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 Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers coach Bob DeBesse.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about coaching at Georgia Southern?
BD:  I don't have a feel for the game day atmosphere and all the traditions that are involved with how special it is at Paulson, so I think that's the thing that I am most looking forward to. I am really looking forward to watching these guys compete. It is a hard working group and I think they really enjoy football so I am looking forward to that part of it to, but to have known about the traditions of Georgia Southern for so long and now to have a chance to be a part of it is exciting.  
 
Q: After three weeks of camp, who are you must watch receivers for this year?
BD:   I think Wesley Kennedy III has done a nice job of bringing himself along. I think Colby Ransom is a classic example, he had a great summer and he has carried that over attitude wise and work ethic wise into the fall. Mark Michaud has done a nice job of elevating his game and Marcus Rogers, the youngster, has shown flashes that at some point will be in the mix.
 
Q: What can fans expect from the offense this year?
BD:  On a very elementary, basic level, hopefully what they can expect is a highly disciplined, hardworking, passionate team. I know that sounds like coach speak, but if we will operate with discipline, precision, and consistency then everything else takes care of itself. The discipline aspect comes in with ball security and then we will see how it all falls and how it comes together. It's hard to tell what we will look like right now, since we have only played our defense. You really don't know until you play someone else. Hopefully they can say that about us.
 
Q: How has the mentality changed since summer ball and now a week and a half away from game one?
BD:  I think that the summer workouts enhanced our expectations. I see more of the extra and I think that came from summer workouts. I see guys trying to help each other and pulling together more. I also see a group that likes to be around each other, which is really important to have a chance to win. I think it wasn't just the physical part, it was more the teambuilding part of summer camp that has spilled over into two a days. I think coach Lunsford has done a great job of knowing when to put his foot on the pedal and when to take it off and that keeps the kids at a high level mentally and physically.
 
Q:  What area do you think will be the most improved from last year on offense?
BD:  It's tough to answer that question. It is hard to know what they were being asked and I haven't dove into it in depth. I think that the offensive line has a chance of being a really good unit. I would say the offensive line, because it really does start there. The trigger man has to be solid and stay within the system, so Shai has done a really nice job of elevating his game. I think Shai has been on an upward trend since the end of spring ball and so I hope that spills over into the improvement of last year. If it was me here last year it would be easier to answer, but for me in this position it is easier for me to just look forward.

Georgia Southern Preseason Football Schedule
Date (Time, Location)
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)