New Georgia Southern head coach Tyson Summers had all spring and summer to get his players accustomed to any changes that are in store for the 2016 season. Now that fall camp is open, the intensity is ramped up and games are quickly approaching, Summers’ first seven months of work are paying dividends in the form of an Eagle squad that has hit the practice field running.
    On Wednesday morning at Beautiful Eagle Creek, the Eagles practiced in helmets and shoulder pads – a step up for the helmet-only look of the first two days. Full pads are still a day away, but that hasn’t stopped the intensity from running on full tilt.
    A defensive coordinator at each of his two previous coaching gigs, Summers isn’t shy about his expectations for a Georgia Southern defensive unit that has been on the rise and that ranked 21st nationally last season. Summers commented during the Sun Belt Conference’s media day that he thinks his defense can be even better moving forward.
    Talent is only half the battle as the Eagles must adjust to new tactics and terminology.
    “We’ve been doing a pretty good job of that so far,” Summers said. “It’s pretty simple. If a guy gets wrapped up in a role that goes against what we’re asking of him, we get him out of there. We’ve only had to do that with a few starters and today was better than before, so I think guys are starting to settle into it.”
    That defense will have many familiar faces, but will look a bit different. Summers brings his 4-3 base defense to the table, which is slightly different than the 4-2- 5 look often shown during the last two seasons.
    While the change comes mostly because the scheme is one that Summers and defensive coordinator Lorenzo Costantini are familiar with, it might also be the type of alignment that Georgia
    Southern is perfectly suited for. Adding more linebackers into the mix works well as Ironhead Gallon and Chris DeLaRosa return with plenty of experience and Florida State transfer Ukeme Eligwe is now eligible to compete. Similarly, featuring fewer defensive backs could be beneficial as the Eagles have just one returning starter – Darius Jones - in the secondary.
    And then there are the changes coming to the offense.
    From the minute Summers was hired, he – like every other Georgia Southern coach in recent history – was immediately pressed for information regarding how he plans to work with the Eagles’ high-powered option rushing attack. The Eagles have led the nation in rushing in each of the last two seasons and Summers has remained consistent in promising that the offense’s identity will remain largely the same, but that an increase and an improvement in the passing game is also vital for the team’s success.
    Senior quarterbacks Kevin Ellison and Favian Upshaw figure to reprise their roles as one of the most successful dual-quarterback duos in the nation and spent plenty of hot summer afternoons working with receivers on routes and timing.
    Now that full team practices are in action, the Eagles’ stout defense is doing its part to help the passing game grow.
    “They don’t make anything easy,” Upshaw said. “They work hard and don’t give you very big windows to throw to. And with the pass rush, it forces you to make quick decisions. Going against them every day is definitely challenging us and making us better.”
    And when the Eagles turn to their bread and butter – the run game – the same shotgun sets with two or three possible ball carriers ready to find a hole will again make the Georgia Southern offense a test for any opponent.
    Matt Breida is back on the field after sitting out of spring practice and the rest of the backfield is filled by returning impact runners in L.A. Ramsby and Wesley Fields.
    With an absurd 99 percent of all offensive yardage producers returning this season, there’s plenty of reason for optimism.
    “We’re working hard to improve our passing game,” Upshaw said. “But we still pride ourselves on running. I won’t lie. It’s pretty fun to just hand it to any of our running backs and watch them go to work.”
    Mike Anthony may be reached at (912) 489-9408.