Georgia State quarterback Nick Arbuckle said overcoming the temporary loss of leading wide receiver Donovan Harden will be easier than may be anticipated.
Harden, who led the Panthers last year with 60 receptions for 885 yards, suffered a broken foot on Sunday during a non-contact drill. Coach Trent Miles said Harden is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.
"I don't think production is going to go down at all," Arbuckle said. "Different people are going to be catching those passes."
One of those people will likely be sophomore Glenn Smith. He worked out of Harden’s spot at slot receiver last year and has continued this year.
“I’m very comfortable at it,” Smith said. “Me and Nick have a good chemistry.”
Smith caught seven passes for 83 yards and a touchdown last year. Also competing at the position are sophomore Todd Boyd and freshman Penny Hart. UAB transfer Nyiakki Height can shift from outside to inside.
“No matter how many games Donovan ends up missing, I’m sure guys like Glenn, Penny, Nyiakki, any of those guys could have hundreds of yards, couple of touchdowns,” Arbuckle said.
Arbuckle said he and Harden are still watching film together so that when he does return, which could be for the Oregon game in the season’s third week, they will be ready.
Arbuckle also said the experience those players will earn early in the season should pay dividends later in the year as injuries occur and “next man up” is needed.
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