Football | 8/7/2017 3:39:00 PM

STATESBORO, Ga. – The Georgia Southern football team concluded practice No. 11 on the banks of Beautiful Eagle Creek Monday morning as the team passed the halfway point of camp. With just 26 days until the Sept. 2 at Auburn and a week until school start, the Eagles will be back to work Tuesday before having Wednesday off.
 
BOYNTON RETURNS READY
Tommy Boynton started and played in all 13 games during his sophomore year in 2015 and was expected to be a big part of the 2016 offensive line. But last spring, Boynton suffered a concussion early in the practice session and after meeting with multiple doctors and specialists, it was decided that what was best for his health was to step away from football.

"I sustained a bad concussion in the third practice of spring," Boynton said. "I stayed in for an hour and a half after I had suffered the concussion, creating a concussion on top of a concussion. It just built on its self and had to go to balanced therapy. I was out for four months and with so many doctors telling me that I shouldn't play, I had to make a decision."

Boynton's grandfather suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, also known as CTE. CTE is found in people who have suffered repeated blows to the head. Many athletes have suffered from CTE and it has a very dangerous effect on the brain and has recently become a bigger issue with retired NFL players.

"My grandfather suffered from CTE too, so it all just came together," Boynton said. "I made the decision (to sit out last season), I do regret the decision, but I feel like it was best for my health at that point, because I wasn't in the right state of mind."

After initially planning on giving up football entirely and taking a medical disqualification – meaning he'd keep his scholarship, but not count toward the limit of 85 scholarships - Boynton got the fire back and returned this past spring, instead using the year as a redshirt season.

His year off allowed him not only to get healthy, but also rekindle his love for the game. Boynton and the offensive line looked great during Friday's scrimmage, creating multiple runs of 40 or more yards.

"Oh yeah, there is nothing better than coming out here and working out with the guys," he said. "Everybody says that their favorite thing is tradition or the yellow school buses, but my favorite thing is coming out here and working with my brothers. I love getting after it whether that's in the weight room or running it's just amazing."

But with the injury and family history comes a new knowledge of symptoms and ways to help prevent injury.

"I'm really aware of this now and I'm constantly trying to keep my head up or out of blocks now," Boynton said. "I'm a lot more aware and the coaching staff is constantly monitoring me to make sure I'm staying healthy. If I start to get the symptoms, I now have a better awareness of everything."
 
COOPER CONTINUES TO SHINE
Deshon Cooper continues to shine as a redshirt junior for the Eagles. The transfer from Co-Lin Community College, redshirted last season with the Eagles. The No. 4 JUCO outside linebacker in the country played against the best of the best, including East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), who is featured on the Netflix television series, "Last Chance U."

"I think we had a pretty good practice," Cooper said of Monday's session. "Coach Zo really tried to work us today with pursuit drills and moving fast. Were just trying to continue to get better every day."

Cooper showed his ability to make plays all over the field during Friday's scrimmage, assisting a young defensive line who grew in size and strength over the spring. Alongside of Traver Vliem and Randy Wade Jr., the 6-foot-3 Cooper will help seal off the ends of the line.

"It was pretty good, since I redshirted last season," he said. "I was a little down every day just because of not being able to play. I decided this year is my year and to work hard every day. Everyone is just staying focused and learning their plays, while giving everything they've got which is all we can ask."
 
COOK READY TO TEACH
Practice began as usual with special team's circuits and specialists working on their craft. The teams then split to work on individual skills, before meeting for their move the ball period. Coach Bryan Cook and his staff challenged the guys on Monday, throwing new situations at the offense and forcing them to think while playing.

"It was okay," Cook had to say about practice. "We introduced some situational work that we hadn't had a chance to do yet. We tried to put a lot on them mentally and work their brains a little bit today."

Friday's scrimmage posted a lot of explosive plays early for the offense. Cook was happy with the scrimmage overall, but there is room for improvement. The offense began to sputter during the end of the scrimmage, allowing the defense to force some turnovers and take some momentum.

"It all depends on your expectations and your perspective," he said. "It helps to go against a well-coached and well-personnelled defense every day. I think the speed of the game is getting to where our guys can handle it. It was fast at first, but it's getting better."

As practice drew to an end the offense shifted their focus to the two-minute drill. There was a lot of good that came out of it, but there was still quality teaching points.

"There were a couple of critical coaching points that we will look at on film and I hope the skill players and ball carries can learn from. Things that we had said and talked about, but they just hadn't done. It is good for those guys to learn."

WOMEN'S CLINIC
The Georgia Southern football staff will host the third Women's Football Clinic this Saturday at Paulson Stadium. Campers may register and get all the information on the event at borobuiltcamps.com.
 
SAVANNAH PRACTICE
Georgia Southern will take a practice on the road as it heads to Savannah for its 19th preseason practice. The Eagles will head east on I-16 and will practice on the campus of Armstrong State University on Friday, Aug. 18 from 6-8 PM. Following the completion of the practice, the team will hold a fan fest with autographs, inflatables, entertainment and much more. More details will be made available as the event gets closer.

CLEAR BAG POLICY
In order to expedite entry and provide a safe environment for all patrons and participants, Georgia Southern Athletics has implemented a Clear Bag Policy for all ticketed sporting events, effective Aug. 1, 2017. Fans can find the complete policy as well as an FAQ section at GSEagles.com/ClearBag.
 
Georgia Southern Preseason Football Schedule
Date (Time, Location)
Tues., Aug. 8 (9 AM-11 AM, Eagle Creek)
Wed., Aug. 9 No practice
Thurs., Aug. 10 (9:45 AM-12 PM, Eagle Creek)
Fri., Aug. 11 (9 AM-11 AM, Eagle Creek)
Sat., Aug. 12 (9:15 AM, Paulson - scrimmage #2)
Sun., Aug. 13 No practice
Mon., Aug. 14 No practice
Tues., Aug. 15 (4-6 PM, Eagle Creek)
Wed., Aug. 16 (4-6 PM, Eagle Creek)
Thurs., Aug. 17 (4-6 PM, Paulson - scrimmage #3)
Fri., Aug. 18 (6-8 PM, Armstrong State; 8 PM Fan Fest, Armstrong State)
Sat., Aug. 19 No practice
Sun., Aug. 20 No practice
Mon., Aug. 21 (4-6 PM, Eagle Creek)
Tue., Aug. 22 (4-6 PM, Eagle Creek)

* times and locations subject to change