VALDOSTA, Ga. — Valdosta State is back at spring practice with a roster featuring about 70 new players and key coaching additions as the program enters its second season under head coach Graham Craig.

The Blazers added Fred Billy as defensive backs coach. Billy played at the University of West Florida and North Greenville, bringing Gulf South Conference experience to the position.

Key position battles

Craig said several position groups remain unsettled heading into the team’s scrimmage period.

“Quarterback, obviously. Defensive backs is one that we lost a lot of guys,” Craig said. “So have a lot of transfers that came in and freshmen coming in in the fall. And that’s one that these next, the scrimmage and some of these practices coming up where we get to see live action, which plays are being made, which tackles are being made. That’s a room that we really got to figure some things out there.”

The defensive line also features competition for starting spots.

At running back, the Blazers are working to replace departed players Corey Reddick and Eric Watts. Tiant Wyche, a transfer from Albany State, is among those competing for carries.

Quarterback competition

Jameson Holcomb, who started the final games of last season, is not participating in spring practice due to injury. Three quarterbacks are rotating with the first team: Champ Harris, a transfer from Southern Arkansas; Hayden Cleese from Samford; and Tyrieke Wade from Valdosta High School.

Wade enrolled early, an uncommon move at the Division II level.

“The biggest thing for us from last spring to now is being able to have a coaching staff that’s been together for the most part,” Craig said. “And also just having the guys here that are going to be with us in the fall to be able to evaluate these position battles earlier than what we did.”

Craig said the quarterbacks are getting more repetitions than they did during last year’s spring practice.

Building on 2025 season

Valdosta State finished 6-5 last season and made the playoffs before losing to Albany State. The Blazers won four of their final five regular-season games after Holcomb took over as the starting quarterback.

The team’s 2026 schedule has not been released.

Craig emphasized urgency for the program’s second year under his leadership.

The Blazers will hold two scrimmages during the remainder of spring practice, with coaches off the field and referees present to simulate game conditions.

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