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Troy Baglio

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Summary:

Senior is defensive line leader for SEMO football team.

By Marty Mishow

If you're looking for a vocal leader who is always moving his mouth, then Troy Baglio probably isn't the guy for you.

But if you're on the watch for a hard-working, tenacious, silent-assassin type who is going to lead by example every step of the way, then Baglio is certainly the man.

And as far as Southeast Missouri State University defensive line coach Jay Thomas is concerned, Baglio is definitely the fellow he wants to lead his troops into battle this season.

"Troy is everything you want in a defensive lineman," said Thomas. "He's intelligent, he's tough, and he's not only a good football player but he's a good person.

"Troy is what you call a quiet leader. He leads by example. He just goes out and he works. I can't imagine having a better man out there."

Baglio, who enters his fourth season as a defensive line starter, has been a solid and steady -- if not spectacular -- performer throughout his Southeast career.

A native of Kenner, La., the 6-foot-1, 280-pounder earned second-team all-Ohio Valley Conference honors last season, when he had 62 tackles, including seven for losses, and three quarterback sacks.

While Baglio spent last year playing somewhat in the shadow of All-American defensive lineman Angel Rubio, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, he figures to be much more in the spotlight this season and he's expected to be among the OVC's premier defensive linemen.

"Troy worked in Rub's shadows last year, but the scouts came in and recognized him," Thomas said. "Now is Troy's time to play and I think he's ready for the challenge. He's like a coach on the field for me."

Since he is by far the Indians' most experienced returning defensive linemen from a group that ranked 23rd nationally against the run last season, Baglio realizes that he has taken over Rubio's spot as the leader up front. And he's ready for that challenge.

"I feel like I am the leader up front right now," he said. "The other players know I'm not a verbal leader, that I lead by my actions. But if there is a problem, I'll speak up. I try to help out coach Thomas as much as I can with the younger guys."

The soft-spoken Baglio figures he was basically born to play football. He's been competing about as long as he can remember.

"I've been playing football all my life," he said with a smile. "I just love it. I can remember when I was younger and I was always overweight so I had to play a couple of grades up every year. I played with the big boys and that gave me a lot of experience."

As Baglio enters his senior season, he wants to take the time to reflect and savor every moment. His goals are simple, as they have always been.

"These last four years have flown by. It's been exciting and I wish it could last forever," he said. "I just want to concentrate on one game at a time and give 110 percent all the time, cause every game I play is one of my last games."