in his game.
“He’s constantly gotten better every year he’s been here,” head coach Aaron Mingo said. “He’s really improved his accuracy over training camp and we expect a big year from him.”
Hockett improved across the board between his sophomore and junior years. His yards per game jumped from 114.9 to 150.9, touchdowns increased from seven to 13, interceptions fell from eight to two and his completion percentage rose from 54.7 to 57.6.
Camp isn’t just about football. Select players went on a leadership retreat that included white water rafting in West Virginia and other fun activities, but also valuable teaching moments.
“Obviously, we had our fun time, but we also made a big emphasis on not playing just for wins but playing to honor the Lord with our talents that he has given us,” Pinckney said.
Hockett keeps himself centered by reminding himself that it’s “Taylor versus Taylor every week” regardless of who the team is facing.
After a stellar 2024 season, the Trojans look primed to make another valiant run at the MSFA Mideast crown.
They open the season at home on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. against the Olivet Nazarene Tigers. Taylor bested Olivet on the road last season in a 58-51 overtime thriller.
Hockett is excited and optimistic about the upcoming season, he said.
“We’re home for that night game on Welcome Weekend and it’s going to be exciting,” Hockett said.
