Blazers Report to Camp

VSU picked to finish third in GSC

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Under the heat of the afternoon sun, preparations for the 2009 football season began as the Valdosta State Blazers reported to camp Tuesday afternoon.

More than 130 athletes began checking into dorm rooms at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday as the VSU squad prepared for its first meetings as a team Tuesday evening. Wednesday will see the players undergo their yearly physicals as well as the distribution of equipment while the team will take to the field for the first time Thursday in the first of four split squad practices. The first three days of practice will all feature split squad practices before the team will gather on the field for the first time as a single unit on Sunday afternoon. After a final split squad session on Monday, practice begins in earnest next Tuesday when two-a-days begin, with practices at 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

"We're excited that the day has finally come," said Blazer head coach David Dean during Tuesday's check-in activities. "Today is a day everyone, coaches and players alike, has been looking forward to all summer. We begin to learn today who we are as a team."

Tuesday's report date began with the Blazers learning they had been selected to finish third in the Gulf South Conference, according to a vote by the league coaches. Valdosta State finished with 87 points in the preseason poll, just one behind North Alabama for second and nine behind Delta State, who finished first with 96 points.

Four Blazers also earned preseason recognition from the GSC coaches as wide receiver Cedric Jones, linebacker Larry Dean, defensive tackle Demario Jones and deep snapper Joey Farmer all received recognition on the Preseason All-Gulf South Conference team.

2009 Valdosta State Football Camp Schedule

Thursday, August 6: Group A: 1:00-3:15 p.m.; Group B: 3:30-5:45 p.m.*

Friday, August 7: Group A: 8:00-10:15 a.m.; Group B: 3:00-5:15 p.m.*

Saturday, August 8: Group B: 8:00-10:15 a.m.; Group A: 3:00-5:15 p.m.*

Sunday, August 9: 3:00-5:30 p.m.

Monday, August 10: Group B: 8:00-10:15 a.m.; Group A: 3:00-5:15 p.m.*

Tuesday, August 11: 8:00-10:30 a.m.; 3:00-5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 12: 9:00-11:30 a.m.

Thursday, August 13: 8:00-10:30 a.m.; 3:00-5:30 p.m.

Friday, August 14: 9:00-11:30 a.m.

Saturday, August 15: 8:00-10:30 a.m.; 2:15-4:45 p.m. (Scrimmage/Stadium)

Sunday, August 16: 5:15-7:45 p.m.

Monday, August 17: 8:00-10:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 18: 3:30-5:45 p.m.**

*Split squad scrimmages. The majority of VSU's returning starters will practice in Group A.

**Regular season practice schedule commences

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