Troy University bolstered its roster over the weekend with the addition of two key transfers. On Saturday, the Trojans secured a commitment from former Vanderbilt safety Steven Sannieniola, a three-star recruit in the 2022 class. Hailing from Gaithersburg, Maryland, Sannieniola has two years of eligibility remaining and brings experience from nine games played at Vanderbilt, where he recorded ten tackles, including one for a loss. This addition is particularly significant given Troy’s losses in the secondary. Following the 2024 season, the Trojans lost five defensive backs to the transfer portal, including starting free safety Ian Conerly-Goodly and top backup Darrell Starling. However, strong safety Justin Powe and “spear” safety Devin Lafayette are expected to return in 2025.
Sunday brought another impactful addition: Patrick Screws, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive lineman who transferred from Georgia Tech. Screws, a three-star prospect in the 2023 class, did not see game action during his time with the Yellow Jackets but retains three years of eligibility. His arrival provides depth to an offensive line that is otherwise set to return four of its five starters from the 2024 season. While Troy will miss right tackle Daniel King – a highly regarded player who also saw time at guard – the addition of Screws helps mitigate the loss of this key player.
Troy’s 2024 season concluded with a 4-8 record under first-year coach Gerad Parker. Despite a challenging start (1-7), the Trojans showed improvement, winning three of their final four games. These recent additions to the roster suggest a focus on strengthening both the offensive and defensive lines as the program builds momentum heading into the 2025 season.