You know it’s been a tough season when you have two head coaches with losing records. Such was the case for the Eagles last season. New coach Clay Helton knows a thing or two about sending talent to the NFL, and he’ll be charged with cultivating Georgia Southern’s best prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft. Following a two-year absence, can the Eagles return to NFL draft relevance?
Georgia Southern prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft
It’s been two years since Tyler Bass and Kindle Vildor were selected in the NFL draft, and no player from Georgia Southern has been selected since. Could Helton turn around a team that went 3-9 and finished in the bottom 30 in the FBS for both points scored and allowed? If they are to be successful on Saturdays, these top players with Sunday aspirations will need to soar for the Eagles this fall.
Justin Birdsong, S
Wouldn’t it be some sort of beautiful poetry if the Eagles returned to draft relevance with the selection of Justin Birdsong in the 2023 NFL Draft? The 5’11”, 185-pound safety prospect certainly has the skill set to command attention in April. He showcases good ball skills and tracking ability in coverage while possessing technical expertise and physicality as a tackler against the run. Meanwhile, his impressive play speed makes him a menace all over the field in multiple phases of the game.
Derrick Canteen, CB
After an electric 2020 season where he registered six interceptions, much was expected of Derrick Canteen last fall. Unfortunately, injury limited him to just two games, denying him a stock-soaring season. Instead, he returns as one of the top Georgia Southern prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping to join former teammate Vildor in the league.
Canteen boasts great football instincts and high-level awareness. He also possesses great footwork, with the ability to backpedal fluidly and mirror a receiver’s movements throughout the route. The 5’11”, 190-pound CB is a genuine ball hawk who regularly fights through the catch point to make a play.
Amare Jones, RB
The term “offensive weapon” was created for Georgia Southern running back Amare Jones. As a rusher, he’s averaged 5.4 yards per carry and comes with very little tread on the tires. Meanwhile, he’s an excellent pass-catching running back with 871 receiving yards and two touchdowns in his career. Additionally, he’s been used as a Wildcat quarterback while returning kicks during his time at Tulane. Jones is an electric athlete who combines speed and movement skills with patience and vision to create maximum offensive devastation.
Jeremy Singleton, WR
Snagging wide receiver Jeremy Singleton from the transfer portal was a significant success for Georgia Southern. The 6’0″, 190-pound pass catcher has averaged 14.9 yards per catch while contributing 10 touchdowns and 1,254 receiving yards at Houston. The sixth-year pass catcher has some speed to his game that allows him to create separation downfield at the same time as gaining yardage after the catch. Singleton also displays good ball-tracking skills and the spacial awareness to complete complex catches on the sideline.
Beau Johnson, TE
If you’re looking for an offensive breakout candidate for Georgia Southern this season, Beau Johnson might be your man. The fourth-year TE has been used sparingly in the passing game so far in his career, securing just 21 receptions. However, he’s showcased big-play ability with 16.8 yards per catch in 2020. Furthermore, almost 25% of his receptions have resulted in touchdowns. Despite being just 6’1″ and 230 pounds, Johnson also demonstrates solid pass protection reps, adding to his value as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect.
Justin Ellis, DE
With C.J. Wright’s departure, Justin Ellis is the top returning Georgia Southern player in terms of tackles for loss and sacks last season. Ellis was a disruptive force in the opposition backfield, totaling 12.5 plays behind the line of scrimmage. Meanwhile, he also forced a fumble. The 6’2″, 255-pound defensive line prospect has been used in a number of alignments during his Eagles career. His ability to win with technical excellence, a relentless motor, and eye-catching ferocity off the edge could earn him a shot in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Anthony Wilson, S
5’10”, 200-pound safety Anthony Wilson led Georgia Southern last season with 77 tackles, 4.5 of which were for loss. The fourth-year playmaker also led the Eagles with nine pass breakups. Although he’s not the biggest safety in the nation, he often plays bigger than his size, showcasing a combination of speed and physicality as he comes downhill. Meanwhile, he adds that physicality to ball skills while in coverage to pose a dangerous threat to any quarterback that might attempt to throw the ball his way.
Kristian Varner, DL
Although he’s yet to suit up for Georgia Southern, Kristian Varner might be their most exciting 2023 NFL Draft prospect from the defensive front. A former high school defensive end, Varner has thrived in the weight room at North Carolina the last three seasons. As a result, he now weighs 290 pounds at 6’3″.
Despite the weight addition, he still flashes an impressively explosive get-off that allows him to gain a step on his opponent. Varner also demonstrates impressive strength to drive offensive linemen backward in the pocket. With his transfer to the Eagles, he should become a regular contributor that will only allow him to develop his game and draft stock.
Othe potential Georgia Southern prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft
- Kyle Vantrease, QB
- Caleb Kelly, OT
- Logan Langemeier, C
- Dillon Springer, DE
- Kevon Glenn, LB
- Todd Bradley-Glenn, LB