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 seventh are the tight ends with Coach Joe Graves.

What were your overall thoughts on your group this spring?
I thought they did a good job this spring. We really wanted to take a step forward with their physicality and I think they got into that mindset moving forward. Obviously, we had Beau Johnson and Chase Hancock not with us at 100 percent after their injuries last fall, but I thought we had some young guys step up and show promise at the position. I feel like we got a lot better in 15 practices and I'm looking forward to carrying it over to August. I'm excited to see the competition in the fall with the four guys who are at the top of the depth chart. We're going to compete and push each other, but we also realize that we're one unit and one family and the success of one is the success of all.

What or who pleasantly surprised you this spring?
I was happy with the work ethic and character I inherited. Those guys came to work every day and tried to get better. I was also happy with the physicality they play with. They really have bought into the mindset of what a Georgia Southern tight end has to be. It's a great group of dudes who work hard and represent this program well.

What needs to priority number on the first day of camp this August?
We still have to strive to be the most physical group in the conference. I don't think we're there yet, but I think we're approaching that spot. We also have some technical things we need to get better at, as well. We just have to continue to build our brand as a unit and put our stamp on this offense.

What young player stepped up this spring?
If you want to call him a young player, even though he played last year, it'd be Sean Pelkisson. I thought  he did a really, really good job of going from the role of being a situation guy as a freshman to being a guy we feel like we can put in the game and have him do everything we need him to do.

Who are the leaders of your group?
I think in one way or another, we have three of them. I don't know if we have an absolute leader yet. Beau comes to mind after what he did last year, so the younger guys look up to him. Chase and D.J. Butler are also vocal leaders, so I'd say right now, it's those three guys who have assumed that role. You'd love to have one guy, but everyone in that room looks out for each other and hold each other to the standard we have set.

Depth Chart
TE: 11, Beau Johnson (6-1, 225, r-So.)
22, Sean Pelkisson (6-3, 230, So.) -or- 83, Chase Hancock (6-0, 240, Jr.)
80,     D.J. Butler (6-2, 230, r-Sr.)

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