By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Vic Cabral is a 6’4” example of past and present for the Eagles and has the perspective needed to be a leading part of the program’s wide-open future.

nThrough triumph and transition, Georgia Southern’s brand has never changed. Persistence has led the Eagles, a commitment to a certain set of concepts and ideals. Such a philosophy has resulted in unprecedented success and now groundbreaking growth in Statesboro. This is a program that has long been built around principles, a program that has long been built around people. As Georgia Southern finishes renovations to famed Paulson Stadium, hands, not hammers, have done the dirty work.

nThere, where firm Heery International once broke ground on a wild idea, Vic Cabral once dug his knuckles deep in the mud. A defensive lineman for the Eagles from 2000-2004, Cabral won four Southern Conference titles and was a redshirt on Georgia Southern’s last national championship team. His reputation, much like that of those who once founded the Eagle program, was one rooted in pride. Through all of the turnover and change, Cabral’s story has staying power.

n”Vic always brought energy to the team and has continued that as a coach,” explained GSU legend Adrian Peterson, a former teammate of Cabral’s and the 1999 Walter Payton Award winner.

nCabral, as they say, wore his emotion on his sleeve. Four years ago that notion was officially stitched in.

nNow-Army head coach Jeff Monken hired Cabral to coach Georgia Southern’s defensive line in 2010. The Eagles have had one of the elite defenses in the Southern Conference since. One year before his return to Statesboro, Georgia Southern’s defense, in 2009, allowed an average of 27.5 points per game. During Cabral’s four seasons on staff, that count has dropped to 21.7. More importantly, the Eagles advanced to the national semifinals in each of Cabral’s first three years. Georgia Southern beat Florida, and held the Gators to 279 total yards, in his last.xc2xa0xc2xa0xc2xa0

nOf his many influences, Cabral coached four-time All-American and 2011 Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year Brent Russell. Regarded as one of the premier defensive tackles in FCS history, Russell set an intimidating tone in the trenches for the Eagles. His tenacity and persistence became the heart and soul of the Georgia Southern team. Though unique, Russell’s attitude reminded some of another fiery Eagle defender from a decade before.xc2xa0

nCabral, the coach, came to Georgia Southern from Georgia Military College, where he was instrumental in the development of the top-ranked rushing defense in the NJCAA in 2007 and the nation’s third-ranked unit in total defense in 2008. In addition to his focus on football fundamentals, Cabral made it a point to teach the importance of classroom success as well. Thirteen of his GMC players moved on to receive Division I scholarships during his tenure with the Bulldogs. Cabral remains a major influence in many of their lives to this day.xc2xa0

nMonken’s decision to bring Cabral back to where he played, and worked briefly after a stint in the CFL, was a full-circle development of which he had long dreamed.

n”I knew one day, and it was one of my goals, that I’d come back to Georgia Southern and coach,” he told Dennis Knight of the Savannah Morning News back in 2010. “I love it here. I love Statesboro. I’m so thankful to be part of this team again.”

nAn opportunity at continuity is one that Cabral doesn’t take for granted. Where others have built a career, he has built a home. Cabral’s wife Erin was a four-year letterwinner for the GSU swimming and diving team. After finishing a bachelor of arts degree in 2006, Vic just recently completed his master’s this past May. The couple now has a baby boy, Zac, born at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro — on National Signing Day. Cabral’s dog, honestly and truly, is named Gus.xc2xa0xc2xa0xc2xa0

nWith the introduction of new head football coach Willie Fritz Friday afternoon comes both great excitement and slight apprehension. Formerly at Sam Houston State, Fritz brings a proven track record and two FCS national title game appearances to town. His accomplishments, deep-rooted in Texas ties, speak for themselves. The regional shift falls in line with Georgia southern’s growing national appeal. That said, today’s trek forward needs someone who has sloshed right through Eagle Creek.

nThe Peach State pull Cabral has is significant as he is deeply entrenched in all corners of Georgia. For Monken, Cabral was a great “product-of” ambassador for Georgia Southern’s academic and athletic opportunities. His experiences resonated with many top prospects from around the region. Cabral, with blood as blue as the Ogeechee, can be the same for Fritz. He is a 6’4” example of past and present for the Eagles and has the perspective needed to be a leading part of the program’s wide-open future.

nProgress is everywhere at Georgia Southern. The journey is already underway. As the Eagles move forward, however, maintaining a link to the past must be considered a critical priority. Passion is this program’s most powerful tradition. History ties what has been to what could be. Of that, Cabral has a powerful perspective. On that, he has a very firm grip.