Man… seeing my name listed as one of Troy’s top players for 2025 is a blessing I don’t take lightly.

If you would’ve told me a year ago that I’d go from earning a scholarship at the end of fall camp… to starting all 12 games… to making plays that helped seal wins for my team… I probably would’ve smiled, said “I believe it,” but deep down knew the work it would take to get here.

Last season was about proving I belong. Every rep, every snap, every tackle… I had to show up. Finishing third on the team with 67 tackles wasn’t luck. Two interceptions, a sack, pass breakups… those didn’t happen by accident. That came from staying locked in at practice, film study, and trusting my instincts when the lights came on.

I remember that pick at Georgia Southern like it was yesterday… game on the line, everything moving in slow motion… then boom! Ball game. Same thing against ULM… just doing whatever I could to help my brothers out there on that field.

There were times I was tired. Times I was sore. But one thing about me—I never wanted my name tied to words like “inconsistent” or “unreliable.” 764 defensive snaps later… I can honestly say I left it all out there every week.

But I’m not done. Not even close.

2025 is about leveling up. Being more vocal. Leading by example. Helping the younger guys in the secondary the same way others looked out for me. I’ve always prided myself on being a ball-hawk, and this season I want to take that to another level.

To my coaches… thank you for trusting me. To my teammates… I got y’all. And to everyone that’s been rooting for me back home in Mobile and beyond… this is just the beginning.

Let’s work.

— Justin Powe