STATESBORO - As game week draws closer, GSEagles.com had a chance to sit down with each coordinator to get their thoughts on their areas. Up last is defensive coordinator Will Harris.

What's one group or area you've been pleasantly surprised with this preseason?
I was thinking about that earlier in terms of what groups have had an MVP performance this preseason and I'd have to say it's the defensive line. I've been pretty impressed with them. They are doing a lot of good things right now with a lot of experienced guys. The biggest thing I've been pleased with them is the way they handle the details of things like making sure we're aligned properly and hitting the right gaps. I'm also excited about the inside linebackers and the way they are playing with a chip on their shoulders. Getting Todd Bradley-Glenn and Marques Watson-Trent back has been huge and I'm excited to see what they do this season.

What aspect is still something you have to work on to be ready for the season?
We always talk about the details of tackling and overemphasizing turnovers. The turnover ratio is one of the most underrated aspects of the game. We want to continue to work on tackling and to hit our goal of three turnovers per day.

Who are a few veterans who have stood out this preseason and why?
There are a lot, but that's a good thing. I'll start with Justin Ellis, who is just a really solid football player. He and Dillon Springer have played a lot of football here, and it shows. Quin Williams is super athletic and is going to be the piece for us that can move around a lot. In the backer room, it's nice having Todd back, who is like another coach when you have a guy in his seventh year! Safety-wise, we have a lot of guys with a lot of college experience in Justin Birdsong, Anthony Wilson and transfer Wylan Free. And then getting Derrick Canteen back from injury is going to be huge. There are others, but those guys jump out to me.

What newcomers should Eagle Nation keep their eyes on this season who have stood out this preseason?
I know he's not a newcomer, but Eagle Nation better keep their eyes on Isaac Walker. I think he's going to have a breakout season. As far as young guys go, I think MJ Stroud brings a different type of athleticism to the outside backer spot. He keeps growing every day and it's exciting to watch. In the linebacker room, I'm excited about Zyere Horton who came in early as a safety. We've moved him down to linebacker, which has been cool to watch him pick up things quickly as a freshman. In the back end, we have some older transfers in Jalen Denton, Wylan Free and Mari Wingard that we're very excited about, but as far as freshmen go, Marc Stampley II is a guy to watch. I think he's going to be a really special player. He's got to keep developing, but he has the grit and grind to be a good one.

What has you excited about your area this season?
It's the unknown that excites me. We can write our own path and I keep telling the guys that. This season can be whatever we want it to be. I always over-emphasize how important it is to get into a routine and become consistent in everything we do. We have to continue practicing hard every day and good things will happen.