Eagles Experience First Day in Full Gear
3/26/2010 1:45:00 AM | Football
STATESBORO, Ga. -- If all the sights of the Eagles participating in their first practice in pads weren't enough evidence - the sounds were. Thursday's practice had plenty of sound effects: the sound of helmet-on-helmet contact, of linemen pushing sleds, and of coaches getting their players' attention.
Working both sides of the ball, the Eagles started with an Oklahoma-like drill for blocking for offensive linemen and shedding blocks for the defensive lineman. Ball carriers were also involved, identifying and moving to open lanes. Eagle coaches made adjustments to stances, provided technical pointers and continued to emphasize the importance of "running to the ball."
"I was pleased, I thought we had some guys flying around trying to play," said Eagles Head Coach Jeff Monken. "The effort can get better, and hopefully it will. We'll try to push them to make it better, but I was encouraged and I thought there were some good things."
Georgia Southern continued for the third day with one-on-one work with the quarterbacks and receivers and offensive and defensive linemen. In 7-on-7, random combinations were still the order of the day as the coaching staff continues to evaluate. During the team session, offense and defense had their first live hits with a few big plays on both sides. While the focus remained on teaching the option, there were more than just a few pass plays run as well.
"I think the defense is fitting better where they are supposed to better and I thought the guys in the secondary did a great job of supporting the run, particularly in the option period. Offensively, we struggled a little bit. We looked good on defense in the option drill and not so good on offense. On the flip side, during the team period at the end, when we were throwing the gamut at the defense, we didn't look so good on defense. We'll improve on both sides."
ADDITION TO 2010 SIGNING CLASS
Sophomore quarterback Jaybo Shaw has been admitted to Georgia Southern University for summer term and has signed his financial aid agreement. Shaw will have two years of eligibility remaining and can join the Eagle football team on the field for fall 2010. As a true freshman at Georgia Tech in 2008, Shaw started in one game and played in seven, completing 15-24 passes for 321 yards. He recorded 200 yards and three touchdowns on 63 rushes. Rated as one of the top high school prospects in the state of Georgia, Shaw finished his career at Flowery Branch High School with 9,340 yards, 127 touchdowns and numerous school records.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Georgia Southern will practice Saturday at 9 a.m. at the practice fields, following a schedule similar to the first three days. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday of next week, the Eagles will be in full gear with practices beginning at 3:45 p.m. On Wednesday and Friday afternoons, groups of players are volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club of Bulloch County.
SEASON TICKET RENEWALS IN MAIL APRIL 1
Season ticket renewal packages will go in the mail on April 1 to all 2009 football season ticket holders with the option to renew those locations by June 1. For additional information or questions about purchasing season tickets, please call Kay Shuman in the Georgia Southern Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-GSU-WINS (478-9467) or (912) GSU-WINS (478-9467). Fans may also stop by the office at 203 Lanier Drive, Statesboro, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
