STATESBORO - A new era in Georgia Southern Athletics kicked off Monday morning as the Eagle football team utilized the Anthony P. Tippins Family Training Facility for the first time. The Athletics Department was given the Certificate of Occupancy on Friday, and while aesthetic work on the facility will continue through the month, it is functional for the needs of the 17 department programs to use. 

"What an unbelievable opportunity it was to be in the Anthony P. Tippins Family Training Facility today," said head coach Clay Helton. "This is a professional facility and our guys came out and had a professional practice. From a logistics standpoint, this is going to help us so much. Weather can always play a factor when you're living in the southeast so the be able to be right by the stadium and take weather out of play, that helps you. When you add in the tailgating spots, which will be a revenue generator for the department, this is a first-class facility."

A few observations and notes:

• Running backs Jalen White and OJ Arnold continue to impress in the backfield. White went over the 1,000-yard career rushing mark against JMU last and had a team-high 914 yards rushing with 10 touchdowns along with 22 catches for 217 yards and a score. He carried the ball 13 times for 143 yards and had a 22-yard catch against Marshall but suffered a knee injury in the game and missed the finale against App State as well as the bowl game. White has come back strong in the weight room to be ready for the 2023 season with these impressive numbers:
• Squat - 620
• Bench - 360
• Power Clean - 350
• Vertical Jump - 40"
• Broad Jump - 10'4

• Keep an eye on freshman corner Caimon Mathis. The Texas native was a late sign in February, but continues to make plays to impress the coaches early on in camp. Other members of the secondary having big days today were Cam Smith, Justin Meyers and Tyrell Davis.

• Receiver Khaleb Hood has picked up where he left off last year. A play after a 20-yard gain on third down, he took a screen 66 yards to the house in today's practice. A young receiver who continues to show flashes is Josh Dallas, who is now sporting No. 19. He has great hands and has shown the knack to make tough catches on. Finally, freshman walk-on Taylor Bradshaw had a great diving catch in the end zone on a deep ball to score for the offense. The receiving corps is deep this year with some older guys, but it appears the young guys are also looking to make some noise.

• Numerous coaches and staff members have deep roots to Statesboro as graduates of Georgia Southern. From the coaching staff, defensive coordinator Brandon Bailey, defensive backs coach Darius Eubanks, wide receivers coach BJ Johnson and cornerbacks coach/assistant head coach Kevin Whitley all went to Southern with the latter three playing for the Blue and White. Additionally, staff members Adrian Peterson, Andrew Bevill, Jarae Thurmond, Kennedy Joerger, and Matt Wise also graduated from Georgia Southern.

Below is the practice schedule for the remained of preseason for fans who wish to attend. Times and location can change based on weather.

Georgia Southern Preseason Football Schedule
Date (Time, Location)

Tues., Aug. 8: 10 AM (Eagle Creek; full pads)
Wed., Aug. 9: 10 AM (Paulson)
Thurs., Aug. 10: 10 AM (Paulson)
Fri., Aug. 11: OFF
Sat., Aug. 12: 5:30 PM (Scrimmage #1; Paulson)

Sun., Aug. 13: OFF
Mon., Aug. 14: OFF (First day of classes)
Tues., Aug. 15: 9:50 AM (Paulson)
Wed., Aug. 16: 4:20 PM (Eagle Creek)
Thurs., Aug. 17: 9:50 AM (Paulson)
Fri., Aug. 18: 4:20 PM (Paulson)
Sat., Aug. 19: 10 AM (Scrimmage #2; Paulson) ... Time could change

The Fan Fest and Lil' Eagles Clinic will take place on Aug. 12 around the first scrimmage. The Women's Clinic will take place on Aug. 13.

While practices are open to the public and media, we ask you help us keep a competitive advantage by not posting videos and detailed information (including injuries) from practice on social media.