Football | 4/21/2016 7:40:00 PM
STATESBORO - With Spring Practice rapidly coming to a close, the Eagles competed throughout Thursday under the Statesboro sun in Paulson Stadium where it was a fairly hot day with a temperature right around 84 degrees. Thursday's attire consisted of helmets only as the team gears up for its final Saturday practice in full gear in two days. Through the loud speakers, popular hip hop/rap music could be heard playing, along with the periodical announcement of changing practice periods. Today's practice marked the second practice in Paulson Stadium, with the addition of the newly turfed field, and the 13th overall practice of Spring Practice. The Eagles continue to make extenuations from this past Saturday's Blue vs. White Spring Game.
"I think we've had two good days this week with Tuesday's and Thursday's practice," said head coach Tyson Summers. "I think it gives us the opportunity to go in and watch some tape and make some decisions on somethings that we're doing offensively and defensively."
There seemed to be a great deal of hype throughout today's practice as players could be seen and heard excitedly rooting on their teammates. There also seemed to be a solid rotation of player personnel giving opportunities to many of the Eagles to step up and impress their coaches, especially toward the end when the offense went against the defense in short-time situations.
"I think the biggest thing you saw at the beginning of Spring Practice was the level of anxiety," Summers said. "It's a new staff. It's a new practice. I think these guys have been trying to be coachable and do what we ask them. Now, I think those things have become second nature. There's more focusing in the details of our assignments and trying to improve in all three phases."
Saturday's scrimmage simulations will mark the conclusion of the first year of Spring Practice during the Coach Summers Era as the team will take next week to concentrate on pending exams to end the semester. The passion to continue the winning traditions are clearly evident from the coaches to the players. The Eagle Nation can rest easy through the offseason knowing the Eagles have continually made progress throughout Spring Practice. There's a lot to look forward to when regular season practice begins in August.
"The big thing we all need to do is be able to take what we know on offense and defense and refine the details," Summers said. "Now it's about taking those things and figuring out the big picture. I hope what you see are guys that are ready to compete and guys that are ready to find a way to win every game … guys that are going to play tough and hard and guys that bleed in blue and white."
Following practice, GSEagles.com caught up with junior defensive tackle Darrius Sapp.
Q: How was practice today?
DS: It was a great practice. There were a lot of ups and downs. On defense, we have to be more consistent.
Q: What's the leadership style of the defensive line? What's the motto you all play by?
DS: I can't cuss, So know your assignment and give more effort every play. You have to give effort every play, know your assignment and give them, h…e…double hockey sticks."
Q: For the upcoming season, what're you hoping to capitalize on?
DS: irst of all, we have to make the Top 25. Then we've got to win the Sun Belt. Then we've got to get a great bowl game.
