Mashburn makes way onto Golden Rams roster

ALBANY, Ga. — Former Warner Robins two-sport athlete Eli Mashburn has returned to the gridiron at a different school. The Former Demon and Fort Valley State Wildcat has transferred to their inner-conference rival, Albany State.

Known as the “Not so secret weapon,” Mashburn is entering his junior season with the Unsinkable Golden Rams. The 6-foot, 185-pound Warner Robins native earned his nickname while competing on the Demons gridiron.

Mashburn played under Coach Kevin Porter and Coach Maurice Flowers as a Wildcat. He made a name for himself within the SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference). While at Fort Valley State, Mashburn made 10 of 15 field goals, where two were blocked. On September 7, 2019, Mashburn made a career-long field goal (45 yards) against Miles College.

In his first two years of eligibility, Eli Mashburn had 60 kickoff attempts for a total of 2,984 yards. In the punting aspect, Mashburn has a career-long of 62 yards. He will play under Coach Gabe Giardina in Albany.

Gabe Giardina has coached the Unsinkable Golden Rams since 2017. Under the Giardina helm, Albany State has never gone under .500.

Most recently, the Golden Rams hosted a NCAA Division-Two playoff game in 2021. The Rams lost to the West Georgia Wolves, 21-3, at home in the opening round.

Last fall, the Rams finished 10-2 overall, went undefeated in the SIAC and beat longtime rival Fort Valley State in a 57-0 route, after losing a fellow teammate the week of the Fountain City Classic. Afterwards, the Golden Rams beat Miles for the SIAC championship. This win was a first for the Rams, since losing the previous two conference championships against Miles.

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