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Eagles Hit the Halfway Mark of Spring Practice
4/7/2016 8:17:00 PM | Football
Summers discusses variety of topics
SPRING GAME CENTRAL
STATESBORO - The Georgia Southern football squad took to the field at Beautiful Eagle Creek for the eighth of 15 spring practices Thursday afternoon. In shoulder pads and helmets, the Eagles went through 150 minutes of instruction and installation.
After practice, Summers chatted with GSEagles.com about a variety topics, including his weekly character education seminars with the team, Thursday's practice and who has stood out to him in the first half of practice.
Q: What's the purpose of the Character Education Classes? And what's your end goal with transitioning to what's learned in there onto the football field?
TS: I think one of the things that we've done that's been really good is we've let each coach get up and tell their story. We've started with an agenda that addresses more off the field issues like things that they deal with because of their age and things that they deal with because they're college students. There are a lot of things that are covered about how to be student-athletes. From a standpoint of how this has transitioned onto the football field, I believe it's letting the coaches get up and speak. Coaches have the opportunity to tell their story, how they grew, where they are from, their own adversity they faced in their life. What happens sometimes is that as players and coaches, we sometimes forget the background behind each person … the humanity side of each person. And you know what happens for players a lot of time is that they view us in a different light because we're in a leadership position. It gives the players an opportunity to see why this coach is ticking the way he does and what I think it does is bring us all a little bit closer together. We spend so much time as coaches trying to warm up to our players and trying to find out about them, we forget they need to find out about who we are. We need to be transparent. I think that it's helped a tremendous amount as far as the players and coaches relationship with each other.
Q: What's the transition been like for the coaches and players coming together as a unit?
TS: The more time we spend together, the better off we will be. That comes with more opportunities that we have at practice anf getting more teachable moments. I think those will come. We have tried to put our kids in as mentally tough situations as we can and then we have tried to see where that line is for those guys of trying to see in a really mentally tough situation that those guys are able to think, communicate and lead in the manner that we want them to. What happens now if they don't, is we use it as a teachable moment. We say here's what happened and here's what affected you and that then gives us the opportunity to become closer with our kids.
Q: From learning from those teachable moments, what players have you seen both offensively and defensively that have risen through ranks?
TS: I think what you continue to see, is a number of receivers that are really, really tough that continue to do the right thing, Like BJ Johnson. That guy No. 81 [Myles Campbell] has got the biggest heart you've ever seen. They should be rallying around that guy every time. He moves miles. I think you've seen a guy that's also come along way is L.A. Ramsby. He's really amped it up as far as toughness and leadership. I think what you see defensively is Ukeme Eligwe has gotten better each and every day. He takes coaching really well. The little things that I think are kinks he needs to workout, he's doing a good job of doing. I think a guy who has gotten a lot better from a mental standpoint is Ryan George. He continues to do everything right. Some of these guys love playing the game the way it's supposed to be played.
Q: At the midpoint of spring practice, have you reached a point where you're comfortable with the progression of Spring Practice?
TS: I think we're three or four days away from installation really being finished up. We've tried to take installation really slowly with having a new staff and a new and a new defense. I think when we get the opportunity to really just slow down and just figure out what really want to be on both sides of the ball. Day 11-15 is where I think you're really going to see the improvement come and I think it'll be vast when we do it.
The Eagles will return to the field on Saturday for their eighth practice of the spring.
Sat., April 9; 10 AM-12:30 PM
Tues., April 12; 3-5:30 PM (could change base on weather forecast)
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.
STATESBORO - The Georgia Southern football squad took to the field at Beautiful Eagle Creek for the eighth of 15 spring practices Thursday afternoon. In shoulder pads and helmets, the Eagles went through 150 minutes of instruction and installation.
After practice, Summers chatted with GSEagles.com about a variety topics, including his weekly character education seminars with the team, Thursday's practice and who has stood out to him in the first half of practice.
Q: What's the purpose of the Character Education Classes? And what's your end goal with transitioning to what's learned in there onto the football field?
TS: I think one of the things that we've done that's been really good is we've let each coach get up and tell their story. We've started with an agenda that addresses more off the field issues like things that they deal with because of their age and things that they deal with because they're college students. There are a lot of things that are covered about how to be student-athletes. From a standpoint of how this has transitioned onto the football field, I believe it's letting the coaches get up and speak. Coaches have the opportunity to tell their story, how they grew, where they are from, their own adversity they faced in their life. What happens sometimes is that as players and coaches, we sometimes forget the background behind each person … the humanity side of each person. And you know what happens for players a lot of time is that they view us in a different light because we're in a leadership position. It gives the players an opportunity to see why this coach is ticking the way he does and what I think it does is bring us all a little bit closer together. We spend so much time as coaches trying to warm up to our players and trying to find out about them, we forget they need to find out about who we are. We need to be transparent. I think that it's helped a tremendous amount as far as the players and coaches relationship with each other.
Q: What's the transition been like for the coaches and players coming together as a unit?
TS: The more time we spend together, the better off we will be. That comes with more opportunities that we have at practice anf getting more teachable moments. I think those will come. We have tried to put our kids in as mentally tough situations as we can and then we have tried to see where that line is for those guys of trying to see in a really mentally tough situation that those guys are able to think, communicate and lead in the manner that we want them to. What happens now if they don't, is we use it as a teachable moment. We say here's what happened and here's what affected you and that then gives us the opportunity to become closer with our kids.
Q: From learning from those teachable moments, what players have you seen both offensively and defensively that have risen through ranks?
TS: I think what you continue to see, is a number of receivers that are really, really tough that continue to do the right thing, Like BJ Johnson. That guy No. 81 [Myles Campbell] has got the biggest heart you've ever seen. They should be rallying around that guy every time. He moves miles. I think you've seen a guy that's also come along way is L.A. Ramsby. He's really amped it up as far as toughness and leadership. I think what you see defensively is Ukeme Eligwe has gotten better each and every day. He takes coaching really well. The little things that I think are kinks he needs to workout, he's doing a good job of doing. I think a guy who has gotten a lot better from a mental standpoint is Ryan George. He continues to do everything right. Some of these guys love playing the game the way it's supposed to be played.
Q: At the midpoint of spring practice, have you reached a point where you're comfortable with the progression of Spring Practice?
TS: I think we're three or four days away from installation really being finished up. We've tried to take installation really slowly with having a new staff and a new and a new defense. I think when we get the opportunity to really just slow down and just figure out what really want to be on both sides of the ball. Day 11-15 is where I think you're really going to see the improvement come and I think it'll be vast when we do it.
The Eagles will return to the field on Saturday for their eighth practice of the spring.
Sat., April 9; 10 AM-12:30 PM
Tues., April 12; 3-5:30 PM (could change base on weather forecast)
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 Football Media Availability (12/29/25)
Tuesday, December 30
Georgia Southern vs. Appalachian State Highlights: JLab Birmingham Bowl (12/29/25)
Monday, December 29
Georgia Southern Football Media Availability (12/28/25)
Sunday, December 28
Georgia Southern Football Media Availability: JLab Birmingham Bowl (12/28/25)
Sunday, December 28
