For the time being, the quest for Georgia Southern’s starting quarterback job is a two-man race.
Sophomore Billy Lowe is still working through some issues stemming from minor offseason back surgery, leaving redshirt freshman Lee Chapple and sophomore Kyle Collins alone at the top of GSU’s most-watched position battle. On Monday, Lowe didn’t take snaps for the first time this spring.
“(Lowe’s back injury) has really been taking its toll on him, so he’ll be real limited probably from here on out this spring,” Hatcher said. “We’ve got those other two guys out there working, and we are going to play with whoever is healthy and can go.”
Coaches have praised Chapple’s mobility and Collins’ ability to move the team downfield through the air.
Practice update, defense shines
Hatcher considered Monday’s performance by Georgia Southern’s defense the best he’s seen so far this spring, an encouraging sign for a unit that’s been outshined by a rebuilding offense the last few weeks.
During 11-on-11 work, senior lineman Larry Beard, last fall’s team leader in sacks and fumble recoveries, recorded a pass breakup, while junior Chris Rogers and redshirt freshman walk-on Matthew Rucker each had an interception.
The Eagles worked out in shells in cold and misty conditions.
“It was a good one,” Hatcher said of the practice. “We had a lot more competition today between the offense and defense, and that’s what we’ve been stressing from the get-go.
“We’ve got a lot of new faces (on defense) we are trying to work in even though we’ve got more coming back on that side of the ball. But they’re getting better. Offensively we are doing some good things, and we’re progressing nicely right now.” Linebacker E.J. Webb and receiver Raja Andrews were two of several Eagles held out of regular drills Monday. Webb could be back as soon as today, Hatcher said, and Andrews is day-to-day following an injury in last Friday’s scrimmage. Specifics on injuries are undisclosed.
On deck
The Eagles have six practices remaining before the annual Blue/White game April 12. They’ll workout in full pads today and Friday and wear shells Thursday. All practices begin at 8 a.m.
Alex Pellegrino can be reached at (912) 489-9413.
Sophomore Billy Lowe is still working through some issues stemming from minor offseason back surgery, leaving redshirt freshman Lee Chapple and sophomore Kyle Collins alone at the top of GSU’s most-watched position battle. On Monday, Lowe didn’t take snaps for the first time this spring.
“(Lowe’s back injury) has really been taking its toll on him, so he’ll be real limited probably from here on out this spring,” Hatcher said. “We’ve got those other two guys out there working, and we are going to play with whoever is healthy and can go.”
Coaches have praised Chapple’s mobility and Collins’ ability to move the team downfield through the air.
Practice update, defense shines
Hatcher considered Monday’s performance by Georgia Southern’s defense the best he’s seen so far this spring, an encouraging sign for a unit that’s been outshined by a rebuilding offense the last few weeks.
During 11-on-11 work, senior lineman Larry Beard, last fall’s team leader in sacks and fumble recoveries, recorded a pass breakup, while junior Chris Rogers and redshirt freshman walk-on Matthew Rucker each had an interception.
The Eagles worked out in shells in cold and misty conditions.
“It was a good one,” Hatcher said of the practice. “We had a lot more competition today between the offense and defense, and that’s what we’ve been stressing from the get-go.
“We’ve got a lot of new faces (on defense) we are trying to work in even though we’ve got more coming back on that side of the ball. But they’re getting better. Offensively we are doing some good things, and we’re progressing nicely right now.” Linebacker E.J. Webb and receiver Raja Andrews were two of several Eagles held out of regular drills Monday. Webb could be back as soon as today, Hatcher said, and Andrews is day-to-day following an injury in last Friday’s scrimmage. Specifics on injuries are undisclosed.
On deck
The Eagles have six practices remaining before the annual Blue/White game April 12. They’ll workout in full pads today and Friday and wear shells Thursday. All practices begin at 8 a.m.
Alex Pellegrino can be reached at (912) 489-9413.
