STATESBORO - The NFL regular season is over and the Playoffs start today. Three former Georgia Southern football players saw action in 2018 while one more spent the year on injured reserve and is expected back in 2019. Here's a look at how each of them did season for their respective teams.
In alphabetical order:
Matt Breida, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Expected to share the load in the backfield with former GS teammate Jerick McKinnon, Breida was thrust into the spotlight when McKinnon was injured in the preseason. Breida ended up starting 13 of the 14 games he played in, rushing for 814 yards and three touchdowns while catching 27 passes for 261 yards and two scores. Depsite playing on a gimpy ankle most of the season, Breida averaged 5.3 yards per carry, which was fourth-best in the NFL.
Ukeme Eligwe, LB, New York Giants
After playing with Kansas City in 2017, Eligwe was released by the Chiefs after playing in four preseason games. He was eventually picked up by the New York Giants and played in the final 10 games of the season. He tallied seven total tackles and a pass defended for the Giants,
Jerick McKinnon, RB, San Francisco 49ers
McKinnon signed a huge free agent deal in the off-season, but suffered a torn ACL in the preseason, opening the door for Breida. McKinnon has spent the season rehabbing the injury and is expected to return to full strength for 2019.
J.J. Wilcox, S, Indianapolis Colts
Wilcox began the season with the New York Jets and played in five games. He tallied three tackles before being released on Oct. 8. A sixth-year veteran, Wilcox signed with the Colts as a free agent on Dec. 18, and has appeared in two games with Indy, collecting two tackles on defense and two special teams tackles. The Colts will take on the Houston Texas in the AFC Wilcard Weekend on Saturday. He is listed as questionable for the game with an ankle injury.
Antwione Williams, LB, Carolina Panthers
Williams was released by the Minnesota Vikings in the preseason and was signed to Seattle's practice squad, but as released shortly thereafter. He was signed to the Carolina practice squad in Week 16 and was signed to a reserve future contract at season's end.Â
Other GS News and Notes
Much has been written about Georgia Southern's turnaround this year as the Eagles went from 2-10 to 10-3, but Matt Brown of The Athletic showed just why with a pair of tweets this week.
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The coaching staff will be at the AFCA Convention in San Antonio this upcoming week, but Eagle fans can expect the spring football practice schedule and Spring Game date to be announced in the next week or so.
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