Georgia Southern football hosts Coastal Carolina for the annual Salute to Service game on Saturday evening. GSEagles.com had a chance to catch up with defensive back Elijah Hynes who spent nearly three years serving in the U.S. Marine Corps after a practice this week.
What does the Salute to Service game mean to you and what impact do you hope to see on Saturday?
"It is just another game. The first conference game. It's exciting. It's also the Salute to Service game. I'm thankful for all of our veterans who served our country. Coach Thurmond served in the Navy for 12 years. I love that man! I was in the Marine Corps for a little bit. It is an exciting day to give back to the people who gave back to this country."
What made you decide to enter into the military?
"My dad was a United States Marine. His brother was a United States Marine. And their father was a Marine. I didn't know I was going to join the Marine Corps until my senior year. I wanted to grow physically and mature a little bit before I went to college. I was not going to join any other branch, so I joined the Marine Corps right outside of high school."
What does being a part of this program mean to you?
"It means a lot. I love this program. Coach Helton blessed me with an opportunity to be here, and I am so thankful for it and this team. I love this team, mostly the guys. I love the Chaplain, Matt Wise. He has had a big impact on my life. Eagle Nation is amazing, I love it."
What did you learn in your time with the military that translates to football?
"Hard work, discipline, show up and do what you're supposed to do. Do everything for 1) the Lord and 2) all the guys next to me. I do everything for them and then for me."
Who inspires you?
"The Lord, Jesus Christ. He is my savior. I love him so much. On this earth, it would be my dad. He is my hero that I look up to the most."
What are your goals for the season?
"To be a joy and light on this team. To bring energy, motivation, and morale and to work as hard as I can. I am trying to fulfill my role as a team player on this team."
Georgia Southern is set for primetime action against Coastal Carolina in the annual Salute to Service game. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on the NFL Network.