By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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While spring is oftentimes reserved for conditioning and fundamentals, expectations are coming to the forefront for Georgia Southern already.

nThree full years into the Jeff Monken era at Georgia Southern, the program’s once-renowned status quo has been resoundingly reset. The Eagles are fresh off a trio of runs to the FCS semifinals, coming a mere handful of plays away from a spot in the national championship game this past season. With those feats in the rear-view mirror, spring practice has started with clear-cut goals out in front. Georgia Southern is ready for that next step.

nThough of a handful of potential next level standouts, safety J.J. Wilcox and tackle Brent Russell among them, must be replaced, Monken’s approach remains steady.

nxe2x80x9cWe are just looking to improve our football team, find out who our leaders are and develop toughness,xe2x80x9d Monken explained. xe2x80x9cWhat we are going to do offensively, defensively and in the kicking game isnxe2x80x99t going to change a whole lot from what we have done. I believe in our system and the advantage for us is that we do believe it in and wexe2x80x99re going to do the same things over and over and over again and try and get really good at it.xe2x80x9d

nHeadlining the returnees is rising senior quarterback Jerick McKinnon. After 1,820 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns in 2012, he starts this spring as the heart and soul of the team after entering last spring simply looking for consistency. With b-back Dominique Swope currently out recovering from injury, McKinnon will further his role as an instructor in the offensive backfield. Looking ahead, his efficiency and production should only improve.

n”He is a big strong, guy. He is very fast and shifty. He is getting better at reading the option. With that comes more confidence. I think the more confidence he gets, the harder it is going to be for opponents to take him down,” noted 2007 Georgia Southern Walter Payton Award winner Jayson Foster on the Southern Pigskin Radio Network. “He’s doing a good job of, basically, making the other team tackle him. Once he gets the ball, he is definitely a threat to go score so you have to keep your eyes on him.”

nMcKinnon aside, this is a football team with great balance. Some roles must continue to develop, but the core foundation is certainly in place for more national contention. Even without an anticipated high selection in the upcoming NFL Draft, these Eagles have a similar style and feel.

n”They look pretty good. They look pretty doggone good,” Wilcox acknowledged, on the Southern Pigskin Radio Network, from the practice fields on Wednesday. “I wish I had the opportunity they have now. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a pretty good year in Statesboro once again.”

nWhile spring is oftentimes reserved for basic conditioning and fundamentals, expectations are coming to the forefront already.

n”Coach Monken is definitely doing a great job. He has brought a new confidence to the team. They have been to the semifinals three years in a row, they are hungry for a title,” Foster continued. “All of our Georgia Southern fans and alumni are definitely rooting for them to go back and hopefully this year getting to the finals. I think the players and the team have a responsibility to uphold, they want to win that national title and put number seven on the board.”

nThose efforts are officially underway.