VALDOSTA, Ga. – The defending Gulf South Conference and NCAA Division II National Champion Valdosta State football team announced its 2019 August Preseason Camp schedule Friday. The Blazers will have 20 practices leading up to the first week of the season in September.  
 
The players will report to campus next Thursday and the 2019 preseason will begin Friday, Aug. 9 at 8 a.m. at Athletic Field House.  Following the initial practice Friday, the Blazers will have practices on Saturday, Sunday and Monday also beginning at 8 a.m. The 2019 August Camp schedule is subject to chance without notice.  
 
Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 13, the team will wear full pads for practice on the fifth practice of the month also at 8 a.m.  Another full padded practice on Wednesday at 8 a.m., followed by shells on Thursday and an off day Friday.  On Saturday, Aug. 17, the team will have another full pad practice at 8 a.m., followed by a shells practice Sunday.  
 
The 2019-20 academic school year begins on Monday, Aug. 19 for an off day, followed by practice switching to 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20.  VSU will hold its annual Student Night on Wednesday, Aug. 21 with practice at 6 p.m.  Practices follow on Thursday and Friday at 4:15 p.m.
 
VSU will host its annual Meet the Blazers event Saturday, Aug. 24 with a scrimmage at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by Meet the Blazers.  The team will have its second off day on Sunday, Aug. 25, followed by practices 15-19 through the week at 4:15 p.m.  The final Saturday morning practice on Aug. 31 will be begin at 8 a.m.
 
Following an off day on Sept. 1, VSU will prepare for its 2019 season-opener at Albany State on Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. in Albany, Ga.  Practice times for the first week of the season will be announced at a later date.  VSU will open the 2019 home slate Saturday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. against Ohio Dominican at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.
 
The defending national champion Blazers were picked first in the 2019 Gulf South Conference poll, released Thursday by the league office.  A total of nine Blazers, marking a league-best, were named to the GSC Preseason All-Conference Team.  VSU had six selections on the offensive side, along with two on defense and one special teams honoree.
 
Check back with vstateblazers.com all season long for information on VSU Athletics.  To purchase tickets for the 2019 season visit the above link or call the Blazer Athletic Ticket Office at 229-333-SEAT.
 
2019 VSU Blazer August Camp Schedule 
Aug. 9 – 8 a.m. (Helmets)
Aug. 10 – 8 a.m. (Helmets)
Aug. 11 – 8 a.m. (Shells)
Aug. 12 – 8 a.m. (Shells)
Aug. 13 – 8 a.m. (Full Pads)
Aug. 14 – 8 a.m. (Scrimmage #1)
Aug. 15 – 8 a.m. (Shells)
Aug. 16 – Off
Aug. 17 – 8 a.m. (Full Pads)
Aug. 18 – 8 a.m. (Shells)
Aug. 19 – Off / First Day of School
Aug. 20 – 4:15 p.m. (Full Pads)
Aug. 21 – 6 p.m. Student Night(Full Pads)
Aug. 22 – 4:15 p.m. (Shells)
Aug. 23 – 4:15 p.m.
Aug. 24 – 8 a.m. (Scrimmage #2) Meet the Blazers at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium at 10 a.m.
Aug. 25 – Off
Aug. 26 – 4:15 p.m. (Shells)
Aug. 27 – 4:15 p.m. (Full Pads)
Aug. 28 – 4:15 p.m. (Full Pads)
Aug. 29 – 4:15 p.m. (Shells)
Aug. 30 – 4:15 p.m. (Shells)
Aug. 31 – 8 a.m. (Full Pads)
(Schedule subject to change without notice)