COURTESY: ALLISON GEORGE/SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS
Spring Scrimmage Preview
ATLANTA-The Georgia State football program will write another piece of history as the Panthers hold their first-ever Spring Scrimmage Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Georgia Dome.
Admission is free, with Georgia Dome Gate D opening at 11:30 a.m. Click here for information on shuttles, parking and other details.
“The format will be offense versus defense. That creates really spirited competition, which is exactly what we want,” said Georgia State head coach Bill Curry, who currently has a squad of 71 players preparing for the Panthers’ inaugural season.
“There is a scorekeeping system such that the offense scores in its normal manner and the defense gets points for big plays like turnovers, three-and-out stops, sacks and so forth,” continued Curry.
The Panthers’ quarterback battle continues to be a three-man race between Kelton Hill (Lithia Springs, Ga.), Drew Little (McDonough, Ga.) and Bo Schlechter (Wellington, Fla.), and the three redshirt freshmen will rotate series during the scrimmage.
“It’s a very even race,” said Curry. “Every time we think one is pulling away, the other two catch up. They are highly competitive. Kelton Hill from Lithia Springs, Drew Little from Henry County and Bo Schlechter from down in South Florida – those guys all can play. They all do some things very well. We believe we can win with any of the three, and it’s anybody’s guess as to who will start our first game, but for the spring game, they will all see plenty of action.”
The GSU offense features four running backs in Rosevelt Watson (Lake Mary, Fla.), Travis Evans (Williston, Fla.), Sam Burkhalter (Alpharetta, Ga.) and Malcolm Smith (College Park, Ga.). Primary pass catchers are Sidney Haynes (Suwanee, Ga.), a transfer from UCF, and Jordan Giles (Columbia, S.C.) on the outside, and Nate Anthony (Conley, Ga.), Darren McCray (Columbus, Ga.), and Parris Lee (Jacksonville, Fla.) in the slot. Tight ends Kalan Jenkins (Midlothian, Texas) and Emmanuel Ogbuehi (Buford, Ga.) also figure prominently.
Up front, Curry mentioned the progress of center Ben Jacoby (Buford, Ga.) and guard Michael Davis (Lithonia, Ga.).
“I’m so proud of Ben Jacoby, a transfer from Ball State who came in last fall and has been an outstanding leader,” said Curry. “I’m also really pleased with Michael Davis. He came in here as a brilliant scholar but was somewhat overweight. He’s taken the weight off and he’s become a very efficient offensive lineman and another of our outstanding leaders.”
Defensively, linebackers Jake and Louie Muasau and defensive end Evan Bostic have quickly made an impact as junior college transfers. Curry noted their play, as well as that of returnee Brandon Jones (Decatur, Ga.) at safety.
“On defense, I’m proud of Brandon Jones, who’s a transfer from Mars Hill and a Southwest DeKalb guy. We could not be more pleased with Evan Bostic at defensive end, a junior college transfer, and the Muasau brothers, who have gotten a lot of attention.”
Live radio coverage of the GSU Spring Scrimmage is available on WRAS 88.5 FM, with Dave Cohen calling the action.
Following Saturday’s Spring Scrimmage, the Panthers conclude their 15 sessions of spring practice with three final workouts next week. Georgia State’s inaugural season kicks off in 148 days on Sept. 2 versus Shorter College at the Georgia Dome.
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