Throughout preseason football camp, GSEagles.com will take you on a behind-the-scenes look at different aspects of the football program that go beyond the practice field. In today's installment, we check in with Tight-Ends/Special Teams Coordinator, Andrew Dodge.
Q: Explain the new kickoff rule and how it pertains to the upcoming season.
AD: The new kickoff rule means that on any kickoff situation, they are going to treat it like a punt. Anything that lands and is caught within the 25 yard line, the return team can start at the 25 yard land. Essentially everything is treated like a touchback. I don't really know how it will affect the game yet until we see it.
Q: Tyler Bass was named to Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Watch List. What can fans expect from him this season and what does that say about the program having two kickers nominated in consecutive years?
AD: It means our program takes special teams very seriously. Our players are bought in and it helps we have talented place kickers. Bass deserves that recognition and hopefully he can go out and back it up with a good year.
Q: Continuing on the same path with the awards, Ellis Richardson was named to the Mackey Award list this preseason. What has he done to continue to improve since he has arrived at Georgia Southern and what does that say about his work ethic?
AD: Ellis is working on his second season playing tight end. He just has to keep improving. He understands he hasn't been playing this position his whole life so he comes to work everyday knowing that he has a lot to learn still. He just has to go out, compete and execute. As long as he is focusing on the right things, the awards will come. It all starts with how can he help the football team and how can he do the little things right and the big picture will work itself out.
Q: How has the punter competition come along so far this season?
AD: The punting competition is coming along well. All of the guys are working hard and competing to win the job. They are all making tremendous progress technically and I'm pleased with that. Consistency will be the determining factor.
Q: How do you want special teams to make an impact on the field this season?
AD: We want to contribute. I want the special teams units to be a positive force with momentum. I want to make sure our guys are bought in. It is another way for 30-40 guys to have an impact. Not necessarily on offense or defense but I want to make sure we are setting our offense up in a good position. Setting our defense up in a good position, and making sure we aren't taking anything away from them but just being a contributing factor to the year.
Georgia Southern Preseason Football Schedule
Date (Time, Location)
Wed., Aug. 15 (4:30-6:30 PM; Eagle Creek)
Thurs., Aug. 16 (4:30-6:30 PM; Paulson)
Fri., Aug. 17 (4:30-6:30 PM; Paulson - Scrimmage #2)
Sat., Aug. 18 (10 AM-11:30 AM; Eagle Creek)
Sun., Aug. 19 (7 PM, Paulson)
Mon., Aug. 20 No Practice
Tues., Aug. 21 (4:30-6:30 PM; Paulson)
Wed., Aug. 22 (4:30-6:30 PM; Paulson)
Thurs., Aug. 23 (4:30-6:30 PM; Paulson)
Fri., Aug. 24 (6-8 PM, Fan Fest to follow, GS Armstrong Campus - Savannah)
Sat., Aug. 25 (TBD, TBD)
