VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) - The Valdosta State football team is one of the more recognizable names when it comes to Division II athletics. The Blazers are owners of three National titles, but haven't claimed one since 2012, and the guys are ready to bring another to Titletown.
The hunt for Championship number four began Monday in Valdosta, as the Blazers kicked off fall camp. There is a lot of hype heading into the season. Valdosta State is coming off their best year since that 2012 run, and are ranked as high as 8th in the preseason polls.
Head coach David Dead coached the Blazers to two of the titles, and admitted Monday, the were were a little rusty and had some typical first day jitters. He said overall, they looked pretty good, but they have to get better at one thing in particular.
"Sometimes we've got some guys who aren't finishing some things," he said. "That's one thing that we pride ourselves on is finishing in every drill and everything that we do. We had some guys, not everybody, but some guys that weren't doing that. They're going to have to buy into this system and realize if they're going to play for us, they're going to have to be able to finish and work through when they get tired."
Valdosta State opens up the season September 5th on the road at Albany State.
