In a recent address to the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro, Georgia Southern University Head Football Coach Clay Helton shared his enthusiasm and vision for the upcoming 2024 season. Coach Helton, entering his third season with the Eagles, has brought a renewed sense of energy and ambition to the team.
Reflecting on his tenure so far, Helton highlighted key victories, including memorable wins over Nebraska, James Madison, and App State, which secured a bid to the Camellia Bowl in his first year. Helton expressed his deep appreciation for the community of Statesboro and the support from fans, noting the record attendance of 26,367 at last year's Coastal Carolina game as a testament to the community's passion.
Consistency, continuity, and recruitment
Helton emphasized the importance of consistency and continuity within the coaching staff. He praised coordinators Ryan Aplin, Brandon Bailey, and Turner West for their dedication and impact on the team's development.
This consistency, combined with a talented roster, has positioned the Eagles for a successful season.
Recruitment has been a cornerstone of Helton's strategy. Over the last three years, Georgia Southern has signed 61 high school players, focusing on developing homegrown talent. Impressively, 87 out of 120 players on the team hail from Georgia, reinforcing the commitment to local recruitment and player development.
The addition of James Heiss as the new strength and conditioning coordinator has also been a significant boost. Helton shared that Heiss's expertise and training regimen have already begun to show positive results, with players benefiting from enhanced conditioning and performance.
Confidence in the 2024 season
Looking ahead, the 2024 season promises exciting matchups, starting with a high-profile game against Boise State, set to be broadcast nationally on ESPN. Other notable home games include contests against Marshall, James Madison, Troy, and a highly anticipated clash with App State.
Helton and Athletic Director Jared Benko are optimistic about setting new attendance records, driven by the community's unwavering support.
Helton also touched on the evolving landscape of college football, particularly the impact of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) system and the transfer portal. He emphasized the importance of relationships and trust in retaining players, sharing that Georgia Southern lost only two players to transfers, a testament to the strong bonds within the team.
In terms of on-field performance, Helton is confident in the team's capabilities. He highlighted the significant improvement in the offensive and defensive lines, with an emphasis on size and strength. The offensive line now averages 308 pounds, a considerable increase from previous years. On defense, the addition of key players has bolstered the team's depth and talent.
The quarterback position is another area of focus, with a competitive battle among several talented players, including Dexter Williams from Indiana, JC French, David Dallas, and Tyler Budge. Helton's commitment to a balanced offensive strategy, emphasizing both the passing and running game, aims to position the Eagles as a formidable force in the Sun Belt Conference.
Pack Paulson this fall
As the Eagles gear up for the season, Coach Helton's message is clear: the combination of experienced coaching, strong recruitment, and unwavering community support has Georgia Southern poised for a remarkable 2024 season.
He encouraged fans and supporters to get their tickets now and help pack the stadium and witness what promises to be an exciting and successful year for the Eagles.
