STATESBORO - The Georgia Southern football team wrapped up its first week of practice on Saturday as the team went through a two-hour session on the turf at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. It was the second day in shoulder pads and helmets as the Eagles continue to progress in the NCAA's five-day acclimation period.
A few notes from the day:
• Defensive backs
Derrick Canteen and
Wylan Free had interceptions during the team period and
Seth Robertson had a Pick Six that brought forth a futile effort to do turf angels in front of Bishop Field House. While amusing in practice, surely that will be discussed in film review so the team doesn't get a penalty in a game.
• On offense, freshman
Robert Edwards III busted a nice run and wide out
Sam Kenerson had a nice grab. Back on the defensive side,
NaJee Thompson blew up a screen while
Quin Williams and
Todd Bradley-Glenn had good days.
The team will have Sunday off and will return to Paulson on Monday before hitting the banks of Beautiful Eagle Creek on Tuesday for the first full pads practice. With school starting on Wednesday, the team will have that day off and then will move to an afternoon practice schedule the remainder of the season.
Speaking of academics, 16 Eagles are playing this season as college graduates. Graduating from Georgia Southern, in alphabetical order:
Anthony Beck II,
Todd Bradley-Glenn,
Parker Devine,
Justin Ellis,
Jon Ferguson,
Khadry Jackson,
Caleb Kelly,
Logan Langemeier,
Brian Miller and
Dillon Springer.
Also playing as graduates of other universities are:
Ezrah Archie (Monmouth),
Danny Corbett (Campbell),
Wylan Free (Fresno State),
Jeremy Singleton (Houston),
Kyle Vantrease (Buffalo)
and
Mari Wingard (Elon).
Khalil Crowder, JT Galloway, Zyon McGee, Teva Reynolds, NaJee Thompson and Kaylen Wright are on track to graduate in December and Justin Birdsong, Javian Boykin, Tyler Bride, Griffin Carder, Chase Hancock, Amaru Herring, Khaleb Hood, Justin Howell, Amare Jones, Mark Langston, Jordan Pearson, Aaron Pyron, Alex Raynor, Emil Smith, Kierron Smith and Brandon Wilson are scheduled to graduate in May or summer of 2023.
Fifteen Eagles took advantage of the NCAA's COVID-19 eligibility waiver and returned for an extra year of action: Justin Birdsong, Todd Bradley-Glenn, Justin Ellis, Amare Jones, Caleb Kelly, Logan Langemeier, Brian Miller, Dillon Springer and NaJee Thompson. Transferring in and taking advantage of the extra year were: Ezrah Archie, Danny Corbett, Wylan Free, Jeremy Singleton, Mari Wingard and Kyle Vantrease.
The team will hold its first full scrimmage next Saturday evening, Aug. 13 at Paulson Stadium and will then hold it second scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. in Savannah at Memorial Stadium.
