STATESBORO, Ga. - The Georgia Southern Football team has made an impact on the football field, winning the 2011 Southern Conference championship and playing in an NCAA FCS semifinal game for the second-straight year. The Eagles also continue to make an impact off the field with service projects, recently beginning a program to mentor local youth.

This service project was initiated by Georgia Southern nose tackle Brent Russell, an Eagle All-American, Buck Buchanan Award finalist and father of a five-year-old son. Russell approached Eagle Head Football Coach Jeff Monken with the idea of mentoring area youth and asked his teammates to participate in the weekly visits. The Eagles have partnered with Joseph's Home for Boys in Statesboro, spending time with residents of the group home beginning in early December.

"It is important for kids to have positive role models they can trust," said Russell. "We know that kids look up to us because we play football for Georgia Southern, but we want to have an influence on them for more than just the game we play."

Russell and other members of the Georgia Southern football team will spend time at Joseph's Home for Boys on Mondays each week, assisting with homework and participating in activities. The Eagles will increase their visits and service hours at the home during the spring semester.

Joseph's Home for Boys began its mission in 1983, opening its doors to children between the ages of 6-17 who are in the custody of the state.  The private, not-for-profit home provides a long-term supportive environment and for every need the boys have.