Fall Practice #6
8/6/2008 4:09:00 AM | Football
STATESBORO, Ga. ? Another hot and humid day greeted Georgia Southern Football as the Eagles went through their first multiple-workout session of fall camp. The team practiced for two hours Wednesday morning (Aug. 6) and another two in the afternoon in full pads before a scheduled one-hour session that night in shells.
Following Thursday afternoon's practice (1:30-4 p.m.) and another multiple-workout on Friday, head coach Chris Hatcher plans on giving the team Saturday and Sunday off.
During the 11-on-11 segment to wrap up the morning practice the offense had some bright spots, including: Adam Urbano (Calhoun/Calhoun) breaking off an impressive run and Lee Chapple (Norcross/Greater Atlanta Christian) connecting with Marcus Russ (St. Petersburg, FL/Gibbs) on a touchdown pass. The defense caught the attention of the coaches.
Derek Heyden (Atlanta/Marist) caught a deflected pass for an interception. Matt Rucker (Lilburn/Parkview) recovered a fumble. Dion Dubose (Dacula/Norcross) recorded a pair of sacks and Dakota Walker (Mays Landing, N.J./Oakcrest) also registered a QB sack.
The offense bounced back during the afternoon session. Kyle Collins (Atlanta/Lovett) connected with Jarrell Crawford (Hinesville/Bradwell Institute/GMC) on a TD pass covering nearly 50 yards... Antonio Henton (Fort Valley/Peach County) hit Terence Hall (Milton, FL/Pace) on a touchdown pass nearly as long... On consecutive plays Collins hit Chris Teal (Cairo/Cairo) for a touchdown.
“I thought we had a good day today all in all. This morning the defense really looked good, then this afternoon the offense had their moments where they looked good. I am real pleased with the young players defensively... Derek Heyden, A.J. McCray (St. Marys/Camden County) and J.B Shippy (Gaffney, S.C./Gaffney) have really stood out here in the early going along with Oliver Davis (Acworth/North Cobb),” said Hatcher. “Then offensively a lot of the freshmen have been playing well... Samair Baker (Valrico, FL/Brandon) and Nick Bass (Warner Robins/Northside) have really come on of late. We are trying to work those guys in a little bit more and see what they can do. Our goal is by Saturday to have everyone in the right positions so heading into that last week of camp we can really just hone in on the skills we are going to need to be successful this season.”
RECORD HEAT WEDNESDAY: Temperatures in Statesboro were reported to be the hottest so far in 2008, topping 100 degrees. Head coach Chris Hatcher noted the hard work put in this summer by the players has helped early in fall camp.
“The big thing is I don't think it's very difficult to get people physically tough. You come out here and mash on one another, but that doesn't do a whole lot of good for you. If you are mentally tough the physical toughness comes with that,” said Hatcher. “Our guys have been holding up to the heat luckily, we've been very fortunate. They've worked out hard this summer. Coach (David) Jenkerson and our strength staff has done a great job getting these guys ready to come in here and perform during camp. It was a really good summer workout for us.”
HATCHER TO MAKE APPEARANCE AT HARVEYS: This Saturday (Aug. 9) Harveys Supermarket on Fair Road is teaming up with Coca-Cola and Eagle Sports Marketing to kick off the football season the right way. From 2-4 p.m. fans can come out and meet head football coach Chris Hatcher... The Georgia Southern Cheerleaders and everyone's favorite mascot GUS will also be in attendance. Eagle Sports Marketing will be on hand giving out free Georgia Southern promotional items. There will also be free samples handed out of Vitamin Water and Coke Zero, courtesy of Coca-Cola. The event is free and open to the public. For any additional information call Eagle Sports Marketing at (912) 478-1500.
