Football | 4/5/2016 6:52:00 PM

STATESBORO - For senior linebacker Ironhead Gallon, this season will mark the third head coach he will have played for. During his time in Statesboro, he has played for Coach Jeff Monken, Coach Willie Fritz and now Coach Tyson Summers. But for Gallon, this will be the first time he's had to go through a coordinator change as Jack Curtis had been at the reigns of the defense his previous four seasons. Now, Gallon is learning Lorenzo Costantini's defense and playing for position coach Pat Bastien, a coach who is barely older than him.

Following their sixth practice of the spring, one in which Summers called their best so far, GSEagles.com had a chance to catch up with the Madison, Florida, native and get his thoughts on how things are going as the midway point of spring approaches.

Q: What's your assessment of how the defense has looked six practices in?
IG: Right now, the defense looks fast and we're starting to communicate really well. We're finally playing fast and playing at that tempo that Coach Summers wants us playing at. I'm really proud of how the defense has played, but especially today.

Q: Coach said today was the team's best practice so far. What was so good about it?
IG: There was a lot of energy today. As a player, it's good to have energy because that's what helps you get through the tough practices. Everybody was engaged, communicating and on point today.

Q: Coach Summers is your third head coach and Coach Zo is your second defensive coordinator. What have these changes been like for you and what's Coach Zo like as a DC?
IG: He's a great defensive coordinator. The thing with us is we have to buy into the program like we did with the other head coaches. Defensively, we just have to figure out what Coach Zo exactly wants from us and little things like that. It's all about just trusting each other and I think we've done a good job with that early on.

Q: Coach Bastien isn't even three years older than you. What's it like to have someone so young and energetic coaching you?
IG: That's an exciting thing because we have somebody who's young and bringing a lot of energy to the position room and the practice field. He's very knowledgeable about the game and he's going to help us out tremendously. He's really great at having around because he can relate to us, so I'm excited to work with him this year.

A dozen NFL reps are expected in town Wednesday for the Eagles Pro Day as numerous players who finished up last season or in 2014 will work out. Among those are Antwione Williams, Caleb Williams, Derek Keaton, Darien Foreman, Jake Banta, who will try to catch the eye of a future employer. Most of these players were at practice Tuesday catching up with their old teammates and catching a glimpse of what the 2016 team is shaping up to look like.

The Eagles will return to the field on Thursday for their seventh practice of the spring.

Thurs., April 7; 3-5:30 PM
Sat., April 9; 9:15-11:30 AM
Tues., April 12; 3-5:30 PM
Thurs., April 14; 3-5:30 PM
Sat., April 16; Noon … SPRING GAME … Statesboro High (location subject to change to Paulson Stadium pending turf completion) 
Tues., April 19; 9:15-11:30 AM
Thurs., April 21; 3-5:30 PM
Sat., April 23; 9:15-11:30 AM
Mon., April 25; 3-5:30 PM

Spring Football Practice Policies and Procedures
1) Fans must enter the Beautiful Eagle Creek Practice Fields through the gate off Tillman Road. Upon entry, fans will check in and receive a pass. All those entering must have a state- or government-issued ID and will sign in.

2) For safety reasons, fans will be allowed only in the marked areas. These areas will be painted and easily visible. 

3) There will be no photos allowed at any time once practice begins. Fans are requested to leave their cell phones and cameras in their cars, but if they must bring them in, they have to remain in their pockets. Violation of this rule may result in being asked to leave the premises.

4) Fans are asked to not report on any facets of practice via social media during or after practice. This includes specifics that occur during any periods. Specifics include, but are not limited to, coach-to-player comments, player-to-player comments, coach-to-coach comments, description of formations, drills or plays, or any "live" updates on injuries

5) Practice dates/times/locations are subject to change based on weather or other factors.

6) The GS Football Program or Athletics Department reserve the right to change these policies and procedures at any time.
 

---

Tailgate Cook-Off Set for Spring Game April 16
It's time once again to showcase your skills at the Third Annual Spring Football Tailgate Cook-Off on Saturday, April 16 right before the annual Blue-White Spring Game, which starts at noon.

The top-place tailgate and grill masters will claim the title of 2016 Spring Football Tailgate Cookoff Champion, a one-of-a-kind trophy, a one-night stay at a hotel, plus two tickets to the Georgia Southern vs. Georgia Tech game in Atlanta on Oct. 15, 2016, and of course, bragging rights. 

To enter the contest, a team or individual must register online by Wednesday, April 13, 2016 and pay a $20 cash fee per entry on site on April 16. All teams or individuals are responsible for providing their own food and equipment for grilling/cooking and will be allowed only one vehicle inside the cook-off zone. Participants are encouraged to grill, cook, steam, etc. their best food for fans to enjoy. Participants need only provide a sampling of food (not a full meal).
 

---

Punt, Pass and Kick Contest Added to Spring Game Activities
Newly added to the activities of the Spring Football Game this year is the Punt, Pass, and Kick Contest for kids ages 5-12. Little Eagles (boys and girls) will have an opportunity to showcase their football skills on the field before the game. The event is FREE, every child will receive a T-shirt and the winners receive their very own trophy. Participation is limited though so parents must register their child online by Thursday, April 14.
 

---

2016 Season Tickets and Parking are on Sale
To purchase season tickets and/or parking for the 2016 season, please visit GSEagles.com/Tickets, call 1 (800) GSU-WINS or visit the Ticket Office Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Cowart Building located at 203 Lanier Drive in Statesboro. Save 140 percent by buying season tickets. Tickets start as low as $75 per person for the season.

Season tickets can also be purchased at the upcoming Coaches Caravan events. VISA, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover and cash are accepted.

Georgia Southern Athletics provides up-to-date information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics, twitter.com/GSAthletics, iOS app Georgia Southern Eagles and Android app Eagles GATA. Tickets to Georgia Southern athletics events can be purchased by visiting GSEagles.com/tickets.