STATESBORO - Spring practice is in the books and the Eagles now turn their attention to off-season workouts before reporting in early August for preseason camp. GSEagles.com caught up with each position coach to get a breakdown of their respective depth chart as well as their thoughts on their position group. Up eighth is the defensive line with Coach Vic Cabral.

What were your overall thoughts on your group this spring?
Overall, I thought we got better in our depth. I think there were some questions going in with some of the young, unproven guys and see who would be able to step up and give us production. At the end spot, Justin Ellis, Dillon Spring and AJ Watkins did a great job for us. I was really happy with their growth and how they're playing with a chip on their shoulders. On the inside, CJ Wright and Gavin Adcock played lights out and Parker Devine had his best spring since he's been here.  We had some young guys step up, and then some of our other veterans like Robb Bozeman, Jeremy Smith, Kaylen Wright, Cauldric Isles and Kierron Smith are guys we can always count on.

What or who pleasantly surprised you this spring?
Trevon Locke was the most pleasant surprise for us. He was the one who I was hoping could take the next step and he did. All of those guys did a really good job, but Trevon really stood out. It was great to see everyone raise the bar.

What needs to priority number on the first day of camp this August?
We have a great freshman class coming in so Day One is getting those guys acclimated to what we're doing. Hopefully, some of those guys can help out this fall. For the older guys, we have to continue our progression. The bar has been set by the guys who played here before these guys. D-Block has improved every year and I've been happy with the progress and attitude of that room. We should be further ahead on Day One with this group and I'm excited to get these guys back.

What young player stepped up this spring?
The big questions we had going into the spring were the young guys who hadn't proven anything yet. Amaru Herring, who opted out last season due to COVID-19, came along well and we're happy he's back. As far as the freshman class, Trevon Locke really was impressive to me. He took that next step and stood out on the field and in the classroom this spring. I'm looking forward to getting him going. And then at the end spots, Brandon Mitchell and Jordan Mitchell are neck and neck. We need them to come along to give us a solid fourth and fifth defensive end positions because we like to roll guys in and out along the line. They are expected to play a significant role for us this fall and we need them to have great summers.

Who are the leaders of your group?
Justin, Dillon, AJ and Gavin all lead, either by example or vocally. CJ played well this spring and I think he's turning the corner in terms of maturity and will be a leader for us. They all hold each other accountable and make each other better. We have a lot to prove in losing Raymond to the NFL, but we have a good group of guys ready to take over the leadership by committee.

Depth Chart
DE: 93, AJ Watkins (6-2, 265, Jr.) -or- 42, Dillon Springer (6-1, 250, r-Sr.)  
52, Brandon Wilson (6-1, 250, So.)

NT: 94, C.J. Wright (6-0, 290, Sr.) -or- 57, Gavin Adcock (5-11, 275, r-Sr.)
90, Parker Devine (6-3, 265, r-Jr.)
53, Trevon Locke (6-2, 285, r-Fr.)

DE: 44, Justin Ellis (6-2, 250, r-Sr.) -or- 93, AJ Watkins (6-2, 265, Jr.)
92, Jordan Mitchell (6-3, 250, So.)

SCHEDULE OF POSITION BREAKDOWNS
May 11: Inside Linebackers
May 13: Offensive Line
May 18: Cornerbacks
May 20: Wide Receivers
May 25: Safeties
May 27: Specialists
June 1: Tight Ends
June 3: Defensive Line
June 8: Running Backs
June 10: Outside Linebackers
June 15: Quarterbacks