Victor Cabral - 2012

Victor Cabral begins his third year on the Georgia Southern staff after the former Eagle defensive lineman returned to his alma mater to serve as a defensive line assistant coach.

Three of the four members of the 2011 defensive line picked up awards. SoCon Defensive Player of the Year, Brent Russell was named an All-American by five different publications. Fellow defensive tackle, Roderick Tinsley was also selected as an All-American, while defensive end John Douglas was an All-Southern Conference selection.

Anchored by an intimidating defensive line, Georgia Southern’s defense finished the 2010 season ranked ninth nationally in total defense and 11th in both passing and scoring defense. The Eagles topped the Southern Conference rankings in scoring and rushing defense while finishing second in passing defense.

Cabral joined the Eagles after spending three years as defensive line coach at Georgia Military College, where he also served as special teams coordinator for the Bulldogs. Cabral focused on the development of the nose guard and defensive end positions. In 2007, the GMC defensive unit earned a #1 ranking in rushing defense in the NJCAA. The next season, the Bulldogs ranked third nationally in total defense.        

With success at the team level, the Bulldogs also had several individuals earn national accolades. Leroy Burgess was selected as a third-team NJCAA All-American and in 2008, Torrey Ball earned second-team All-America honors. Former Eagle Markeith Wylie was recognized as first-team Academic All-American in 2007. Thirteen GMC players coached by Cabral received scholarships to NCAA Division I programs during his three seasons in Milledgeville.

Cabral also served as GMC’s director of strength and conditioning following two years in the role of assistant strength and conditioning coach. In addition to his coaching duties, he coordinated all video needs for the Bulldog program.

The 24th overall draft pick by the Montreal Alouettes in 2005, Cabral returned to Georgia Southern for the 2005 campaign, coordinating video and quality control for the Eagles. During the winter and spring of 2006, Cabral assisted with the defensive line responsibilities, including the preparation of daily practice plans and on-field evaluation and coaching.

A member of the 2000 National Championship team and part of the winning tradition that won four Southern Conference crowns in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004, Cabral was a four-year starter and Eagle letterwinner.

The former team captain earned his bachelor of arts degree from Georgia Southern in May 2006. Cabral and his wife, Erin, a four-year letterwinner for the Eagles swimming and diving team from 2000-04, reside in Statesboro. They welcomed a son, Zac, to their family in February 2013.