Georgia Southern freshman centerfielder diagnosed with rare cancer

STATESBORO, Ga. — Georgia Southern freshman centerfielder John Davis announced April 9th on Instagram that he has been diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer, and is now receiving treatment.

The Eagles’ large freshman class has developed a “play for John” mentality as the team enters the second half of its conference schedule.

Manager Rodney Hennon said the diagnosis has given the team perspective.

“I think it gives you that pause, when you look at a guy like John and know how bad he would love to be out there on that field right now,” Hennon said. “It makes you dig deep a little bit and say I think I can give a little more here because I know what he’s going through.”

Freshman Bennett Edwards said the situation has changed how he approaches the game.

“I think for that I’ve played with since it happened is this game can be taken away whenever so I’ve got to play my hardest the whole time,” Edwards said. “Prayers and thoughts for him. He hates the attention but sometimes you’ve got to let him know that we’re behind him and we love him.”