Georgia Southern University Athletics

Former Georgia Southern letterman and assistant coach Victor Cabral is in his second stint at GS after retuning for the 2018 season. Prior to 2018, he spent the previous three seasons on the Samford football coaching staff as the Bulldogs’ defensive line coach, a position he coaches once again at GS. He added the title of recruiting coordinator in 2019.

In 2018, his first year back, all three of his starters along the defensive line - Raymond Johnson III, Logan Hunt and Ty Phillips - earned all-conference honors as the Eagles produced a stout run defense all season that allowed just 140.5 yards per game. In 2019, Johnson III earned first-team all-conference honors and his line corps combined for 35.5 tackles for loss.

In 2020, Johnson III earned All-America honors after recording 14.5 tackles for loss and a school-record 15 quarterback hurries and the defensive line combined for 34.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks as the defense finished 15th in the country in rushing defense.

While at Samford only a short time, he had an immediate impact as the Bulldogs were selected to the FCS Playoffs twice and he tutored the 2017 Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year in Ahmad Gooden. Gooden was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, was second on the team and ranked in the top 10 in the SoCon in total tackles with 101. He also had 15.5 tackles for loss, including 5.5 sacks, and 11 quarterback pressures, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble from his tackle spot.

In his first two seasons at Samford, Cabral mentored a defensive line that was one of the strengths of the defense. In 2015, he coached two All-SoCon players in Michael Pierce (first team) and Gooden (second team). In 2016, Gooden and Roosevelt Donaldson were both named All-SoCon.

Cabral spent the 2014 season as the director of player personnel at his alma mater, Georgia Southern.

For four years from 2010-2013, he served as the defensive line coach at Georgia Southern. Cabral worked with several stand-out players during his time at GS, including four-time All-American and 2011 Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year Brent Russell, who became the Eagles’ career sacks leader in 2012.

Cabral joined the Eagle program after spending three years as defensive line coach at Georgia Military College, where he also served as special teams coordinator for the Bulldogs. In 2007, the GMC defensive unit earned a No. 1 ranking in rushing defense in the NJCAA. The next season, the Bulldogs ranked third nationally in total defense.

With success at the team level, the Bulldogs also had several individuals earn national accolades. Leroy Burgess was selected as a third-team NJCAA All-American and in 2008, Torrey Ball earned second-team All-America honors.

Under the tutelage of Cabral, Markeith Wylie was recognized as first-team Academic All-American in 2007. Thirteen GMC players coached by Cabral received scholarships to NCAA Division I programs during his three seasons in Milledgeville.

Cabral returned to Georgia Southern for the 2005 campaign, coordinating video and quality control for the Eagles. During the winter and spring of 2006, Cabral assisted with the defensive line, including the preparation of daily practice plans and on-field evaluation and coaching of the Eagles.

A four-year starter and letterwinner, Cabral was part of the GS winning tradition that included the 2000 national title, two NCAA semifinal playoff appearances and four conference titles during his career. Following his collegiate playing career, Cabral was the 24th overall draft pick by the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL in 2005.

The former Eagle team captain earned his bachelor of arts degree from Georgia Southern in May 2006 and graduated with his master’s degree in July 2013. Cabral and his wife, Erin, are the parents of a son, Zac, and a daughter, Lucy. His wife was a four-year letterwinner and team captain for the GS swimming team and is a double Eagle graduate.

THE CABRAL FILE
Personal
Hometown: Naples, Fla.
Birthday: Dec. 31, 1982 in Toronto, Canada
College: Georgia Southern (2006; 2013)
Family: wife, Erin; son, Zac; daughter, Lucy

Playing Experience
Georgia Southern (2000-04)
Montreal Alouettes (2005)

Coaching Experience
2018 Georgia Southern (defensive line/recruiting coordinator)
2018 Georgia Southern (defensive line)
2015-17 Samford (defensive line)
2014 Georgia Southern (player personnel)
2010-13 Georgia Southern (defensive line)
2007-09 Georgia Military (defensive line/special teams)
2005-06 Georgia Southern (video/quality control)

College Bowl/Postseason Experience
Coach
2020 New Orleans (GS vs. Louisiana Tech)
2019 Cure (GS vs. Liberty) 
2018 Camellia (GS vs. Eastern Michigan)
2017 NCAA FCS First Round (Samford)
2016 NCAA FCS First Round (Samford)
2012 NCAA FCS Semifinals (GS)
2011 NCAA FCS Semifinals (GS)
2010 NCAA FCS Semifinals (GS)
2005 NCAA FCS First Round (GS)
Player
2004 NCAA FCS First Round (GS)
2002 NCAA FCS Semifinals (GS)
2001 NCAA FCS Semifinals (GS)
2000 NCAA FCS National Champions (GS)

Prominent Pupils
Ahmad Gooden (DL): Denver Broncos
Michael Pierce (DL): Baltimore Ravens
Horace Roberts (DL): Buffalo Bills
Brent Russell (DL): Chicago Bears