Former Wingate defensive lineman finding his opportunity at D-1 Georgia Southern

By: Michael Wayne O’Neill

Sports Editor

STATESBORO, Ga. – Justin Rhodes emerged from watching football on television to a “hard-nosed” college football player when he got a scholarship offer from Wingate University football coach Joe Reich.

Rhodes, a Durham, N.C. native, was hooked on football because of his father, Lester Rhodes. The two would go to football games together and watch the sport on television when Rhodes was a little giant.

“Once I saw the game, I was like, ‘Hey! That looks fun. I look like I could do that,” Justin said. “It became something I fell in love with, and what made me keep playing was my love for the game,” Justin said, “The game has made me who I am today.”

As Justin grew up playing football, he liked playing defense because of the physicality it requires. He likes putting his hand on opponents, stopping the run, and defending the pass.

Justin was a two-time all-conference selection at Northern Durham High. He led the Knights to a 9-3 record and a playoff appearance his senior season and contributed 42 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks.

Unrecruitment left Justin with uncertainty for a short period but transitioning to Wingate put him at ease.

At Wingate, Justin took hold of his athletic ability and enjoyed the skills he honed from Spring 2021 until the 2022 season. He saw action in 12 games and contributed 44 tackles, including 10.5 for loss, 4 quarterback hurries, and 4.5 sacks as a redshirt sophomore.

Justin also contributed to Wingate’s historic playoff run when the Bulldogs defeated Virginia Union and Benedict. The Bulldogs finished 11-3 overall and 7-2 in South Atlantic Conference play.

A change of heart led Justin to choose Georgia Southern to be his next landing spot. When he arrived, he was in awe of the positive culture that head coach Clay Helton creates for his players.

“I enjoy the brotherhood here,” Justin said, “I feel like I could depend on these guys that haven’t been here long. It made me feel like I’ve been here for four years. It’s a great environment.”

Justin, a redshirt junior, is projected to start as an interior defensive lineman for the Eagles in 2023. Georgia Southern (6-7, 3-5 SBC) allowed 32 points per game last season and recorded 20 sacks.

Justin will be surrounded by talent on the defensive line and aspires to develop more into the player he is today. The Eagles begin the 2023 season at home hosting The Citadel.

“Every position has a lot of depth,” Justin said, “We have to trust in each other that we’re going to make the plays we’re going to make and execute them.”