Football | 3/28/2016 11:30:00 AM

Senior quarterbacks Kevin Ellison and Favian Upshaw are coming impressive seasons in 2015 and will once again team up to form a two-headed monster at the position. The duo led the nation last season in rushing yards by a full-time quarterback duo with 1,295 combined yards both are looking to go out on bright notes under new head coach Tyson Summers.
 
GSEagles.com had a chance to catch up with the duo after practice to get their early impressions of spring practice.
 
Kevin Ellison
Q: What's to look forward to in the Coach Summers' Era?
KE: "Definitely being in shape. He does a great job of making sure we're running around and flying around to each period. He does a great job of making sure everybody is in sync."
 
Q; What does having the music playing during practice do for the team's motivation?
KE: "We like it. Right when he came in he said, 'You know we're going to have music at practice.' I think it gets everybody amped and ready to practice hard."
 
Q: What's the biggest building block for the offense so far that you've seen?
KE: "We're going to keep running the football. We're going to pass it a little bit but we're Georgia Southern…So, we're going to run the football…We're going to run the option…We're going to run the inside zone/outside zone…We're going to keep doing what we do."
 
Q: With the younger guys looking up to you in practice, what do you have to say to them?
KE: "Those guys are working hard. They came out with a heart of determination. I've seen it. They look up to me and 'Fave' as the older guys and we just get them going. They're following along with us."
 
Favian Upshaw
Q: What's to look forward to in the Coach Summers' Era?
FU: "Most definitely a lot of success. He's brining success from the last programs that he's been through. He's hard-nosed and that's what we need here. We want to win more games and we aspire for an even bigger bowl this year."
 
Q: What does having the music playing during practice do for the team's motivation?
FU: "I love it. I think everybody feeds off that. Naturally there's energy out there but when we have that music going out there, you can think about something other than being tired. It keeps us driving."
 
Q: What's the biggest building block for the offense so far that you've seen?
FU: "Definitely running the football. We're going to keep running the football. We need to make sure we get the terminology down and make sure we're on the same page. Most definitely we're going to continue to keep running the football and we've got to make sure we continue to do it well."
 
Q: With the younger guys looking up to you in practice, what do you have to say to them?
FU: "I lead by example. I'm getting kind of old now, so I've got to be a vocal leader. I need to keep showing these guys I know what I'm doing and to follow me and everything will be okay."
 
The Eagle return to practice on Tuesday for their third spring practice.

Tues., March 29; 3:15-5:30 PM
Thurs., March 31; 3:15-5:30 PM
Sat., April 2; 10 AM-12:15 PM
Tues., April 5; 3:15-5:30 PM
Thurs., April 7; 3:15-5:30 PM
Sat., April 9; 9:15-11:30 AM
Tues., April 12; 3:15-5:30 PM
Thurs., April 14; 3:15-5:30 PM
Sat., April 16; Noon … SPRING GAME … Statesboro High (location subject to change to Paulson Stadium pending turf completion) 
Tues., April 19; 9:15-11:30 AM
Thurs., April 21; 3:15-5:30 PM
Sat., April 23; 9:15-11:30 AM
Mon., April 25; 3:15-5:30 PM

Spring Football Practice Policies and Procedures
1) Fans must enter the Beautiful Eagle Creek Practice Fields through the gate off Tillman Road. Upon entry, fans will check in and receive a pass. All those entering must have a state- or government-issued ID and will sign in.

2) For safety reasons, fans will be allowed only in the marked areas. These areas will be painted and easily visible. 

3) There will be no photos allowed at any time once practice begins. Fans are requested to leave their cell phones and cameras in their cars, but if they must bring them in, they have to remain in their pockets. Violation of this rule may result in being asked to leave the premises.

4) Fans are asked to not report on any facets of practice via social media during or after practice. This includes specifics that occur during any periods. Specifics include, but are not limited to, coach-to-player comments, player-to-player comments, coach-to-coach comments, description of formations, drills or plays, or any "live" updates on injuries

5) Practice dates/times/locations are subject to change based on weather or other factors.

6) The GS Football Program or Athletics Department reserve the right to change these policies and procedures at any time.
 

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Tailgate Cook-Off Set for Spring Game April 16
It's time once again to showcase your skills at the Third Annual Spring Football Tailgate Cook-Off on Saturday, April 16 right before the annual Blue-White Spring Game, which starts at noon.

The top-place tailgate and grill masters will claim the title of 2016 Spring Football Tailgate Cookoff Champion, a one-of-a-kind trophy, a one-night stay at a hotel, plus two tickets to the Georgia Southern vs. Georgia Tech game in Atlanta on Oct. 15, 2016, and of course, bragging rights. 

To enter the contest, a team or individual must register online by Wednesday, April 13, 2016 and pay a $20 cash fee per entry on site on April 16. All teams or individuals are responsible for providing their own food and equipment for grilling/cooking and will be allowed only one vehicle inside the cook-off zone. Participants are encouraged to grill, cook, steam, etc. their best food for fans to enjoy. Participants need only provide a sampling of food (not a full meal).
 

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Punt, Pass and Kick Contest Added to Spring Game Activities
Newly added to the activities of the Spring Football Game this year is the Punt, Pass, and Kick Contest for kids ages 5-12. Little Eagles (boys and girls) will have an opportunity to showcase their football skills on the field before the game. The event is FREE, every child will receive a T-shirt and the winners receive their very own trophy. Participation is limited though so parents must register their child online by Thursday, April 14.
 

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2016 Season Tickets are on Sale
Football season tickets are on sale and can be purchased by visiting GSEagles.com/tickets or calling 1-800-GSU-WINS. Save 140 percent by buying season tickets. Tickets start as low as $75 per person for the season.

Georgia Southern Athletics provides up-to-date information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics, twitter.com/GSAthletics, iOS app Georgia Southern Eagles and Android app Eagles GATA. Tickets to Georgia Southern athletics events can be purchased by visiting GSEagles.com/tickets.