WILL CHOLOH

It is no secret who Will Choloh is in the world of Troy. Since arriving at Troy in 2018 as a three-star prospect, Choloh has made an impact wherever he’s stood. Overall, he is characterized as a young man that encompasses what it means to be a Troy Trojan.

Choloh’s journey to Troy is not typical, with many challenging obstacles in his way. The defensive tackle was born in Monrovia, Liberia, along with two of his three sisters in 2000. From Liberia, Choloh began his journey to the United States when he was just six years old. Leading the charge in that journey was his mother, Princess.

Princess took the leap with her four children to venture out from her home nation and provide a better opportunity. This difficult decision allowed Choloh to appreciate the life his mother provided, especially knowing he has plenty of Trojan fans back in Liberia cheering him on.

“Everybody in my family aside from my youngest sister and niece are from Liberia,” Choloh said. “We had to come live in the United States, but it’s amazing to know that I have so many people supporting my family and me from afar. Here in America, it’s just me, my mom, my three sisters in Lovette, Willimae and Mardia and my niece, Lore. We are a close group and have a bond that can’t be broken.”

Once arriving in the United States, the Choloh family got a little bigger with the birth of Choloh’s niece, Lore. When Lore entered the world, Choloh knew he had met his best friend.

“When I was in high school, my big sister, Mardia, found out that she was pregnant,” Choloh said. “My niece just brought that piece that we were missing. She brought that emotion and pure happiness that our family needed. She’s always just so ‘happy go lucky’ and optimistic with a big smile. She’s my best friend in the whole world. I try to talk to her every day when she’s not busy with school. I just need that type of positivity every day in my life.”

With Choloh’s arrival in America, there also came the love of football. Choloh’s hard work and dedication to the game came at a young age when he was introduced to it in third grade. He opened his career as a member of the Gwent Football League. Immediately, his coaches and teammates realized the potential Choloh had on the ballfield. “I had great coaches growing up, and I was extremely blessed,” Choloh said. “When I was younger, I constantly had voices in my ear from some great older players telling me that I could make this a lifestyle. I could make this a career. They helped instill the mentality that if I stayed dedicated, I could make it. I’m just grateful because they saw it in me and allowed me to notice it in myself.”

Now, 16 years later, Choloh enters his final home opener at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday against Alabama A&M. In his five years at Troy, Choloh amassed three consecutive All-Sun Belt Second Team nods while being named preseason All-Sun Belt First Team for 2022. The 6-0 senior has gained national attention, being selected to the Outland Trophy Watch List after ranking in the top-10 among interior defensive linemen with pressures and hurries – finished last year with 40 tackles, seven tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks. Knowing it’s his final home opener, Choloh mentions how happy he is to play on a field that means so much to him in front of fans that have always had his back.

“There’s been a lot of ups and downs at the Vet,” Choloh said.

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“Throughout my five years here, the fans have really stuck with us. I get extremely emotional just thinking about it because I love our fans. I love my teammates. I love this community of Troy.”

Just knowing that there is only a limited number of games left at this stadium for me hurts. But I know that each time we step onto that turf, we will put on a show for everybody.”

Among the many fans that will be “Packing the Vet” this weekend, a few special people will be in attendance from Lawrenceville, Ga.

“It’s great to know that my family is going to be there this weekend,” Choloh said. “They’ve seen my progression over the last five years. I still remember they came to my first-ever college football game during my freshman year against Boise State. I got in for 12 plays, and we took the loss, but they stuck with me through it all. They’ve been on the phone with me every day, talking with me about things I can do better at and where I’m excelling. My family is the most important group of people in my life, and I’m grateful that they get to join me on this final journey and come watch the home opener.”