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 last are the quarterbacks with offensive coordinator Doug Ruse.
What were your overall thoughts on your group this spring?
I thought JT [Justin Tomlin] had a great spring. He made a lot of progress and became a leader for us. We have a big battle going on for the back-up right now. I thought Sam Kenerson finished spring ball really strong. He missed the first half because of injury but he was really coming along when spring ball ended. Connor Cigelske did some good things as well so those two will continue to battle this summer. I feel good about where we're at as an offense. The key now is we have to keep that rolling through summer and into the start of camp. I'm excited about the direction we're heading. We're developing better leadership on the offensive side and that's key. I'm excited to get back to work in the summer.
What or who pleasantly surprised you this spring?
Connor had a real good and productive spring. He exceeded my expectations on some things. He got banged up about midway through spring ball, which affected him, but he's a smart kid who had a really nice spring for us.
What needs to priority number on the first day of camp this August?
That's what we talked about as a staff. We really exceeded what our initial plan was going into spring ball in terms of how much we wanted to install. That's was good. We talked about it after spring ball, but we've got to keep these guys engaged enough that when they come back for summer workouts, they can pick up right where we left off and keep this thing going. I feel like we were starting to hone in on some things and understand a lot of things at the end of spring ball. We have to keep that going.
What young player stepped up this spring?
I talked about the young quarterbacks already, but from an offensive standpoint it would be Derwin Burgess Jr. I think I mentioned him at the middle of spring ball and he continued to improve in the back half. He continues to impress. And then we have a good, young offensive lineman in Caleb Cook who because of our depth there, was forced into getting a lot of reps with the 2s. I think he's going to be a heck of a player for us. It takes offensive linemen a little longer thank skilled guys to be ready to play, but he's really shown some good signs.
Who are the leaders of your group?
That'd be JT. He isn't a real vocal guy, but he's been here the longest and played some valuable reps. He's started some important games for us. If something needs to be said among that group, he's the guy to do it.
Depth Chart
QB: 17, Justin Tomlin (5-11, 190, r-Jr.)
13, Connor Cigelske (6-0, 190, r-Fr.)
14, Sam Kenerson (5-9, 175, r-Fr.)
of note - James Graham is not listed on the depth chart due to him missing a majority of the spring
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
