Y'all see the lights on Saturday. You hear the crowd, you see the big hits, the touchdowns. That’s the part everyone loves, and trust me, I love it too. There's no feeling in the world like it.

But what most people don't see is the grind that happens Monday through Friday, in a dark room with a projector. That's the film room. That's our homework. For me, it’s just as important as anything we do on the practice field.

Here’s a breakdown of why I put in those hours.

The TAPE Don’t Lie

The number one reason I watch footage is for honest feedback. On the field, I might feel like I made the right read or took the perfect step. But the film shows you the truth, frame by frame.

I can see exactly where my footwork was half a second late. I can see if my hands were in the right place, or if I took a bad angle on a tackle. You can't fix what you don't know is broken. The film room is where I find those little details that make a huge difference.

It's Like Getting the Test Answers Early

This is where we get our edge. I'm not just watching my own plays; I'm studying our opponents.

I’m looking for tendencies. What's their go-to play on 3rd and short? Does that receiver always tap his helmet before a deep route? Does the linebacker tip off a blitz with his stance?

When I can spot these things, I’m not just reacting to the play anymore. I’m anticipating it. That's how you play fast and physical.

The Grind and the Mental Game

Now, it's not always easy. You hear people talk about "paralysis by analysis," and that's a real thing. You can't get so stuck in your head that you're second-guessing yourself on the field. You still have to trust your instincts and just play.

And honestly? It’s a grind. It’s hours and hours on top of practice, lifts, and classes. It can be mentally tiring to watch the same plays over and over, especially the bad ones. You will see your mistakes. The key is to have a "next play" mentality. You can't dwell on the error. You learn from it, you fix it, and you move on.

The Payoff: Playing with Confidence

So why do I do it? Because it’s the difference between being good and being great.

All those hours in the film room build my football IQ. They sharpen my technique. But most of all, they build my confidence. When I line up on Saturday, I know I've done the preparation. I've seen what they're going to run. I've corrected my own mistakes. I'm not hoping I'll make the play—I know I can.

So when you see us out there making plays on Saturday, know that play didn't just happen. It was born in the dark, on a Tuesday afternoon, in the film room.

That’s the preparation. That’s the grind. That’s how we get better, and that’s how we fight for Troy.