TROY — Tristan Crowder was a newly minted 18-year-old, on his own for the first time and curious about his new surroundings.
Crowder, a budding offensive lineman, had reported to Troy University with all the uncertainty and curiosity of any incoming freshman, unsure what the future held.
“My first night here, I walked around the campus to clear my head and I was like, ‘Wow, I’m really in college. This is really happening,’” Crowder said.
Today, 3 1/2 years later, Crowder is a 21-year-old star about to play in his final home game — perhaps his final game, period — for the Trojans.