2018 Coaches and Staff HEAD COACH CHAD LUNSFORD

LUNSFORD BEGINS REIGN AS LEADER OF THE EAGLES Long-Time Eagle Assistant the 10th Full-Time Head Coach in Modern Era The 2018 campaign marks the 10th season overall, and “It was hard to ignore the progress the in rushing in 2015. In 2016, Lunsford was named sixth in his current stint at Georgia Southern for Chad Lunsford, a Broyles Award nominee, given to the nation’s top assistant who has worn many hats in his time in Statesboro. Lunsford team has made under Coach Lunsford coach, as the Eagles blocked seven kicks and featured a Lou was promoted from assistant head coach to interim head coach both on and off the field. I’ve also had the Groza Award finalist in Younghoe Koo, who went on to sign a on Oct. 22, 2017. He was named the 10th full-time head coach opportunity to watch Chad go through free agent contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. in the modern era on Nov. 27, 2017. He enters his first full On the recruiting side, Lunsford helped engineer signing season as the head coach of the Eagles with a 2-4 record after three other transitions in my time here classes which featured 22 players and ranked in the top half of winning two of the final three games of the 2017 season. and have seen him develop professionally the Sun Belt in 2015, also ranked near the top of the Sun Belt in After working with the wide receivers in 2013, Lunsford during that span. We’re thrilled to 2014 and in 2016. He was named the Sun Belt’s Best Recruiter worked two seasons with the tight ends and served as in 2016 by Scout. recruiting coordinator in 2014 and 2015. In 2017, Lunsford announce Chad Lunsford as our full-time Georgia Southern’s wide receivers in 2013 led NCAA coached the Eagle slot receivers and H-backs and served in head coach and look forward to seeing Division I with most yards per completion, averaging 19.3 the role of special teams coordinator, a title he added in 2016, where he will take his program.” yards per catch. Fourteen catches ranked among Georgia until his promotion to interim head coach. He was named the Southern’s big plays as the Eagle receiving corps contributed to program’s assistant head coach in 2017. one of the nation’s top offenses. Over the previous four seasons, his tight ends contributed — Tom Kleinlein — Lunsford returned to Statesboro as wide receivers coach to the option ground game which led the FBS in rushing Georgia Southern University and recruiting coordinator in June 2013 after four years in an yards per game in both 2014 and 2015 and also led the FBS Athletics Director administrative position with the Auburn football program. He 14 FOOTBALL @CHADLUNSFORD served in consecutive roles as the Tigers’ Director of Scouting and Two years back at Georgia Military College followed his time at Director of Player Personnel, assisting with the day-to-day operations Griffin with Lunsford taking a familiar place as linebackers coach and of Auburn football, with an emphasis on recruiting, organizing and adding responsibilities as special teams coordinator. prospect evaluation. Lunsford played at Elbert County High School for legendary coach Credited with making advancements in technology and T. McFerrin. During his high school career, Elbert County made four- introducing new concepts to help the Tigers win recruiting wars, straight appearances in the state playoffs and posted a 20-3 record Lunsford assisted with and organized numerous other aspects of in his junior and senior years. Auburn’s recruiting process. The Tigers boasted three of the nation’s He graduated from Georgia College in May 2000 with a degree top recruiting classes in 2010, 2011 and 2012, and that success in biology and minor in mathematics, and earned a master’s of sport translated to the field where Auburn claimed the 2010 BCS national science degree from the United States Sports Academy in 2002. championship, 2010 Southeastern Conference Championship and While at Georgia College as an undergraduate, he served as made appearances in two other bowl games. a student assistant with Georgia Military College, beginning his Lunsford coached the slotbacks in his previous three seasons career coaching the tight ends. In February 1997, he was hired (2003-05) on the Georgia Southern staff, including the Eagles’ as the running backs coach and handled several of the program’s eventual all-time receptions leader Raja Andrews, who finished administrative areas. The Bulldogs would play in three straight his career with 127 catches and as the record holder for receiving Golden Isles bowl games, capture the 1998 National Junior College yards in a single season with 873. Armed with the ability to run Athletics Association (NJCAA) rushing title with an average of more and deliver blocks as well as catch passes in the option offense, his than 300 yards per game, and bring home the 1999 Golden Isles slotbacks provided physical and statistical support to three-straight bowl championship. THE LUNSFORD FILE NCAA Division I rushing titles to go along with a Southern Conference Lunsford moved to the defensive side of the ball for the 2000 championship in 2004. season and his coaching efforts helped GMC rank second nationally Record: After departing Georgia Southern in 2006, Lunsford spent a year in total defense that year. 2-4 at Griffin High School as a special education teacher and served as the An opportunity to coach on the offense again prompted him to outside linebackers coach. The Bears posted an overall record of 11-2 accept an assistant coaching position at Appalachian State where he Personal that season for a winning percentage of .917, highest in the program would coach the tight ends for the 2001 and 2002 seasons. Hometown: Elberton, Ga. history to that point, and advanced to the second round of the state Married to the former Tiffany “Tippy” Hyde of Macon in 2002, the Born: February 24, 1977 in Anderson, S.C. playoffs. Lunsfords have three children, Sophie, Rhett and Josie. Alma Mater: Georgia College (2000); U.S. Sports Academy (2002) Education: Bachelor’s (biology); Master’s (sport science) Family: wife, Tippy; daughters, Sophie, Josie; son, Rhett

Experience 2017- Georgia Southern (head coach) 2017 Georgia Southern (5 games) (interim head coach) 2017 Georgia Southern (Asst. HC/H-backs/Slots/ST coordinator) 2016 Georgia Southern (TEs/special teams coordinator) 2014-15 Georgia Southern (TEs/recruiting coord.) 2013 Georgia Southern (wide receivers) 2013 Auburn (director of player personnel) 2009-12 Auburn (director of scouting) 2007-09 Georgia Military (LBs/special teams coord.) 2006-07 Griffin (GA) HS (linebackers) 2003-06 Georgia Southern (slotbacks) 2001-03 Appalachian State (tight ends) 2000 Georgia Military (linebackers) 1997-00 Georgia Military (running backs) 1996 Georgia Military (student assistant)

College Bowl/Postseason Experience 2015 GoDaddy (GS vs. Bowling Green) 2011 Chick-fil-A (Auburn vs. Virginia) 2010 Fiesta (Auburn vs. Oregon) BCS National Champions 2009 Outback (Auburn vs. Northwestern) 2005 NCAA FCS Round of 16 (GS) 2004 NCAA FCS Round of 16 (GS) 2002 NCAA FCS First Round (ASU) 2001 NCAA FCS Quarterfinals (ASU) 1999 Golden Isles (GMC vs. Middle Georgia) 1998 Golden Isles (GMC) 1997 Golden Isles (GMC) The Lunsford Family: Head coach Chad Lunsford and his wife,Tippy, along with (l-r): Sophie, Josie and Rhett. GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL 15 ASSISTANT COACHES

BOB DeBESSE @CoachDeBesse5 OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR/WIDE RECEIVERS // FIRST SEASON A veteran of the coaching world with over 30 years of experience, Championship Subdivision in 2011. The Bearkats averaged 36.9 Bob DeBesse joins the GS football staff as the offensive coordinator points per game in 2011 with a 1,000-yard rusher in Tim Flanders and wide receivers coach under head coach Chad Lunsford. DeBesse (1,644 yards) and another one just shy of 1,000 yards in Richard comes to Statesboro after a record-setting six-year run as the Sincere (979 yards), as well as a 2,000-yard passer in offensive coordinator at the University of New Mexico, where his Brian Bell (2,069 yards). rushing offense posted five consecutive top-10 national rankings in In his first season, DeBesse led the Kats to the top of the rushing yards per game, including the top attack in 2016. Southland Conference in rushing offense and had three players earn Under DeBesse’s watch, the Lobos finished fifth in 2012, fourth all-league honors. in 2013, fifth in 2014, ninth in 2015 and first in 2016. The 2016 Lobos DeBesse served as wide receivers coach at Texas A&M from set a school record for points (477) and scoring average, averaging 2006-07. As wide receivers coach, DeBesse helped direct Texas A&M 36.7 points per game, and also featured two 1,000 yard rushers for squads to the 2006 Holiday Bowl and the 2007 Alamo Bowl. the first time in school history. It also featured Teriyon Gipson, who Purdue employed DeBesse as wide receivers coach from led the nation in yards per attempt, averaging 8.75 yards per carry. 2003-05, where he mentored . Stubblefield was In 2017, the Lobos’ again finished in the top 20 nationally in rushing a consensus All-America selection and Biletnikoff Award finalist THE DeBESSE FILE offense, avergaging over 230 yards per game on the ground. in 2004, setting a then-NCAA record with 316 receptions. In 2003, In the 2015 season, the Lobos led the nation in total plays of Boilermakers WR John Standeford set Big Ten records for receptions Personal 60 or more yards (11) and 70 or more yards (7). The Lobos added a (broken by Stubblefield) and receiving yards with 3,788. Hometown: Houston, Texas deadly aerial attack as well and the team threw three Prior to his arrival at Purdue, DeBesse was the head coach at Born: Sept. 30, 1959 in Boston passes of 80 or more yards in the final five games of the season, the Southwest Texas State from 1997-2002. His 2000 team went 7-4, Alma Mater: Southwest Texas State (1982) most 80-yard completions in the history of UNM for a single season. the best mark by the school in a decade, and had a No. 24 national Education: Bachelor’s (education) The Lobo rushing attack again finished in the top 10 nationally. ranking in the NCAA Division I-AA final poll. Family: wife, Janet; daughters, Brittney, Kaila; Jhurell Pressley, who ended his career with the second-most rushing DeBesse served as offensive coordinator at the University of son, Cameron touchdowns in school history. Minnesota from 1992-96. His units led the Big Ten in passing offense In the 2014 season, UNM once again finished in the top five in in 1992, 1993 and 1996 and led the Big Ten in passing offense in Playing Experience rushing nationally, finishing fourth, averaging 310.4 yards per game. conference games in 1994 and ‘95. Southwest Texas State (1978-80) The Lobos were the only team in the nation to have finished in the Before coming to Minnesota, DeBesse spent nine years (1983- Coaching Experience top five from 2012-14 with an average of 300 yards or more, and 91) at TCU, the last two years as offensive coordinator. From 1988-90, 2018- Georgia Southern that was all under DeBesse. he coached alongside Rocky Long and earned Southwest Conference (offensive coordinator/WRs) The Lobos were certainly explosive as well. Aside from Pressley Offensive Coordinator of the Year honors in 1990. As 2016-17 New Mexico (offensive coordinator/WRs) leading the nation with a 9.6 yards per carry average, UNM ranked in coach, DeBesse helped the Horned Frogs earn an invitation to the 2012-15 New Mexico (offensive coordinator/QBs) the top three nationally in most runs of 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 yards Bluebonnet Bowl in 1984. 2010-11 Sam Houston State (off. coordinator) for the season, leading the nation in most 50 and 60 yard rushes (14 DeBesse was a three-year at Southwest Texas State 2008-09 A&M Consolidated H.S. (asst. coach) and 10 respectively). from 1978 to 1980. He was special teams captain and a Texas All- 2006-07 Texas A&M (wide receivers) The 2013 offense’s 40 rushing touchdowns were two shy of Academic team selection as a senior. DeBesse spent two years as a 2003-05 Purdue (wide receivers) the 1971 team record of 42. The unit also produced 5,062 yards, student assistant for SWT teams that won NCAA Division II national 1997-02 Southwest Texas State (head coach) becoming just the sixth Lobo offensive unit to surpass the 5,000-yard championships in 1981 and 1982. He was elected to the Southwest 1992-96 Minnesota (offensive coordinator) mark. In 2012, the Lobos had the most improved rushing offense Texas State Hall of Honor in 1998. 1990-91 TCU (offensive coordinator) in the nation, going from 113.3 yards per game (ranking 103rd in Growing up in Texas, DeBesse earned a bachelor’s degree in 1983-89 TCU (running backs/quarterbacks) rushing in ‘11) to 301.3 yards per game (ranking fifth in ‘12). education from Southwest Texas State in 1982. He and his wife 1981-82 Southwest Texas State (student asst.) DeBesse went to New Mexico after a highly successful two-year Janet, a former Southwest Texas gymnast and cheerleader, have stint as the offensive coordinator at Sam Houston State, which three children: Brittney, Kaila and Cameron. Cameron lettered as a Bowl/Postseason Experience finished as national championship runner-up in the Football for the Lobos in 2012 and 2013. 2016 New Mexico (New Mexico vs. UTSA) 2015 New Mexico (New Mexico vs. Arizona) 2011 NCAA FCS Championship (Sam Houston St.) 2007 Alamo (Texas A&M vs. Penn State) 2006 Holiday (Texas A&M vs. Cal) 2004 Sun (Purdue vs. Arizona State) 2003 Capital One (Purdue vs. Georgia) 1984 Bluebonnet (TCU vs. West Virginia)

16 GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL ASSISTANT COACHES

SCOT SLOAN @Coach_Sloan DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR/SAFETIES // FIRST SEASON // FIFTH OVERALL AT GS A veteran of the college coaching ranks with over two decades In all, Sloan coached two National Football League Draft picks of experience, Scot Sloan comes back to Statesboro to serve as the (LeGree and McCray) in his eight seasons at Appalachian. Former defensive coordinator and safeties coach for the 2018 season under safety Doug Middleton played with the and Alex Gray head coach Chad Lunsford. signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Sloan spent eight seasons as Appalachian State’s secondary coach As the program’s recruiting coordinator, Sloan has helped nail and was promoted to co-defensive coordinator in the spring of 2017. down four highly regarded signing classes, the first (2012) coming He also served as Appalachian’s recruiting coordinator since 2012. despite him not taking over as recruiting coordinator until just In his eight seasons at Appalachian State, Sloan mentored App’s six weeks prior to National Signing Day. The Mountaineers’ 2014 first FBS Freshman All-American in Clifton Duck in 2016, two NCAA recruiting class — its first as an NCAA Division I FBS program — Division I FCS all-Americans (Mark LeGree in 2010 and Demetrius was ranked No. 1 in the by 247Sports while McCray in 2011) and 16 all-conference honorees. Sloan was tabbed as the Sun Belt’s top recruiter by Scout.com. Sloan mentored one of the nation’s top secondaries and Immediately preceding his arrival at Appalachian State in 2010, pass defenses the last three seasons at App, helping lead the Sloan spent three years at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Mountaineers to a pair of Sun Belt titles and three bowl games. App Georgia, culminating with him serving as the program’s head coach THE SLOAN FILE State had 53 his last three seasons at Appalachian, in 2009. During his three-year stint at Riverside, which included second-most nationally behind San Diego State. two seasons (2007-08) as defensive coordinator, he helped lead the Personal In 2017, seven defensive players earned first-team all-conference Eagles to three playoff berths and an 18-15 overall record. He was Hometown: Woodruff, S.C. honors, inlcuding three from his secondary, as the Mountaineers also the school’s athletics director for two years (2008-09). Born: August 25, 1970 in Spartanburg, S.C. were ranked in the top 20 nationally in interceptions, sacks and Prior to his stint at Riverside, Sloan was the defensive coordinator Alma Mater: Clemson (1992; 1994) turnover margin. at Griffin (Ga.) H.S. in 2006, where his squad posted an 11-1 record Education: Bachelor’s (education); Master’s App finished 2016 with 20 interceptions, the sixth-most in the and advanced to the second round of the Georgia state playoffs. The (counseling and guidance services) FBS and was No. 11 nationally in pass efficiency defense. Duck would team’s lone loss came at the hands of then-QB/FS, now Chiefs All-Pro Family: wife, Stephanie; sons, Seth and Samuel earn FBS Freshman All-American honors and Sun Belt Freshman Eric Berry. of the Year honors to highlight the 2016. He was joined in the Before spending four years in the high-school ranks, Sloan was a Playing Experience All-Sun Belt defensive backfield by senior corner Mondo Williams. successful assistant at Georgia Southern (defensive backs, 2002-05), Clemson (1988-91) Defensively in ‘16, a recruiting class Sloan helped largely build, App Georgia Military (defensive coordinator/recruiting coordinator/ Coaching Experience led the FBS allowing only 91 points in conference play. En route to defensive backs, 1996-2001) and Clemson (graduate assistant, 1992- 2018- Georgia Southern going 7-1 and capturing the 2016 Sun Belt Championship, App State 95). (defensive coordinator/safeties) allowed only 10.8 points per game in Sun Belt play. While at Georgia Southern, he helped lead the Eagles to two 2017 Appalachian State (co-DC/secondary/ The impressive showing in 2016 came on the heels of a strong Southern Conference championships and three NCAA Division I-AA recruiting coordinator) 2015 in which 12 of the team’s 18 interceptions in 2015, including playoff berths. He mentored three All-Americans, six all-conference 2011-16 Appalachian State (secondary/ seven from Latrell Gibbs while returning a pair of interceptions for selections and one NFL Draft pick (David Young — 2003 sixth round, recruiting coordinator) touchdowns. Gibbs went first team All-Sun Belt while senior safety ) at GS. 2010 Appalachian State (secondary) Doug Middleton was All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention, finishing the At Georgia Military, he coordinated a defense that set a National 2009 Riverside (Ga.) Military Acad. (head coach) year with 53 stops, a tackle for loss, three pass breakups and three Junior College Athletic Association record for total defense while 2007-08 Riverside (Ga.) Military Acad. (assistant pass deflections. Appalachian finished tied for 12th in the nation in winning the NJCAA national championship in 2001. head coach/defensive coordinator) interceptions and first in the SBC. Four of the top-10 tackles leaders Sloan’s four-year stint as a graduate assistant at Clemson included 2006 Griffin (Ga.) High School (DC/DBs) from 2015 were defensive backs in Alex Gray, A.J. Howard, Middleton two bowl appearances and came on the heels of a successful playing 2002-05 Georgia Southern (defensive backs) and Gibbs. In Sloan’s first season with the Mountaineers (2010), his career for the Tigers. He played defensive back at Clemson from 2000-01 Georgia Military College (asst. head coach) defensive backfield was a catalyst to App State ranking among the 1988-91, was a member of four bowl teams and helped lead the 1996-99 Georgia Military College (DC/recruiting nation’s top 30 FCS teams in pass defense, pass-efficiency defense squad to the 1991 Atlantic Coast Conference championship. coordinator/defensive backs) and interceptions. Appalachian went on to lead the Southern Sloan is married to the former Stephanie Crisco. They have two 1993-95 Clemson (graduate assistant) Conference in interceptions each of the next two seasons (2011-12). sons: Seth and Samuel. 1992 Clemson (video graduate assistant)

Bowl/Postseason Experience Coach 2017 Dollar General (App. State vs. Toledo) 2016 Camellia (App. State vs. Toledo) 2015 Camellia (App. State vs. Ohio) 2005 NCAA FCS First Round (GS) 2004 NCAA FCS First Round (GS) 2002 NCAA FCS Semifinals (GS) 1995 Gator (Clemson vs. Syracuse) 1993 Peach (Clemson vs. Kentucky) Player 1991 Citrus (Clemson vs. Cal) 1990 Hall of Fame (Clemson vs. Illinois) 1989 Gator (Clemson vs. West Virginia) 1988 Citrus (Clemson vs. Oklahoma)

GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL 17 ASSISTANT COACHES

VICTOR CABRAL @Coach_Cab DEFENSIVE LINE // FIRST SEASON // FIFTH OVERALL AT GS Former Georgia Southern letterman and assistant coach Victor as special teams coordinator for the Bulldogs. In 2007, the GMC Cabral returns to Statesboro for his second stint at GS for the 2018 defensive unit earned a No. 1 ranking in rushing defense in the season. He spent the past three seasons on the Samford football NJCAA. The next season, the Bulldogs ranked third nationally in total coaching staff as the Bulldogs’ defensive line coach, a position he will defense. coach once again at GS. With success at the team level, the Bulldogs also had several While at Samford only a short time, he had an immediate impact individuals earn national accolades. Leroy Burgess was selected as as the Bulldogs were selected to the FCS Playoffs twice and he tutored a third-team NJCAA All-American and in 2008, Torrey Ball earned the 2017 Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year in Ahmad second-team All-America honors. Gooden. Gooden was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, was Under the tutelage of Cabral, Markeith Wylie was recognized second on the team and ranked in the top 10 in the SoCon in total as first-team Academic All-American in 2007. Thirteen GMC players tackles with 101. He also had 15.5 tackles for loss, including 5.5 sacks, coached by Cabral received scholarships to NCAA Division I programs and 11 quarterback pressures, two recoveries and a forced during his three seasons in Milledgeville. fumble from his tackle spot. Cabral returned to Georgia Southern for the 2005 campaign, In his first two seasons at Samford, Cabral mentored a defensive coordinating video and quality control for the Eagles. During the THE CABRAL FILE line that was one of the strengths of the defense. In 2015, he coached winter and spring of 2006, Cabral assisted with the defensive two All-SoCon players in Michael Pierce (first team) and Gooden line, including the preparation of daily practice plans and on-field Personal (second team). In 2016, Gooden and Roosevelt Donaldson were both evaluation and coaching of the Eagles. Hometown: Naples, Fla. named All-SoCon. A four-year Georgia Southern starter and letterwinner, Cabral Birthday: Dec. 31, 1982 in Toronto, Canada Cabral spent the 2014 season as the director of player personnel was part of the winning tradition that included the 2000 national Alma Mater: Georgia Southern (2006; 2013) at his alma mater, Georgia Southern. championship, two NCAA semifinal playoff appearances and four Education: Bachelor’s (general studies); For four years from 2010-2013, he served as the defensive line conference titles during his career. Following his collegiate playing Master’s (kinesiogy) coach at Georgia Southern. Cabral worked with several stand-out career, Cabral was the 24th overall draft pick by the Montreal Family: wife, Erin; son, Zac; daughter, Lucy players during his time at GS, including four-time All-American and Alouettes of the CFL in 2005. 2011 Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year Brent Russell, The former Eagle team captain earned his bachelor of arts Playing Experience who became the Eagles’ career sacks leader in 2012. degree from Georgia Southern in May 2006 and graduated with Georgia Southern (2000-04) Cabral joined the Eagle program after spending three years as his master’s degree in July 2013. Cabral and his wife, Erin, are the Montreal Alouettes (2005) defensive line coach at Georgia Military College, where he also served parents of a son, Zac, and a daughter, Lucy. Coaching Experience 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)

Bowl/Postseason Experience Coach 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)

18 GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL ASSISTANT COACHES

TRAVIS CUNNINGHAM @TCunninghamGS INSIDE LINEBACKERS // FIRST SEASON Veteran assistant coach Travis Cunningham is in his first season downs, third down conversion defense (32.2 percent), sacks (27) and as the inside linebackers coach at Georgia Southern after spending fourth down conversion defense (25.0 percent). 16 seasons on the Gardner-Webb coaching staff, the final two as the Cunningham has continually churned out excellent production Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator while coaching the inside linebackers from his linebacker unit. A total of 21 players earned all-conference in G-W’s 3-4 scheme. honors under Cunningham’s guidance and six were named to One of the region’s most respected young defensive minds, postseason All-America teams. Cunningham excelled in his role at G-W, particularly with in-game Cunningham also has experience coaching in the secondary, adjustments. mentoring All-Big South Conference freshman Daniel Cooke at safety In 2017, two players earned All-Big South honors. Kenyatta in 2005. Cooke went on to earn All-Big South honors four times on Dunbar played inside linebacker at a high level for the Runnin’ the gridiron – one of only seven student-athletes to do so in league Bulldogs in 2017, totaling 69 stops and ranking second in the Big history. South Conference with 13.5 tackles for loss to earn first-team honors. Cunningham also coached the team’s linebackers in 2003 and Josh Ramseur recorded a career-high 50 total tackles at his nose 2004, and spent the 2001-2002 seasons as a student assistant guard spot to earn second-team honors. linebackers’ coach when GWU utilized a four-linebacker scheme. THE CUNNINGHAM FILE Cunningham’s 2016 unit improved steadily as the year During his time with the Bulldog inside linebackers, Cunningham progressed, with linebacker Chad Geter earning FCS All-America saw Keppy Baucom earn All-Big South honors three times in as Personal honors and running mate Aaron Cook landing a spot on the All-Big many seasons, with Baucom leading the 2004 Bulldogs with 90 total Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn. South team. The Gardner-Webb defense produced four total All-Big tackles. Born: 2/3/81 in Knoxville, Tenn. South Conference performers in 2016, with Geter leading the league His 2003 unit, spearheaded by Baucom, Jonathan Little, Adam Alma Mater: Gardner-Webb (2003) with 118 total tackles – earning a spot on the Buck Buchanan Award Wagner and J.P. Weaver, developed into one of the region’s most Education: Bachelor’s (physical education) Watch List as well. consistent and effective groups. Family: wife, Kelly; son, Brooks The Runnin’ Bulldogs ranked in the top three among Big South Under Cunningham’s guidance in 2002, Baucom earned first- program’s defensively in total defense, scoring defense and rushing team All-Big South honors and was named Big South Freshman of Playing Experience defense. The ‘Dogs ranked second in red zone defense, an all- the Year after leading the league’s rookies with 75 total tackles. Four Gardner-Webb (1999-2000) important stat that has become a fine tradition in Boiling Springs. of Cunningham’s pupils – Baucom, Brown, Patterson and Williams Cunningham and the GWU defense were excellent in 2015 – earned All-Big South honors three times. Brown was also named Coaching Experience 2018- Georgia Southern (inside linebackers) statistically, finishing No. 13 nationally in total defense (300.5 ypg), the Big South’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2009, in addition to 2016-17 Gardner-Webb (DC/ILBs) No. 3 in third down conversion defense (25.9 percent), No. 3 in red earning ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District honors. 2006-15 Gardner-Webb (inside linebackers) zone touchdowns allowed (9), No. 7 in passing defense (151.5 ypg), Cunningham, a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, played two 2005 Gardner-Webb (secondary) No. 6 in first down defense (15.0 per game), No. 19 in red zone seasons at Gardner-Webb, making his mark as a long snapper and 2003-04 Gardner-Webb (inside linebackers) defense (69.0 percent), No. 23 in scoring defense (20.6 ppg) and No. as a hard-nosed special teams coverage man. Prior to enrolling at 2001-02 Gardner-Webb (student assistant) 24 in tackles for loss per game (7.4). Gardner-Webb, Cunningham was a standout in football and baseball In 2013 Cunningham was part of a defense staff that directed at Powell (Tenn.) High in Knoxville. GWU to a No. 5 ranking in total defense (296.8 ypg) and led the Cunningham graduated from Gardner-Webb in August 2003, Big South Conference in rushing defense (122.5 ypg), pass defense with an undergraduate degree in physical education. He and his (174.2 ypg), pass efficiency defense (114.0 rating), opponent first wife, Kelly, have a son, Brooks.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL 19 ASSISTANT COACHES

ANDREW DODGE @Coach_Dodge TIGHT ENDS/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR // SECOND SEASON Andrew Dodge is in his first full season on the Georgia Southern Bass was named second-team all-conference for his coaching staff, although he spent the 2017 season in several performance on the field in 2017. capacities within the Eagle program. In 2018, Dodge will oversee the Prior to arriving in Statesboro, he spent two seasons with the special teams and also coach the tight ends. Colorado State football program. In 2016, he served as the Rams’ Dodge came to Statesboro in January of 2017 to work in the defensive quality control assistant, helping the Rams to a Famous role of director of student-athlete development. Dodge played a Idaho Potato Bowl berth. In 2015 as a defensive graduate assistant, heavy role in seeing the Eagles’ post one of their best springs in the he worked with an improved defensive unit that included NFL Draft classroom in program history. pick Cory James. His primary focus, however, was the secondary, a In his first semester at GS, the team posted record numbers in group which he led during the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl after the classroom as over 40 players made the honor roll, including 17 on was hired at GS before the bowl game. the Dean’s or President’s List. The team posted its highest fall GPA in Dodge went to Fort Collins to join Mike Bobo’s staff from UCF, program history in 2017. where he served for two years as a graduate assistant. He began He continued that role in the fall, and the Eagles recorded their working at UCF in 2008. He received his bachelor’s degree in 2012 highest fall team GPA in program history, but added duties as a non- and his master’s degree in 2014. Both degrees were in sport & THE DODGE FILE coaching analyst for the special teams and the nickel backs. exercise science. When Georgia Southern made a coaching change mid-season, he In 2012, Dodge volunteered as the wide receivers coach at Personal was elevated to on-field coaching status and given the official title Timber Creek High School in Orlando. That season, his school went to Hometown: Brogue, Pa. Born: April 5, 1990 in York, Pa. of special teams coordinator and nickel backs coach. Tyler Bass had the second round of the Class 8A state playoffs. Alma Mater: UCF (2012; 2014) a standout year under his watch, making 15 field goals, including Originally from Brogue, Pennsylvania, Dodge was a three-year Education: Bachelor’s (sport & exercise science); nine from 40-yards or longer, and 46 of his 54 kickoffs went for letterwinner at Martin County High School in south Florida. He and Master’s (sport & exercise science) touchbacks. his wife, Nicole, have a daughter, Madison. Family: wife, Nicole; daughter, Madison

Coaching Experience 2018 Georgia Southern (tight ends/special teams) 2017 Georgia Southern (special teams/nickels) 2017 Georgia Southern (student-athlete development) 2016 Colorado State (defensive quality control) 2015 Colorado State (G.A.) 2013-14 UCF (G.A.)

Postseason Experience 2016 Idaho Potato (CSU vs. Idaho) 2015 Arizona (CSU vs. Nevada) 2014 St. Petersburg (UCF vs. NC State) 2013 Fiesta (UCF vs. Baylor)

20 GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL ASSISTANT COACHES

CHRIS FOSTER @CoachC_Foster RUNNING BACKS/RECRUITING COORDINATOR // THIRD SEASON Chris Foster is in his third season as Georgia Southern’s running In Foster’s first season with the Mountaineers (2012), Steven backs coach. He adds the title of recruiting coordinator for the 2018 Miller rushed for 1,368 yards, good for 16th nationally in NCAA season. Division I FCS. Miller also caught 34 passes for 377 yards and scored Foster has plenty of experience coaching the position as he has 15 touchdowns (11 rushing, four receiving) in Foster’s only season logged 12 years of coaching involvement at three previous stops to as his mentor. Miller went on to sign with the NFL’s on Statesboro. their practice squad. In his first season at GS, the Eagle running backs combined Foster came to Appalachian State from Gardner-Webb, where to rush for 1,639 yards and 15 touchdowns while catching five he served as the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ running backs coach for eight touchdown passes. Matt Breida signed a free agent contract with the seasons (2004-11). San Francisco 49ers following the 2017 NFL Draft and has gone on to He coached an All-Big South performer in four of his eight play meaningful snaps for the squad. seasons at G-W, including each of his final three campaigns in In 2017, the Eagles led the Sun Belt in rushing yards as four Boiling Springs. In Foster’s final season at G-W, running back Kenny running backs combined to rush for 1,699 yards and 14 touchdowns. Little became the Bulldogs’ first 1,000-yard rusher in 11 years. Junior Wesley Fields led the squad with 811 yards and five scores, In his eight seasons at Gardner-Webb, Foster also served as the THE FOSTER FILE earning honorable mention all-conference honors. staff’s primary academic advisor and a top recruiter. Additionally, Foster came to Georgia Southern from Maryville (TN) College, he oversaw the program’s strength and conditioning activities on an Personal where he spent the 2015 season as a running backs coach. In his interim basis in 2006. Hometown: Chesnee, S.C. Born: August 25, 1982 in Spartanburg, S.C. lone season there, he coached a rushing attack that averaged 257.4 Foster began his coaching career immediately upon his Alma Mater: Gardner-Webb (2003) yards per game and had 29 rushing touchdowns. Deshjion Whitlock graduation from Gardner-Webb, where he was one of the program’s Education: Bachelor’s (physical education) averaged 5.9 yards per carry on his 154 attempts, accumulating 906 all-time best rushers from 2000-03. A two-time all-Big South Family: fiancé, Jennifer; daughters, Journei, Bella total rushing yards while scoring 13 touchdowns en route to first- running back, Foster ranked sixth in Gardner-Webb history at the team all-conference honors. time of his graduation (and seventh currently) with 1,883 career Playing Experience Prior to Maryville, Foster spent three seasons at Appalachian rushing yards. Gardner-Webb (2000-03) State, coaching a pair of his pupils to two of the best campaigns Foster was also a two-time first-team academic all-district by running backs in school history. His efforts produced seven all- honoree, making him one of only two student-athletes in Gardner- Coaching Experience conference players and a pair of FCS All-Americans. Webb football history to earn the prestigious recognition multiple 2018- Georgia Southern In 2013, Marcus Cox set App State freshman records with 1,250 times. (running backs/recruiting coordinator) rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns, en route to being named the A Chesnee, South Carolina, native, Foster was a South Carolina 2016-17 Georgia Southern (running backs) Southern Conference Freshman of the Year, placing second in voting Mr. Football award finalist and the Appalachian 2A Conference 2015 Maryville (running backs) for the Jerry Rice Award (NCAA Division I FCS Freshman of the Year) Player of the Year at Chesnee High in 2000. He graduated from GWU 2012-14 Appalachian State (running backs) and being the only FCS representative on 247Sports’ True Freshman in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. 2004-11 Gardner-Webb (running backs) All-America team. Cox also set a new SoCon record by being named Foster has two daughters, Journei and Bella, and is engaged to the league’s Freshman of the Week six times in just 10 starts. Jennifer Foster. Postseason Experience 2012 NCAA FCS Second Round (ASU)

GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL 21 ASSISTANT COACHES

RON HUDSON @CoachRHud OFFENSIVE LINE // FIRST SEASON Ron Hudson, who has over 25 years of coaching experience, is six seasons at Louisiana, serving as assistant head coach, offensive his first season as Georgia Southern’s offensive line coach. Hudson coordinator and offensive line coach during his tenure with the comes to Statesboro with a wealth of experience at the collegiate Ragin’ Cajuns. Under Hudson, the Cajuns produced one of the level, most recently serving as the offensive line coach at Charleston nation’s most dominating running games as UL finished top-15 Southern in 2017. nationally in rushing offense four times, ranking seventh in 2005 and Hudson’s CSU line continued it recent string of strong play as the 2007. The Cajuns were also in the top-15 in fewest sacks allowed on Bucs averaged 193.0 yards rushing per game and recorded three three different occasions. 300-plus yard rushing games. Offensive guard Frank Cirone earned During the 2005 Sun Belt championship season, Hudson tutored first-team All-Big South honors and was a preseason STATS FCS an offensive line that paved the way for a school-record 2,797 All-American. rushing yards and 34 rushing touchdowns. UL allowed just nine Hudson had a short stint at Alabama State in 2017 and also sacks on the season. The rushing mark was broken two years later as served as an offensive analyst and consultant at Penn State in 2016 UL topped the 3,000-yard mark in 2007 (the first Sun Belt team to and the Nittany Lions went 11-3 and earned a berth in the Rose ever do so) with a pair of 1,000-yard rushers. Bowl against USC. A national finalist for 2008 offensive line coach of the year, THE HUDSON FILE Hudson made an impact as the offensive line coach at Nevada Hudson tutored seven All-Sun Belt performers from 2006-08, from 2013-2015. As one of the first hires to head coach Brian Polian’s including three-time All-SBC tackle Jesse Newman. Hudson came to Personal staff, Hudson brought experience from 12 collegiate programs to UL after serving as the offensive line coach at Texas A&M-Kingsville. Hometown: Columbus, Ohio Born: Nov. 5, 1964 in Columbus, Ohio Reno. He helped Joel Bitonio cement his legacy as one of the top He coached three all-conference players, including Roy Stroud, who Alma Mater: Muskingum (1987); Louisville (1997) linemen in program history in his first season in Reno. Bitonio went was a Division II All-American. Education: Bachelor’s (physical education and on to earn first-team All-Mountain West honors in 2013, become Before arriving at Lousiana, Hudson spent three seasons at history); Master’s (physical education) the second-highest NFL draft pick in program history and start all UTEP. He was tight ends coach from 2001-2002 and then served as Family: daughter, Mackenzie; 16 games for the Cleveland Browns in his rookie season. In the 2018 defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator in 2003. sons, Spencer and David Draft, another one of his pupils, Nate Ulrich, was also drafted in the Hudson began his coaching career in 1991, with the first of a second round by the Browns. two-year stint as a graduate assistant at Louisville. He coached tight Playing Experience Hudson’s offensive line helped Nevada over 200 yards rushing per ends at Illinois State in 1993 before spending the 1994 season as the Muskingum (1983-86) game in 2014, marking the seventh time in the past nine seasons the offensive coordinator at Urbana University in Ohio. Coaching Experience Union reached that milestone. Hudson’s line was young in 2014, but He coached tight ends at The Citadel in 1995 and was the 2018- Georgia Southern (offensive line) it undoubtedly improved as the season went on, culminating with offensive line coach at Lenoir-Rhyne College in 1996 before 2017 Charleston Southern (offensive line) a 408-yard rushing game against UNLV to close the regular season. becoming the special teams coordinator and tight ends coach at 2017 Alabama State (offensive line) Hudson helped Nevada post a 7-6 record in 2014 on its way to a trip Kent State in 1997. 2016 Penn State (analyst) to the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. He moved on to two seasons as the offensive line coach at 2013-15 Nevada (offensive line) The Pack ranked fifth in the Mountain West and 38th in the Southeast Missouri State in 1998-99 before spending one season at 2012 UMass (run game coord./OL) nation in rushing in 2013, averaging over 205 yards per game. Bowling Green in 2000 before landing the job at UTEP. 2011 New Mexico (offensive line) Hudson helped mentor senior center Matt Galas, who started every A native of Columbus, Ohio, Hudson was a four-year starter at 2005-10 Louisiana (asst. HC/offensive line) game and earned second team All-MW accolades, and senior Kyle center at Muskingum College from 1983-86. He graduated from 2004 Texas A&M-Kingsville (offensive line) Roberts, who was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Broncos. Muskingum in 1987 with degrees and physical education and history 2003 UTEP (defensive ends/recruiting) 2001-02 UTEP (tight ends) Hudson went to Nevada after one season as the run game and earned a Master’s degree from Louisville in 1992 in physical 2000 Bowling Green (offensive line) coordinator and offensive line coach at Massachusetts. Prior to education. 1998-99 Southeast Missouri (offensive line) that, he served in the same capacity at New Mexico. Hudson spent He has a daughter, Mackenzie, and two sons, Spencer and David. 1997 Kent State (special teams/tight ends) 1996 Lenoir-Rhyne (offensive line/recruiting) 1995 The Citadel (tight ends) 1994 Urbana (offensive coordinator) 1993 Illinois State (tight ends) 1991-92 Louisville (G.A.)

Bowl/Postseason Experience 2016 Rose (Penn State vs. USC) 2015 Arizona (Nevada vs. Colorado State) 2014 New Orleans (Nevada vs. Louisiana)

22 GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL ASSISTANT COACHES

CORY PEOPLES @CoryPeoples CORNERBACKS // FIRST SEASON Former NFL player and SEC standout Cory Peoples is in his first while the Buccaneers also finished first in run defense and pass season as the cornerbacks coach for Chad Lunsford after spending a defense. Defensive backs Troy McGowens and Demaris Freeman season as the defensive coordinator at Albany State University. both went on to receive Big South’s second-team all-conference Georgia Southern will return five returning cornerbacks who honors. have combined for 11 career interceptions and are all rising juniors or Prior to his time at Charleston Southern, Peoples spent one year younger. as secondary coach at Saint Augustine University in North Carolina. In his lone year at ASU as the defensive coordinator, three players His other coaching stints include Clark Atlanta University, Georgia were named All-SIAC as the Golden Rams allowed less than 290 yards Military College, and Keenan High School in Columbia, South of total offense per game. Zavondric Shingleton received first-team Carolina. honors after leading an ASU defense that finished third overall in Peoples was named an intern in 2012 by the Philadelphia Eagles both total defense and scoring defense. Shingleton had 42 tackles, as part of the Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship and served as including 10.5 for a loss of 25 yards and led ASU in sacks with 3.5 for an intern for the Kansas City Chiefs in the same program 2015 and a loss of 10 yards. 2016. Jaylin Boyd ranked tied for third in the league in passes defended A native of Bishopville, South Carolina, Peoples was an all-state THE PEOPLES FILE and had two interceptions on the season returned for 57 yards. quarterback and defensive back at Bishopville High School. After Marquez Thomas also garnered All-SIAC second-team honors after high school Coach Peoples attended Georgia Military College for two Personal recording 55 tackles, 2.0 sacks and and five quarterback years where he won the NJCAA National Championship 2001, later Hometown: Bishopville, S.C. Born: July 23, 1981 in Bishopville, S.C. hurries last season. securing a scholarship to South Carolina. He starred in the defensive Alma Mater: South Carolina (2005) Peoples went to ASU after serving as the defensive backs coach at backfield as an upperclassman for Lou Holtz’s squad, tallying 74 Education: Bachelor’s (retail management) South Carolina State University in 2016 and at Charleston Southern tackles over his final two seasons. Family: wife, Keilah; son, Cory Jr.; daughter, Isabella University for two prior years. After graduating from South Carolina in 2005 with a degree

In 2015 Peoples guided cornerbacks Malcolm Jackson and Troy in retail management, Peoples spent the two seasons on the Playing Experience McGowens to All-Big South Conference honors. His secondary played Philadelphia Eagles’ roster. He went on to play one season each with South Carolina (2002-04) a major role for a CSU team that led or ranked near the top nationally the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe and the Toronto Argonauts Philadelphia Eagles (2005-06) in total defense, claimed the Big South championship and advanced of the Canadian Football League. Amsterdam Admirals (2006) to the FCS Playoffs. Peoples is married to the former Keilah Speed and the couple Toronto Argonauts (2007) In 2014, Peoples’ secondary led the Big South in pass defense has a son, Cory Jr., and a daughter, Isabella. Coaching Experience 2018- Georgia Southern (cornerbacks) 2017 Albany State (defensive coordinator) 2016 South Carolina State (defensive backs) 2014-15 Charleston Southern (defensive backs) 2013 Saint Augustine (defensive secondary) 2009-12 Clark Univ. Atlanta (defensive backs) 2008 Georgia Military College (defensive backs) 2007 Keenan (SC) HS

Bowl/Postseason Experience Coach 2015 NCAA FCS First Round (CSU)

GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL 23 ASSISTANT COACHES

JEREMY ROWELL @Coach_Rowell OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS // THIRD SEASON Jeremy Rowell is in his third season on the Georgia Southern defense (31st). They also ranked 17th in the nation in pass efficiency football staff and his first as the outside linebackers coach after defense (104.03). serving as the defensive backs coach the previous two seasons. The Under Rowell, the Trojans flourished in the defensive backfield, veteran coach has 17 seasons of college experience, including six as a becoming one of the mainstays of a stingy Troy defense. In 2004, defensive coordinator. the Trojans ranked sixth in the country in pass efficiency defense In 2017 his defensive secondary, led by second-team all- (100.56) and 16th in total defense (311.00 yards). Their 32 turnovers conference selection Monquavion Brinson, tallied 12 interceptions. gained were tied for second in the country, while the turnover Brinson led the way with five picks and 12 breakups while Kindle margin (+0.92) was tied for 10th. In 2003, despite returning just Vildor had three interceptions and safety Josh Moon had two. four starters, the defense ranked sixth nationally in turnovers gained Prior to coming to GS, Rowell spent the previous three seasons (35), 26th in rushing defense (125.5 yards) and 39th in total defense coaching at the high school level, helping lead Colquitt County (GA) (349.67 yards). High to a pair of GHSA Class 1-AAAAAA state championships. In his Defensive back Derrick Ansley finished third in the nation in final season at CCHS, the Packers went 15-0 and finished as national interceptions in 2003, behind Miami (FL) safety Sean Taylor and champions by High School Football America and were ranked No. 2 Nebraska’s Josh Bullocks. Ansley tallied nine interceptions, earning THE ROWELL FILE in the country by USA Today. News All-Independent honors, as well as an A native of Crestview, Florida, Rowell spent 15 seasons at Troy honorable mention selection on the ESPN.com All-Independent Personal University, the final six as the Trojans’ defensive coordinator. He team. Rayshun Reed joined Ansley on both All-Independent teams, Hometown: Crestview, Fla. Born: Nov. 21, 1973 in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2005 after six seasons and earned an invitation to participate in the Blue-Gray All-Star Alma Mater: Troy (1997, 1999) overseeing the defensive backs. Football Classic on Christmas Day. Education: Bachelor’s (mathematics & science); From 2006-2010, the Trojans won the Sun Belt Conference title The 2002 defense ranked fourth nationally in total defense. Master’s (foundations of education) outright or shared the title each of those five seasons. The Trojans allowed just 276.83 yards per game to opponents in Family: wife, Jessica; sons, Jacob, Jaxon In 2011, the Trojans had two players honored for the defensive 12 games, ranking behind only Texas Christian, Kansas State and work by being selected by the coaches and media for the All-Sun Alabama. Troy was ranked 11th in pass defense, 13th in rushing Playing Experience Belt Conference team. The 2010 defense was a young squad as they defense and 30th in scoring defense. Troy (1991-95) had to replace several starters from a year before who departed for A solid field general during his playing career, Rowell is the NFL and CFL; however, the team came together and helped lead considered one of the top quarterbacks in school history. He led Coaching Experience the team to the 2010 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. They were Troy to a 19-3 regular season record as a starter in 1994 and 1995. 2018- Georgia Southern (outside linebackers) able to hold opponents to 14 points or less three different times. With Rowell under center, the Trojans finished with the only perfect 2016- 17 Georgia Southern (defensive backs) In 2008, Rowell coached Sherrod Martin, a 2009 NFL Draft (11-0) regular season record in school history. Rowell accounted for 2015 Colquitt County (Ga.) HS (DC/safeties) selection and All-Sun Belt Conference selection Terence Moore along 3,300 passing yards in his career with 22 touchdowns. He also scored 2013-14 Colquitt County (Ga.) HS (special teams with 2010 Arizona Cardinals draftee Jorrick Calvin. Three seasons 15 rushing touchdowns in a season (1994) and finished with 20 for coordinator/safeties) ago, Rowell coached the 11th overall pick in the NFL Draft in Leodis his career. 2007-12 Troy (defensive coordinator/secondary) McKelvin, along with the nation’s leader in interceptions, Elbert A graduate of Troy University, Rowell received his bachelor’s 2005-06 Troy (co-defensive coordinator/secondary) Mack, in the defensive backfield. degree in mathematics & science in 1997 and his master’s degree in 2001-04 Troy (secondary/recruiting coordinator) 1998-00 Troy (G.A.) The defense in 2008 ranked in the top 35 in several categories, foundations of education in 1999. including pass defense (23rd), total defense (30th) and scoring Rowell and his wife, Jessica, have two children, Jacob and Jaxon. Bowl/Postseason Experience Coach 2010 New Orleans (Troy vs. Ohio) 2009 GMAC (Troy vs. Central Michigan) 2008 New Orleans (Troy vs. Southern Miss) 2006 New Orleans (Troy vs. Rice) 2004 Silicon Valley (Troy vs. Northern Illinois) Player 1995 NCAA Division I-AA First Round (Troy) 1994 NCAA Division I-AA First Round (Troy) 1993 NCAA Division I-AA Semifinals (Troy)

24 GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL ASSISTANT COACHES

JUSTON WOOD @CoachJWood2 QUARTERBACKS // SECOND SEASON Juston Wood is in his second season on the Georgia Southern Wood was a quarterback for the in 2006, football staff. After working as the wide receivers coach in 2017, in 2007 and back with the Dragons in 2008 Wood makes the move to coaching the quarterbacks in 2018. before the suspended operations prior to In his first year on the GS staff, he molded a young group of the 2009 campaign. In those three years, he completed 140 of 230 receivers that featured a junior, three sophomores and a freshmen passes (61 percent) for 1,531 yards and 25 touchdowns. in the main rotation. That group combined to catch 57 passes for He played for the Central Valley Coyotes of af2 in 2005, earned 871 and four touchdowns while recording nine explosive plays of 25 second-team All-National Conference honors, led af2 in total yards or longer. offense averaging 282.4 yards per game and passed for 4,361 Wood, who played in the Arena Football League for three yards and 89 touchdowns. He also played for the Coyotes in 2004, seasons, had eight successful seasons at Caly Poly. He was first the completing 60 of 105 passes for 651 yards and 15 scores. Wood wide receivers coach at Cal Poly in 2009, then switched to coaching signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings on April 28, the quarterbacks in 2013 and he was promoted to offensive 2003. coordinator in July 2016. Wood has had some experience in Hollywood as well, serving In 2016, his first season calling the plays for the Mustangs, Cal as a stunt double on “The Longest Yard” movie remake starring THE WOOD FILE Poly finished second in the FBS in rushing yards per game with an Adam Sandler and also shot a commercial for the “Madden NFL average of 343.5 yards. Fullback Joe Protheroe, offensive tackle Matt 2005” video game. Personal Fisher and center Joey Kuperman were named to the all-conference Wood was a standout student-athlete under the tutelage Hometown: Portland, Ore. first team while senior quarterback Dano Graves made the second of Tim Walsh at Portland State, twice earning ADA Academic Born: December 27, 1979 in Roseburg, Ore. team. All-American honors. He was a first-team All- Alma Mater: Portland State (2003) Protheroe became Cal Poly’s 20th 1,000-yard rusher for a single selection at quarterback in 2001 and honorable mention in 2002, Education: Bachelor’s (public health administration) season, accumulating 1,334 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. He serving as team captain both seasons. Family: wife, Lindsay; daughter, Avila; son, Cash also caught seven passes for 139 yards and two more scores. Graves He ended his collegiate career ranked sixth in school history completed 63 percent of his passes (97 of 153) for 1,485 yards and with 5,681 yards of total offense and finished his career with Playing Experience 17 touchdowns. He was intercepted just four times and finished the 5,653 passing yards, 37 touchdown passes, 414 completions and Portland State (1999-2002) regular season No. 1 in the Big Sky in passing efficiency. Graves also six 300-yard passing games. He led the Big Sky in passing as a rushed for 686 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per junior. Coaching Experience 2018 Georgia Southern (quarterbacks) carry with three games of 100 or more yards. Wood was a three-year varsity letter winner in football at 2017 Georgia Southern (wide receivers) Wood coached Dominique Johnson, who caught 90 passes in David Douglas High School in Portland and served as an assistant 2016 Cal Poly (OC/quarterbacks) the 2009 and 2010 seasons combined and signed an undrafted free coach at David Douglas High School for three seasons. Twice he 2013-15 Cal Poly (QBs/passing game coordinator) agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings in July 2010. earned all-conference honors in basketball. As a senior in high 2012 Cal Poly (WRs/special teams coordinator) In 2014 and 2015, Wood coached quarterback Chris Brown, who school, he played in the Oregon State All-Star Games in football, 2009-11 Cal Poly (wide receivers) set a school record for rushing yards in a season by a quarterback basketball and baseball. 2005-08 David Douglas (OR) HS (asst. coach) (1,265) in 2014, twice scored touchdowns by rushing, passing and Wood earned his bachelor’s degree in public health education receiving in a game and finished with over 3,000 career yards both at Portland State in April 2003 and married his wife Lindsay in College Postseason Experience rushing and passing. 2014. The couple has a daughter, Avila, and a son, Cash. 2016 NCAA FCS First Round (Cal Poly) 2012 NCAA FCS Second Round (Cal Poly) Player 2000 NCAA FCS First Round (PSU)

GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL 25 SUPPORT STAFF CYMONE GEORGE DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS // THIRD SEASON

Cymone George is in her third year as the director of football operations for the Georgia Southern football program. She oversees the daily administrative and operational duties within Georgia Southern’s football program, the handling of team travel, and other assorted responsibilities to ensure that the program functions smoothly and efficiently. George was one of just five females among all Football Bowl Subdivision schools to have the role of a D.F.O. in 2017. The Columbia, South Carolina, native worked with Learfield during the spring of 2016 as the coordinator for business development with Georgia Southern Sports Properties. After working for two years as a graduate assistant with football recruiting (2013-14), George moved into a new position for the 2015 football season as the director of on-campus recruiting for the Eagles. She organized the on-campus phase of the recruiting process as well as oversaw the daily operation of the football offices. As an undergraduate at GS, she worked in the Athletics Marketing Office. She is a 2012 graduate of Georgia Southern.

MATT GREENHALGH STRENGTH & CONDITIONING DIRECTOR, FOOTBALL // FIRST SEASON

Matt Greenhalgh is in his first season as the strength & conditioning director for Georgia Southern football. The former college football player spent four years as the assistant director of strength & conditioning at Appalachian State University, where he ran the strength program for baseball and assisted with the training of football. Before App, Greenhalgh was a graduate assistant strength & conditioning coach at The Citadel from 2013-14, training the baseball team and assisting with football, wrestling and track & field. Greenhalgh interned with South Carolina’s football squad in 2012 and worked with the golf and tennis teams on top of contributing to all 16 of Rhode Island’s sports in 2012-13. Greenhalgh had a decorated career as an offensive lineman at Rhode Island from 2008-12 as a four-time letterwinner and was a four-year member of the CAA All-Academic Team. He was one of 22 student-athletes nationally named to the 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team honoring football players committed to making a difference in the community. He received his bachelor’s degree in exercise science and psychology from URI in 2012 and his master’s degree in sport management from Western Carolina in December 2017. Greenhalgh is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCS) and College Strength and Conditioning Association (SCCC).

BRANDY CLOUSE SENIOR ASSOCIATE AD FOR ADMINISTRATION/S.W.A. // 16TH YEAR

Brandy Clouse organizes and runs the Athletic Sports Medicine department at Georgia Southern since being promoted to the Associate Athletics Director for Administration in 2014. She added the title of Senior Woman’s Administrator in 2016 and was promoted to Senior Associate A.D in 2017. Clouse oversees seven full-time assistants and a number of graduate and student assistants, who work with all 17 of the Eagles’ Division I sports programs. In her current role, she oversees all sports, all aspects of student-athlete healthcare and supervises 14 athletic trainers. She primarily works with the football team and assists with ADD/ADHD testing and drug testing. Prior to her appointment at GS in 2003, Clouse served as a graduate assistant at Marshall University, where she worked primarily with women’s soccer, women’s swimming, women’s golf, baseball and football. During her time with the Herd, she obtained her Master of Science in cardiac rehabilitation/ exercise physiology. Clouse earned her bachelor of science degree in kinesiology/athletic training from Georgia Southern in December 2000 and was a member of the women’s tennis team. As a student trainer, Clouse assisted with the Eagle women’s soccer, women’s basketball and football programs, as well as the GS football camp. A native of Conyers, Georgia, Clouse graduated from Heritage High School in 1995. She and Rob Clouse were married in May 2009 and are the parents of two sons, Brayden and Landon, and a daughter, Addison Elise, who was born in 2016.

ADAM BROOKS DIRECTOR OF EQUIPMENT SERVICES // FOURTH SEASON

Adam Brooks joined the staff at Georgia Southern in 2015 following five seasons at Army and is in his fourth season with the Eagles. At GS, Brooks runs the equipment room at the Ted Smith Family Football Center and is the direct supervisor for the team’s staff of student managers. He plays the lead role in ordering of all equipment and uniforms through Georgia Southern’s multi-year contract with adidas. He also is the lead designer on the team’s yearly alternate uniforms, which have drawn national recognition on several occasions. He came to Statesboro after five seasons working with Army’s football team. Brooks attended Marshall University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s in business management and began his graduate studies in sports administration. While attending Marshall, Brooks was promoted from a student manager for Marshall’s football program to a graduate assistant during his senior year and went on to hold that position for two years. Brooks is a certified member of the Athletic Equipment Manager’s Association (AEMA). He is a native of Parkersburg, West Virginia, and resides in Statesboro with his wife, Jade, and their children, Hudson and Elin. 26 GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL SUPPORT STAFF CHRIS BALL VIDEO COORDINATOR // SIXTH SEASON

Chris Ball, a veteran video coordinator who has served multiple athletics programs, joined the Georgia Southern Football staff in 2013. The native of St. Marys, West Virginia, directs all coaches film from practices and games as well as film exchange with Eagle opponents. He manages and troubleshoots technology for the program utilizing the XOS software system. With the assistance of a number of students and a graduate assistant, Ball uses up to six cameras at practice and games to provide footage for daily review and highlight videos. He maintains the program’s recent film archives and a 50 terabytes of storage to make clips available to the staff on demand. Ball spent three years at Georgia State, starting as the first football video coordinator for the Panther program. He organized all video efforts for Georgia State in its inaugural competition year and handled equipment purchases and maintenance while hiring and overseeing a student staff of four. Prior to his time in Atlanta, Ball was the football video coordinator at Yale, Furman and Eastern Michigan. He started his career in video at West Virginia University as a student assistant for two years and was hired as a video assistant for the Mountaineers in 2007. Ball and his wife, Linnea, reside in Statesboro.

MATT BRENNAN DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL // THIRD SEASON

Matt Brennan is in his second season at Georgia Southern University and his first in the role of Director of Player Personnel. His first year was spent serv- ing in a special teams and defensive quality control role. In 2016, he was the main assistant for Special Teams Coordinator Chad Lunsford who was named a Broyles Award nominee, given to the nation’s top assistant coach, as the Eagles blocked seven kicks and featured a Lou Groza Award finalist in Younghoe Koo. Prior to coming to Georgia Southern, Brennan was a high school coach in the state of Georgia for 11 years, serving all 11 at Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia. He served as defensive line coach, co-special teams coordinator and co-recruiting coordinator while there. His teams qualified for the state playoffs in every single year and advanced past the first round in every year but one while he was there, winning two region championships and mak- ing two Group AAAA state semifinal appearances in 2014 and 2015. While at Woodward, Brennan had 16 of his defensive lineman go on to play college football and helped over 40 total players from Woodward go on to play college football during his time there. Three of his former players - Juwan Thompson (), Henry Anderson ( Colts) and Andrew Adams (New York Giants) - went on to play in the NFL and are currently on active rosters. Originally from Tucker, Georgia, Brennan was a three-year letter winner at Woodward Academy as a student-athlete and he received his degree from Troy University in sports management. T.J. ANDERSON DIRECTOR OF HIGH SCHOOL RELATIONS // FIRST SEASON

Former Georgia Southern football player T.J. Anderson was hired in January of 2018 as the director of high school relations for Eagle head football coach Chad Lunsford. In his role, Anderson will maintain good relationships with high school coaches in the state and region and will also keep in contact with the many former GS players who are coaching in the high school ranks. He will also be heavily involved with on-campus recruiting. Anderson graduated from Georgia Southern with a degree in sports management in 2005 and played slotback under both Paul Johnson and . In the 2003 and 2004 seasons, he was coached by Lunsford. Anderson, from Snellville, Georgia, won a Division I-AA national championship and three Southern Conference titles at Georgia Southern and went on to play two years of arena football. While at Georgia Southern, Anderson played in 44 games, rushing for 773 yards and five touchdowns while catching 21 passes for 426 yards and four scores. He comes to GS after serving as an assistant football coach and physical education teacher at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta. ADRIAN PETERSON DIRECTOR OF STUDENT-ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT // FIRST SEASON

College Football Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson and Georgia Southern alum is in his first season as the director of student-athlete development for the Georgia Southern football program. In his new role, Peterson will work closely with Student-Athlete Services to provide communication to the football staff on the academic progress of all 100-plus student-athletes on the team. He will also serve as a mentor for many players as they navigate their way through college with the end goal of every player earning his degree. He will also have a heavy hand in on-campus recruiting, APR other areas to be determined by head coach Chad Lunsford. Perhaps the greatest player to ever suit up in Statesboro, Peterson’s No. 3 jersey is retired at Georgia Southern and he still stands as the NCAA’s Division I all-time leading rusher with 6,559 yards in regular-season contests. He is already a member of GS’s Athletics Hall of Fame and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December. The Alachua, Florida, native was a four-time All-American and was the first sophomore to win the Walter Payton Award, given to the top player in the FCS. He rushed for 100 or more yards in 48 consecutive games and at the time of graduation, held 30 school and playoff records. He was a sixth-round draft choice of the in 2002 and was a XLI participant. Peterson and fellow Georgia Southern star Tracy Ham are the only two Eagles enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame and they are also the only two Georgia Southern football players to have their jersey numbers retired. They are both now on staff at their alma mater, Ham as a senior associate AD for internal operations. GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL 27 SUPPORT STAFF DON DAY ASSISTANT STRENGTH & CONDITIONING DIRECTOR // FIRST SEASON

Originally from Akron, Ohio, Don Day is the assistant strength & conditioning coach for football at Georgia Southern University. He comes to Statesboro after serving as the interim director of strength & conditioning at the University of Buffalo. Day has also contributed as a columnist for EliteFTS.com and also has had stops at Western Kentucky University, American University, Robert Morris University and The University of Akron. At American, he worked with the track/cross country program and designed the speed/agility program for men’s/women’s soccer and field hockey. At Robert Morris, he worked with the softball and football program. Day received his Master’s at the University of Akron in sports science and coaching while doing his graduate assistantship with the football strength staff. He received his bachelor’s degree in strength and conditioning at The University of Findlay while also playing football for the school. He is certified through the CSCCA with the S.C.C.C (strength conditioning coaches certification) and USAW certification. MATT WISE DIRECTOR OF CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT // FOURTH SEASON

Matt Wise is the director of character development for the Georgia Southern football program. He is responsible for helping student-athletes develop character fundamentals along with leadership development that will serve and guide them throughout and following their playing careers. A former Georgia Southern student-athlete, Wise played from 2004-2007 for the Eagle football squad. After a career ending injury in 2007, Wise served as a student coach in 2008 and graduated with a degree in exercise science. Since graduation, Wise has spent time serving athletes and coaches at GS through the platform of sports ministry. He is currently the campus director for Athletes In Action, a sports ministry of Cru. In 2016, Wise helped lead Georgia Southern Athletes on a service trip to Nicaragua that won the Sun Belt Community Impact Award for the year. He brings a servant attitude and depth of passion into his work every day with student-athletes, coaches and leaders. A native of Hazlehurst, Georgia, Wise and his wife, Colleen, who played soccer from 2004-2007 for Georgia Southern, live in Statesboro. They have two girls, Hope and Kennedy. JAKE SMITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT STAFF ASSISTANT ATHLETIC TRAINER, FOOTBALL // FOURTH SEASON

Jake Smith joined the Georgia Southern Athletic Training staff in May of 2015. His primary responsibility is overseeing the day-to-day operations of the football program, but also oversees the clinical coverage for track & field, swimming & diving and cheerleading. Prior to arriving in Statesboro, Smith spent the previous year working as a seasonal athletic training intern for the . Smith graduated in 2014 with his Master’s in athletic training from the University of Kentucky. While at UK, he worked primarily as the G.A. for the women’s gymnastics program. He received his bachelor’s degree in athletic training in 2012, graduating summa cum laude from Eastern Illinois University. The central Illinois native is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers’ JAKE BRANDON DIMITRI DONALD Association, and is a licensed Athletic Trainer in the state of Georgia. GRADUATE ASSISTANT GRADUATE ASSISTANT MARY BETH WINNINGHAM ASSISTANT ATHLETIC TRAINER, FOOTBALL // THIRD SEASON

Mary Beth Winningham joined the Georgia Southern Athletic Training Staff in September of 2016 with the primary responsibility as an assistant athletic trainer providing medical coverage for the football team. Prior to being hired full time, Winningham was a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Georgia Southern. Winningham received her Bachelor of Science in athletic training from Middle Tennessee State University in 2014 and her Master of Science in kinesiology from Georgia Southern in 2016. Winningham is originally from Livingston, Tennessee, and is a member of the National Athletic Trainer’s Association and is licensed in the state of Georgia. PHILL GUARD DARIUS JONES JR. GRADUATE ASSISTANT GRADUATE ASSISTANT NEAL SPIVEY ASSISTANT EQUIPMENT MANAGER, FOOTBALL // THIRD SEASON

Neal Spivey joined the Georgia Southern staff in September 2016 as an assistant equipment manager. Spivey assists director Adam Brooks with the football team, which includes distribution and fitting of equipment and apparel as well as the field set up for daily practices. Spivey is also the direct equipment manager for GS men’s soccer, men’s basketball and women’s rifle. He attended Coastal Carolina University where he graduated in August of 2016 with a degree in exercise and sports science. While at CCU, Spivey was a student manager for the TESSA AKERS MIKE ADAMS football team all five years. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ANALYST Spivey is from Sylva, North Carolina. 28 GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL