Helton speaks publicly for the first time since naming starting QB

STATESBORO, Ga. (WSAV)—JC French is the man who will be under center on Aug. 31 when the Eagles host Boise State.

The redshirt sophomore was in a three-way battle with Indiana transfer Dexter Williams and redshirt sophomore David Dallas. This is French’s second year in the program after transferring from Memphis.

Last season, he backed up Davis Brin and French completed 10 of 13 passes for 122 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also ran the ball 14 times for 48 yards.

Coach Clay Helton told WSAV about his decision to choose French.

“At the end of the day,” Helton said, “you have to make a decision. Like we said at the beginning of this process, it’s going to be about decision making, it’s going to be about execution and it’s going to be about protecting the football. We graded every snap. Each and every snap in live team atmosphere. At the end of the day, JC did the best job. So, he gets the opportunity and the honor to compete against Boise State.”

Helton also spoke on how he’s feeling about the Eagles so far.

“You’re talking about true pros,” Helton said. “To be able to sit down with each guy and explain their strengths and their areas of growth, it was neat to be able to sit down with them and spend time with them and able to stay to them, ‘Here’s where you are?” Each one of them was terrific saying, ‘Coach, I’m going to keep improving, I’m going to keep competing, keep leading, I’m going to keep doing what’s right for this time and when given the opportunity I’m going to make the most of my opportunity.’ They handled it like pros. You saw the practice today. These guys come out here and they are teammates first. They believe in our football team, and they practice to get our team better and I appreciate each one of them.”

The first game of the season for Georgia Southern is Aug. 31 at 4 p.m. at home against Boise State.