This year's Troy University signing class distinguished itself in a few areas. For one, the Trojans' needs on both the offensive and defense lines are evident by the number of players signed at those positions. But more importantly, at least to coach Larry Blakeney, is the talent level.

"I think this is the best class (signed since the school moved to NCAA Division I-A)," Blakeney said. "It should be the best class. The thing we have to offer here and with our growth, especially facility-wise, should point to that happening. Now we just have to get them here and get them involved in school and with the program. I think we were (in the running with) more good players -- better players and student-athletes -- than in the past."

Troy's signing list had 32 names. Of those, 27 are signees and five are January enrollment additions, players who are already in school. The roster will be trimmed before next season depending on the academic standing of some recruits.

Among those on Troy's signing list were 15 players from Georgia and five each from Alabama and Florida. There are also signees from Hawaii (Junior Tagovailoa, a 6-foot-2, 315-pound defensive end from Ewa Beach), New Jersey (Xavier Walker, a 5-10, 185, running back from Bridgewater) and Kansas (Ben Ramsey, a 6-3, 240, tight end from Scott City, a junior-college transfer).

Walker, who rushed for more than 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior, is the second running back from New Jersey to sign with Troy. Last season, the Trojans signed Kenny Cattouse of Keyport, N.J.

The list includes six offensive linemen, six defensive linemen and six wide receivers, addressing the Trojans' most pressing needs.

There is no quarterback on the list, though some of the players signed have experience at the position in high school. Blakeney said that position could be addressed in the next few days, when Troy may add three or four more signees. Although no player from the Mobile Bay area signed with Troy on Wednesday, there is a possibility that one of the later additions could by from the area and would address the quarterback position.

D.T. McDowell, a true freshman last season, was Troy's starting quarterback the final six games of its 7-5 season that included the school's first bowl invitation, where the Trojans lost to Northern Illinois in the Silicon Valley Bowl in San Jose, Calif.

Troy will need some of the players signed Wednesday to make an immediate impact. The Trojans lost 12 fifth-year seniors from the 2004 roster, including DE Demarcus Ware (who played in the Senior Bowl).

"You walk into a meeting room with this team we have right now, it would scare you to death," Blakeney said. "We have a lot of great kids, but we have some green ones and we've got to get them ready right away."