With less than a week to go before Georgia State’s season opener against Clark Atlanta, coach Bill Curry said he’s encouraged by what he’s seeing from his offense and defense.
“We can be much better by next Friday, and we should be,” he said. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Georgia Dome.
On offense, he said players aren’t worried about surviving August’s practices as much as they are now focusing on the opener. The players are lining up without having to think about formations, and are taking the proper angles in their routes and blocking assignments.
On defense, Curry said the team struggled, but is quickly improving as players return from injuries.
Linebackers Michael Hall and Qwontez Mallory have returned from undisclosed injuries to give new energy to the middle of the defense.
“Those two guys roaming around the middle have helped a lot,” Curry said. “They are aggressive fast guys.”
Running back update
Travis Evans will start at running back, but Curry said many players will get a chance.
“He’s going to get spelled a lot because there are some other guys that have earned it,” Curry said.
Kentucky transfer Donald Russell has overcome a muscle strain to provide a between-the-tackles running style that can boost an offense that averaged 123.3 yards per game last season.
“He understands things and is smart and runs low and hard,” Curry said. Russell rushed for 293 yards for the Wildcats last season.
Curry also noted again that Malcolm Smith has had a great camp and that Parris Lee may get playing time as soon he is fully healed from an injury.
Rosevelt Watson, who rushed for 170 yards last season, likely will miss the opener because of an undisclosed injury.
“We’ve got a good group of tailbacks,” Curry said.
New faces
Russell isn’t the only newcomer who has impressed Curry.
Inside linebacker Dexter Moody, a junior college transfer and one-time Georgia signee, has moved up the depth chart because of his speed and enthusiasm.
Defensive end A.J. Portee isn’t playing with the pace Curry said he wants to see, but added the transfer from Connecticut has a chance to become an impact player for a team that needs a playmaker on the line.
Wide receiver Lynquez Blair, a freshman from Swainsboro, likely will play, though the group is deep.
Cornerback D’Mario Gunn, a transfer from Georgia Military College, has received a few compliments from Curry, as has safety Demazio Skelton.
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