2017 EAGLES GATA GEORGIA 2017 SEASON SOUTHERN FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF THE EAGLES STUDENTSERVICES 2016 REVIEW RECORDS 2017 Schedule Date Opponent Series Record Last Of Note: Sept. 2 at Auburn Auburn leads, 1-0 AU won 32-17 (1991) GS lost last two vs. SEC by avg. 8.0 points 9 NEW HAMPSHIRE UNH leads, 1-0 UNH won 27-23 (2004) Lone meeting came in ‘04 FCS Playoffs

23 at Indiana First Meeting N/A GS first meeting vs. Big Ten team HISTORY Oct. 4 ARKANSAS STATE * Tied, 1-1 ASU won 27-26 (2016) GS beat ASU in 1986 FCS Nat’l Title Game 14 NEW MEXICO STATE * GS leads, 3-0 GS won 22-19 (2016) Last meetings as Sun Belt members 21 at UMass Tied, 1-1 GS won 38-21 (1999) Both previous meetings in FCS Playoffs 28 at Troy * Troy leads, 10-6 GS won 28-24 (2016) GS has won four in a row in the series

Nov. 4 GEORGIA STATE * GSU leads, 2-1 GSU won 30-24 (2016) Panthers have won two in a row GS IN THE PROS 9 at Appalachian State * ASU leads, 18-13-1 ASU won 34-10 (2016) GS has lost six of last seven in Boone 18 SOUTH ALABAMA * GS leads, 3-0 GS won 24-9 (2016) USA has yet to score more than 17 points vs. GS 25 at Louisiana * UL leads, 1-0 UL won 33-26 (2016) GS is 9-5 all-time vs. Louisiana schools Dec. 2 at Coastal Carolina * GS leads, 3-0 GS won 43-26 (2010) First meeting as FBS schools

* - Game UNIVERSITY/MEDIA

On the covers: OFC - and his Eagles; IFC - Wesley Fields, L.A. Ramsby and Myles Campbell from the Eagle offense and Darrius Sapp, Chris DeLaRosa and Joshua Moon from the defense; IBC - Ukeme Eligwe and the rest of the Eagles in the NFL; OBC - The 2017 Georgia Southern football schedule. Covers designed by Ryan Hurst (Georgia Southern, c/o 2016 - public relations); helmets on outside back cover designed by Clark Ruhland. FOOTBALL 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS EAGLES GATA 2017 SEASON COACHING STAFF THE EAGLES STUDENT SERVICES STUDENT 2016 REVIEW EAGLES GATA MEET THE EAGLES RECORD BOOK 166 No. 8 Tracy Ham 1 2017 Schedule 36 Veteran Profiles 100 Individual Records 167 No. 3 Adrian Peterson 2 Quick Facts/Credits 60 Newcomers 115 Annual Leaders 168 Jayson Foster 4 Staff Information 64 Signing Class Breakdown 119 Longest Plays 169 Paul Johnson 6 Smith Family Football Center 120 Team Records 170 Younghoe Koo 8 Allen E. Paulson Stadium STUDENT SERVICES 121 Overtime Games RECORDS 9 Bishop Field House 66 Academic Support 122 Year-By-Year Team Stats EAGLES IN THE PROS 10 This is Georgia Southern 68 Strength & Conditioning 124 Team Records By Era 172 Eagles in the Pros 12 Georgia Southern Football Traditions 69 Equipment Room 125 Paulson Stadium Records 174 NFL Draft/Super Bowl/Pro Bowl Eagles 14 The Total Student-Athlete 70 Sports Medicine 126 Eagles on Television 72 Eagles in the Community 127 All-Time Results UNIVERSITY/MEDIA 2017 SEASON 132 Series Results 176 Georgia Southern University 16 Preseason Rosters 2016 REVIEW/STATISTICS 136 Eagles vs. Conferences 178 University President Jaimie L. Hebert, Ph.D. HISTORY 18 Preseason Depth Chart 74 Individual Honors/Start Chart 179 Athletic Director Tom Kleinlein 19 Personnel/Pronunciation Guide 75 2016 Statistics HISTORY 180 EFAA 20 Sun Belt Conference 78 2016 Individual Summaries 138 Eagle Football History 181 Athletic Foundation/Ticket Office 80 2016 Game-By-Game Statistics 140 1985 National Championship 182 Georgia Southern Radio Network COACHING STAFF 81 2016 Game Highs 142 1986 National Championship 183 Media Guidelines 22 Eagle Head Coach Tyson Summers 82 2016 Scoring Summaries 144 1989 National Championship 184 Athletics Communications 24 Offensive Coordinator Bryan Cook 83 2016 Miscellaneous Statistics 146 1990 National Championship 185 Department Personnel 25 Defensive Coordinator Lorenzo Costantini 84 2016 Big Plays 148 1999 National Championship 186 adidas GS IN THE PROS 26 Assistant Coach Pat Bastien 85 Last Time It Happened 150 2000 National Championship 27 Assistant Coach Bob Bodine 86 Eagles in National Rankings 152 Eagle All-Americans 28 Assistant Coach Olten Downs 87 2016 Game Recaps 155 Conference Accolades 29 Assistant Coach Chris Foster 157 Modern Era Lettermen 30 Assistant Coach 160 All-Time Wins/Championships 31 Assistant Coach Jeremy Rowell 161 All-Time Coaching Records 32 Assistant Coach Juston Wood 162 Modern Era Assistant Coaches

UNIVERSITY/MEDIA 33 Support Staff 164 Coach Tribute 2 GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL QUICK FACTS EAGLES GATA 2017 SEASON COACHING STAFF THE EAGLES STUDENTSERVICES 2016 REVIEW

GS QUICK FACTS PROGRAM INFORMATION AND HISTORY TEAM INFORMATION CREDITS Conference: Sun Belt Head Coach: Tyson Summers The 2017 Georgia Southern University SCHOOL INFORMATION First Year of Football: 1924 Alma Mater: Presbyterian College, ‘02 Football Media Guide was published by the RECORDS Georgia Southern Athletics Communications Official Name: Georgia Southern Univeristy (no football from 1942-1981) Summers’ Record at GS: 5-7 (Second Year) Office. Abbreviation: GS (not GSU) Modern Era Record: 314-129-1 (.708) ^ Summers’ Career Record: 5-7 (Second Year) Location: Statesboro, Ga. FCS National Championships: 6 Eagles’ 2016 Record: 5-7 Editor and Design: Bryan Johnston Editorial Content: AJ Henderson, Katy Founded: December 1, 1906 (1985, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1999, 2000) Postseason: None Baker Johnston, Cassie De Leon Enrollment: 20,673 No. Years in NCAA FCS Playoffs: 19 Conference Record: 4-4 Covers: Bryan Johnston and Ryan Hurst; President: Jaimie L. Hebert, Ph.D. All-Time Playoff Record: 45-13 Offensive System: Spread Option helmets on OBC designed by Clark Ruhland HISTORY Printing: South Georgia Graphics (Claxton, Athletics Director: Tom Kleinlein Bowl Games: 1 (won 2015 GoDaddy Bowl) Defensive System: 4-3 GA) Faculty Athletics Rep: Chris Geyerman, Ph.D. Home Stadium: Paulson Stadium GS Athletics on the Web: GSEagles.com Additional contributions from the GS Office of Athletics Department Phone: 912-478-5047 Capacity: 25,000 GS Football on Twitter: @GSAthletics_FB Marketing and Communications. Nickname: Eagles Playing Surface: Shaw Sports Turf (Legion 41) Letterwinners (Ret/Lost): 22/29

PHOTOGRAPHY GS IN THE PROS Primary Colors: Blue (PMS 282) and White Installed: 2016 Position Starters (Ret/Lost): 10/12 Frank Fortune, Jeremy Wilburn, Milledge Secondary Colors: Gray (PMS 429) and Gold (PMS 872) Paulson Stadium Record: 186-36 (.838) ^ Austin IV, A.J. Henderson, Jonathan Chick, Allen Gambrell, Carroll Gambrell, Kyunnie Mascots: GUS (mascot) and Freedom (live) Shuman, Bryan Johnston, Amanda Korpanay and Jeffrey Abraham. Images of Eagles in TICKET INFORMATION FOLLOW THE EAGLES ON SOCIAL MEDIA the NFL courtesy of Tom Pennington, Drew Hallowell, Jamie Squire of Diamond Images; Ticket Director: David Cutler Tom Dahlin and Wesley Hitt of Getty Images; UNIVERSITY/MEDIA Ticket Office Phone: 1-800-GSU-WINS USPresswire. Images of championship rings Ticket Office Website: GSEagles.com/tickets from Super Bowl XXVI and Super Bowl XXXIX and NFL team marks courtesy of the National Football League.

@GSAthletics GSAthletics GSAthletics GSAthletics

GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL 3 STAFF DIRECTORY KEY DATES Student-athletes report...... Monday, July 24 First day of preseason practice...... Tuesday, July 25 First day of university fall classes...... Monday, August 14 Season Opener (at Auburn)...... Saturday, September 2

EAGLES GATA Home Opener (New Hampshire)...... Saturday, September 9

COACHING STAFF Head Coach...... Tyson Summers Alma Mater/Year...... Presbyterian College/2002 Record at Georgia Southern (Years)...... 5-7, .417 (Second Year) Career Record (Years)...... 5-7, .417 (Second Year)

2017 SEASON Best Time to Reach Coach...... Contact Athletics Communications Sun Belt Coaches’ Teleconference...... Monday mornings in season

ASSISTANT COACHES (Alphabetical order) PAT BASTIEN @CoachBastien UAB, 2013...... Linebackers – Second Year BOB BODINE @CoBodine

COACHING STAFF Tulane, 1993...... Offensive Line – First Year/Seventh Year Overall BRYAN COOK @CoachBryanCook Ithaca, 1988...... Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks – First Year LORENZO COSTANTINI @CoachZo1 UTEP, 1990...... Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line – Second Year THE EAGLES OLTEN DOWNS @odowns Tennessee State, 2006...... Safeties – First Year CHRIS FOSTER @CoachC_Foster Gardner-Webb, 2003...... Running Backs – Second Year CHAD LUNSFORD @ChadLunsford Georgia College, 2000...... Asst. Head Coach/H-Backs/Slots STUDENT SERVICES STUDENT Special Teams Coordinator – Fifth Year/Ninth Year Overall JEREMY ROWELL @Coach_Rowell Troy, 1997...... Defensive Secondary – Second Year JUSTON WOOD @CoachJWood2

2016 REVIEW Portland State, 2003...... Wide Receivers – First Year

FOOTBALL SUPPORT STAFF Director of Football Operations...... Cymone George (Georgia Southern) Director of Football Administration...... Steve Dennis (Georgia) Director of Student-Athlete Development...... Andrew Dodge (UCF) Associate AD for Sports Medicine/SWA...... Brandy Clouse (Georgia Southern) RECORDS Strength & Conditioning Coach, Football...... Dwayne Chandler (Oklahoma) Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach...... Mitch Okey (Flagler) Director of Recruiting Operations...... Zach Bell (Georgia Southern) Director of Player Personnel...... Matt Brennan (Troy) On-Campus Recruiting...... Brittany Brannen (Georgia Southern) Director of Equipment Services...... Adam Brooks (Marshall)

HISTORY Video Coordinator...... Chris Ball (West Virginia) Assistant AD for Athletics Communications...... Bryan Johnston (South Carolina) Director of Character Development...... Matt Wise (Georgia Southern) Graduate Assistant...... Mike Adams (Buena Vista) Graduate Assistant...... Jamal Golden (Georgia Tech) Graduate Assistant...... Phill Guard (Mount Union) Graduate Assistant...... Thomas Niles (UCF) GS IN THE PROS UNIVERSITY/MEDIA 4 GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL EAGLES GATA 2017 SEASON COACHING STAFF THE EAGLES STUDENTSERVICES 2016 REVIEW RECORDS HISTORY

This Is GS IN THE PROS UNIVERSITY/MEDIA Georgia Southern

GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL 5 TED SMITH FAMILY FOOTBALL CENTER EAGLES GATA 2017 SEASON COACHING STAFF THE EAGLES STUDENT SERVICES STUDENT 2016 REVIEW RECORDS HISTORY

The new headquarters for the Georgia Southern Football rooms, as well as an expansive team room with stadium and mechanical rooms are available on both levels. program, the Ted Smith Family Football Center, encloses the seating for more than 120, are also on the top level. Spanning the majority of the field level, Georgia Southern eastern end zone of Paulson Stadium and provides a state- The positional meeting rooms include tools and equipment Football’s athletic performance area is roughly four times the of-the-art facility for the day-to-day functions of the Eagles. for game planning, diagramming plays and reviewing game size of Iron Works and contains nearly $500,000 of equipment,

GS IN THE PROS Groundbreaking on the 50,000-square-foot facility took place film. The academic study suite, adjacent to the team room, including 12 customized Power-Lift Multi-Racks and four in June 2013 and the landmark project was completed in July is equipped with numerous desktop computers. The players’ Power-Lift Half-Racks with 16 inlaid platforms, each stocked 2014. lounge, located right above the Eagles’ locker room, provides a with an Eleiko weightlifting 177.5 kilogram set. The two-story, brick, glass and steel frame building place to relax in comfort, watch the flatscreen high-definition Flanking the new strength and conditioning space are is a visual attraction from both Lanier Drive and inside televisions or use the video game systems. the athletic training and equipment areas, giving the Eagles Paulson Stadium with the Bill W. Nelson Hall of Fame atrium The program’s football video and recruiting operations, as access to some of the finest equipment in the region. connecting both wings of the center on the second floor. well as the control room for the new video display board, are Natural sunlight enters the locker room through the Coaches’ offices, conference rooms and positional meeting also located here. Storage space and the facility’s extensive IT ceiling-height windows and is complemented by interior UNIVERSITY/MEDIA 6 GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL TED SMITH FAMILY FOOTBALL CENTER EAGLES GATA 2017 SEASON COACHING STAFF THE EAGLES STUDENTSERVICES 2016 REVIEW RECORDS HISTORY GS IN THE PROS pendant and ballast lighting fixtures. Each of the 132 The athletic training space lockers is branded with the Georgia Southern Athletics logo includes more than a dozen and feature a custom name plate for each student-athlete. treatment areas and eight taping Compartments for hanging clothes, storing helmets, stations for Eagle student-athletes, shoulder pads and shoes are integrated into the design of as well as offices for staff and a

the cherry wood veneer lockers. physician’s exam room. Completing UNIVERSITY/MEDIA Designed to maximize efficiency and storage, the the modern training area is the large equipment room includes pass-through lockers for laundry hydrotherapy room that features service, space for travel trunks and a rail-based shelving both hot and cold tubs as well as system. Four industrial washers and five dryers are an underwater treadmill with video easily accessible for both the athletic training room and monitoring system for therapy and equipment room. rehabilitation.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL 7 PAULSON STADIUM EAGLES GATA 2017 SEASON

COACHING STAFF PAULSON STADIUM FACTS Capacity: 25,000 (expanded 2014) Layout: East-West Initial construction start date: First shovel – 1983 Expansion construction start date: June 12, 2013 THE EAGLES Glenn Bryant Field Surface: Shaw Sports Turf (Legion 41); installed 2016 Daktronics Video Board: 852 square feet of display area for replays, graphics and promotions Suite Level: 26 private booster boxes, film deck and a two-level working press box. Opening Game: Sept. 29, 1984 STUDENT SERVICES STUDENT First Opponent: Liberty, 9/29/84 First Win: 48-11 vs. Liberty, 9/29/84 First Postseason Win: 27-0 vs. Jackson State, 11/30/85 All-Time Record: 186-36 (.838) All-Time Playoff Record: 33-3 (.917) 2016 REVIEW First Score: 36-yard run by Tracy Ham vs. Liberty (13:44, 1Q), 9/29/84 First 100-Yard Rusher: 104 by Melvin Bell vs. Liberty, 9/29/84 First Shutout: 34-0 vs. Tennessee Tech, 10/5/85 RECORDS

Thirty years after its first game on Sept. 29, 1984, Allen Winning is the one constant at Paulson Stadium where The stadium is named for the late Allen E. Paulson, former E. Paulson Stadium underwent a major expansion for the the Eagles have a stunning 186-36 home record (.838) and founder and chairman of Gulfstream Aerospace, who donated Eagles’ first season in the FBS and the Sun Belt Conference. The won 91.7 percent of their postseason games (33-3). That more than $1 million toward construction of the facility. newly expanded facility, now at a capacity of 25,000, offers .838 winning percentage stands as the second best amongst In 2007, Georgia Southern University renamed the area incredible views of the playing field and modern amenities on current FBS stadiums entering the 2017 season. surrounding the Stadium “Erk Russell Athletic Park” to honor HISTORY its concourses. More than three million fans have witnessed that success the former Eagle coach. The inaugural game at Paulson Stadium in 1984 saw the in Statesboro, creating a game day atmosphere that attracts The addition of the Ted Smith Family Football Center Eagles soar to a 48-11 victory over Liberty. That first contest Eagle fans from across campus, throughout the Coastal Empire brought the nucleus of Eagle Football to the south end of was a fitting end to four years of planning and hard work – and southeast region. campus and gave the Eagles’ one of the finest team areas four years of dreaming of one of the finest football facilities in Previous upgrades to the complex included renovation of in the Sun Belt. This building features the team locker America. the concourses and hospitality areas and the addition of a room, weight room, training room, equipment room, team What former Eagle head coach Erk Russell described as “The brick façade along the walls of Paulson Stadium prior to the room, meeting rooms and a lobby with all six FCS national Prettiest Little Stadium in America” has been transformed 2005 season. championship trophies. GS IN THE PROS into one of the finest facilities of its kind. The new mid-deck Initially constructed at a cost of $4.7 million with just over The Field of Dreams has also been a popular addition to the creates an architectural presence on the north side with the 14,000 permanent seats and grass seating for thousands stadium complex, allowing children to play football on their new 50,000-square-foot Ted Smith Family Football Center more, the addition of Paulson Stadium elevated the fledgeling own field alongside the Eagles during their game. enclosing the east end zone. program. The site for numerous nationally televised games, The 2014 expansion also brought a new Daktronics video The $10 million stadium expansion project was student including the 1989 Hugo Bowl on ESPN, permanent light board to the east side of the field. Following the 2015 season, fee funded with private donations making possible the Eagle fixtures were installed for the 1994 season. In 2015, every the grass playing surface of Glenn Bryant Field was removed

UNIVERSITY/MEDIA Football team’s new building. home game was aired by the ESPN family of networks. to make way for a brand-new turf surface. 8 GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL GENE BISHOP FIELD HOUSE EAGLES GATA 2017 SEASON COACHING STAFF THE EAGLES STUDENTSERVICES 2016 REVIEW RECORDS

Thanks to the generous contribution from the late Gene has been the site for numerous events, including biennial Bishop, Georgia Southern University finished construction Georgia Southern Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. on the Bishop Field House in the west end zone at Paulson With his generous contributions, Bishop holds the Stadium prior to the start of the 2006 football season. distinction as the single-largest contributor to the Georgia Bishop passed away in March of 2011, but left behind a Southern Athletics Department and is one of the largest

legacy at Georgia Southern. The former Athletic Foundation contributors to the University. HISTORY Dr. Eugene M. Bishop, 1934-2011 Chairman of the Board was a part of Eagle Nation for more The Eugene M. Bishop Alumni Center opened summer of than 20 years and his loyalty to the University and athletics 2009 on Akins Boulevard, just a short distance from Erk Russell department provided for two showcase Athletic Park and the epicenter of game day Saturdays. landmarks on campus - the Gene In 2003, the Southern Conference began the Bishop Field House and the Eugene Distinguished Service Award program to recognize individuals

M. Bishop Alumni Center. The Gene who have made a great impact on their respective conference GS IN THE PROS Bishop Field House measures 13,600 institution. Dr. Bishop was the first from Georgia Southern to total square feet and was built to receive the award. accommodate team game day locker In the spring of 2013, the GS Athletic Foundation provided rooms and a game day training room additional premium seating with the creation of the Bishop on the lower level and meeting and Club at Paulson Stadium, an exclusive, members-only venue to hospitality spaces on the second level. entertain guests and clients on game day. From 2006-2013, Bishop Field House Two hundred new chairback seats allow fans to UNIVERSITY/MEDIA served as the home locker room for the experience the atmosphere indoors or out while enjoying Eagles and for the visiting team. heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages and soft drinks during the Around 400 members socialize in game. Members also receive entry to pre-game festivities the Field House prior to home football throughout the season. For more information about the Ribbon cutting for Bishop Field House, 2006 games. The Field House can be reserved Bishop Club and donation requirements, contact the Athletic for meetings, socials or luncheons and Foundation at (912) 478-5520. GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL 9 GAME DAY AT PAULSON STADIUM EAGLES GATA 2017 SEASON

COACHING STAFF Game Day at Paulson THE EAGLES STUDENT SERVICES STUDENT 2016 REVIEW RECORDS HISTORY GS IN THE PROS UNIVERSITY/MEDIA 10 GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL GAME DAY AT PAULSON STADIUM EAGLES GATA 2017 SEASON COACHING STAFF

Game Day at Paulson THE EAGLES STUDENTSERVICES 2016 REVIEW RECORDS HISTORY GS IN THE PROS UNIVERSITY/MEDIA

GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL 11 TRADITIONS

SINGING OF THE ALMA MATER EAGLES GATA 2017 SEASON COACHING STAFF THE EAGLES STUDENT SERVICES STUDENT

2016 REVIEW EAGLE CREEK BAPTISM RECORDS “BEAUTIFUL EAGLE CREEK”

SOUTHERN PRIDE MARCHING BAND HISTORY GS IN THE PROS

“GO BLUE! ONE MORE TIME...” KICKOFF CHANT UNIVERSITY/MEDIA 12 GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL TRADITIONS EAGLES GATA 2017 SEASON COACHING STAFF FREEDOM’S FLIGHT

YELLOW SCHOOL BUSES THE EAGLES

TRADITIONAL UNIFORMS STUDENTSERVICES 2016 REVIEW

HONORING A LEGEND RECORDS

PRE-GAME EAGLE WALK SINGING OF THE ALMA MATER HISTORY GS IN THE PROS UNIVERSITY/MEDIA

GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL 13 THE TOTAL STUDENT-ATHLETE

Community Service EAGLES GATA 2017 SEASON

Strength Training COACHING STAFF The Georgia Southern football program strives to make each student-athlete who walks through the doors of the Ted Smith Family THE EAGLES Football Center a better person than when he arrives on campus. Through strength training, academics, character education, community service and athletics, GS Football is building STUDENT SERVICES STUDENT Honored at the Georgia House of Representatives champions both on the gridiron and in life!

2015 GoDaddy Bowl Champs 2016 REVIEW RECORDS

Graduating Leaders HISTORY GS IN THE PROS

Academic Recognition UNIVERSITY/MEDIA 14 GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL