Bowdry, Gaillardetz example of ETSU brotherhood

East Tennessee State football coach Will Healy is always preaching brotherhood to his team. Jimmy Bowdry and Xavier Gaillardetz are good examples of that, one from the defensive squad and one on the offensive side. Healy always gives a directive to "hug your brother" at the end of practice, which the guys did before their interview with media. Bowdry, one of the Bucs' cornerstones at cornerback, talked about how important it was to build those relationships with players throughout the team. "That's a family thing. I've known Xavier for a long time, me and him are just like brothers," Bowdry said. "I want to get closer with my team, not just the defensive guys, but the offensive guys as well. It's going to help us become a better team and win ballgames." Both were key cogs in ETSU's success a year ago. Bowdry had 40 tackles (29 solo) last season, along with four pass breakups and an interception. He's part of a stacked defensive backfield along with fellow returners Jivon Oggs and Mike Jenkins, and Tennessee Tech transfer Devin Hunter. Even within the unit, it's the close bonds that Bowdry believes can help them take that next step. "I feel like we are a better unit because we're coming close together, and that just makes everything better," Bowdry said. Once the group is closer and the football team is closer, we win more ball games." There is also personal responsibility. Bowdry, a fifth-year-player, feels he's harder on himself than anyone else is. But, he also expects the same from his teammates. "I just come out to practice every day knowing I'm going to hold myself to a high standard," he said. "I expect everyone to hold themselves to that standard. I'm hold myself to the standard every day because I have people depending on me. I have people at home that are counting on me and believing in me. So that makes me go harder every day, and strive to be great." Galliardetz, a redshirt senior, is a native of Canada who transferred to McCallie in Chattanooga in high school. He was striving for greatness in the Bucs in a 38-14 road win at Samford last November when he had three catches for 113 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown reception. He was the Bucs' key punt returner all season and had an 80-yard for a touchdown in a home win over VMI. He plans for a huge season on both the receiving end and in the return game again. "It's going to be a big season," he said. "I'm looking forward to making plays where I can, and just being a good teammate for the for the guys around me as well." He's been a good teammate for the younger players, He has built relationships with them, where he's like a big brother. There is also a special emphasis on building trust with the quarterbacks. Mason Mims, Jadyn Davis and Jake McNamara have all taken turns running the offense. Healy wants to have a starter in place by early next week, although Gaillardetz is comfortable with any of the three. "I say my favorite quarterback is the one that's in the game when I'm in there," he said. "Im just trying to build a good relationship with all of them. So whatever situation comes up and whoever's back there, there's a trust and confidence."