It goes without saying that Georgia Southern players, coaches and fans are thankful to be playing another game on Thanksgiving weekend and having a shot in the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
    There’s plenty more thanks where that came from.
    On Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the Eagles talked about some of the things they’re most thankful for.

    Jeff Monken, head coach — “To know that Jesus is my savior and I have my family. That’s it. Those are the two things that are most important.
    “I’m most thankful on the field just to have an opportunity to coach this great game. I love my job and I love being a part of this with these kids. My dad’s a high school football coach, I grew up around this and it’s all I ever wanted to do.”

    Brent Pry, defensive coordinator — “Honestly, I’m most thankful for being a part of this staff, and for being at Georgia Southern, involved this football program. We had gotten fired at the University of Memphis, my boss had gotten fired, and I’m very fortunate and thankful that coach Monken thought enough of me to offer me a job here. Off the field, there’s no doubt in my mind I’m  most thankful for my beautiful wife and my wonderful children, two girls and a boy, and it’s the most important thing in the world to me.”

    Brent Russell, defensive tackle — “I have great teammates. The coaching staff — we all love them and they’re here for us. The players, we’re like a family this year. It hasn’t been like that in years past. I’m really thankful for that. Off the field, it’s my family. I have such a support group and my four-year-old son, he’s my world. He just brightens my day all day, every day.”

    Josh Rowe, middle linebacker — “You go through certain changes and face adversity throughout the season and in life in general. Sometimes it comes from school, or battling injuries or just everyday things. Your family, the teammates, the coaches — you can talk to any one of them. They’re always there for me whenever I need help.
    “Honestly, the two guys in front of me on defense — and I’m not trying to single anybody out — but Brent Russell and Roderick Tinsley. Those guys make my life easier and for everybody on defense. J.J. Wilcox on offense, I’m thankful for him. If anybody else on the field doesn’t go hard, J.J.’s always going to go hard.”

    J.J. Wilcox, slotback — “I’m grateful for being a part of the tradition here. Just getting a chance to be a college football player. I’m grateful to the coaches for getting a chance to play.”

    Jaybo Shaw, quarterback — “On the field, every teammate and the coaches. Off the field it would definitely be my family. I’m very lucky to have a family that supports me in everything I do.”

    Brent Davis, offensive coordinator — “I’m thankful that we have such a close-knit team. I’m thankful to the players and the coaches that we’ve really come together as a family. They support each other and have each other’s back.
    “I’m thankful for my grandfather and the 90 years that he lived. I’m thankful for all the people he influenced, including me and my family, and for the great life that he led.”
 
    Adrian Mora, kicker — “On the football field, I’m most thankful for the opportunity to play another Saturday in the 2010 season. I’m thankful to have a family that supports me in whatever I do and follows me everywhere I play.”

    Laron Scott, cornerback — “We’ve got a great bunch of guys, and these coaches, they really love us and really care a lot about us. I like the way our teammates stick together through adversity and I’m really thankful to have those guys with me. I’m thankful for our fans, my family and just the support that we have. Win or lose, those fans are always behind us to push us forward and help us move in the right direction.”

    Mitch Williford, wide receiver — “I’m thankful for being healthy, my family and coming to Georgia Southern and having the opportunity to do what most people in life don’t get the chance to do.”

    Matt Yogus can be reached at (912) 489-9408.