Storms Delay Practice, Session Completed Outdoors
8/5/2012 1:02:00 AM | Football
STATESBORO, Ga. - A heavy downpour of rain delayed the Georgia Southern Football team's practice on Saturday, but the Eagles were able to get the full practice in outside.
For the second time in three days Georgia Southern, who took to the field in shells for the first time in Fall Camp, had to stop practice just minutes after starting and the team was forced to sit and watch the rain fall under Herring Pavilion.
"Fortunately we have a place that is dry to wait it out," stated Head Coach Jeff Monken after practice. "It can be difficult to get refocused [after the rain], and I thought our kids did a good job of that."
One of the positions where that focus was needed was offensive line, where a number of position battles are ongoing. A good crop of returning players are working hard to replace All-Americans Brett Moore and Willie Maxwell and a key veteran in Brandavious Mann.
Georgia Southern returns Dorian Byrd, who has started 27 games over two seasons, at left tackle along with Trevor McBurnett at right guard, Zach Lonas at left guard and the versatile Blake DeBartola.
"Blake is really our only senior that has much experience. He has played every position on the offense line and was at center and tackle today," said Offensive Coordinator Brent Davis. "He has got to be a leader for us and help show the young guys how we want it done."
DeBartola, who has played all five positions on the offensive front, is competing with SoCon All-Freshman selection Manrey Saint-Amour for the starting center job. Saint-Amour got an opportunity a year ago to play in six games and is looking to build upon that this year.
"Manrey really worked his way up last year and played for us a decent amount," stated Davis about his sophomore lineman. "He was undersized last year but has put on about 20 pounds. The bigger he gets the better player he will be, because he is a really good technician and has a great motor."
The right tackle position is also up for grabs with Raymond Klugey and Garrett Frye serving as the front runners. Klugey, who is playing his fourth year of organized football, got the added bonus of running with the first team in the spring game, while Frye was recovering from a knee injury.
Coach Davis hopes the healthy competition across the entire offensive line will provided some added benefits.
"They are all fighting for spots right now, and I hope we will end up having more depth than we have had in the past because of it."
Georgia Southern returns to the practice fields tomorrow afternoon at 3:20 p.m.
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