Georgia State’s linebackers are moving around a bit during spring practice.
The most noticeable change is Alonzo McGee moving from strongside linebacker to weakside linebacker, the position held by Joseph Peterson. McGee, one of several players who transferred from UAB to Georgia State two years ago, had 70 tackles, including 12 ½ for loss last year. He was particularly effective against teams that ran option offenses.
Linebackers coach P.J. Volker said that McGee will use a lot of the same skills that helped him last year in his new position.
“That’s what he is,” Volker said. “We played him outside linebacker last year to get best 11 out there.”
Those aren’t the only changes. Coach Trent Miles referenced these a week ago.
Andrew Everett’s eligibility and impact as a rush end has allowed the staff to move Michael Shaw from there to strongside linebacker. Shaw had 36 tackles, including 7 ½ for loss and 2 ½ sacks last year.
While a few players have changed positions, there is also a lot of cross-training going on.
Volker said that Trey Payne, Chase Middleton and Kaleb Ringer are working out at middle linebacker and weakside linebacker. They are also rotating first-team duties, along with Ed Curney and McGee.
He wants the players to get used to playing the different positions with someone different beside them.
Ringer had 73 tackles, Payne 42 and Middleton nine last year.
The depth at linebacker – Volker said there are six players on scholarship that can play – allows the coaching staff the flexibility to try different things.
“I see guys that can run around,” he said. “I see guys that can strike. I can see guys that can tackle.”
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