Georgia State bounces back in Tuesday’s practice

Georgia State bounced back – perhaps too much – on Tuesday after a practice that was neither good nor bad on Monday.

Coach Trent Miles spent the end of practice enthusiastically reminding his defense that they aren’t supposed to hit.

To emphasize the point, the players had to do bearcrawls before hitting the cold tubs.

Miles was aggravated because one hit resulted in backup tight end Keith Rucker having to go to the trainer’s room. Another was put on running back Kyler Neal, who got up and was fine.

“It was a good battle, we just have to be a smart football team,” Miles said. “We want them to go all out, but in certain situations be smart.”

The running game performed well in the beginning of practice, with Kendrick Dorn and Taz Batemen reading their blocks well and gaining yards.

The passing game struggled throughout. Miles said it was the result of having to change some things following the hit on Rucker. The line was also missing starters Taylor Evans and Alex Stoehr, who are still experiencing soreness following last Saturday’s scrimmage.

Ed Curney got yelled at for the hit on Neal, but Miles and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter are pleased with the progress he is making.

The 5-11, 220-pound freshman is backing up Joseph Peterson at weakside linebacker.

“Lining up right, running to the ball, making plays in open field,” Miles said. “Doing good things with his reads. He’s a very intelligent young man.”

Because he is backing up Peterson, who has led the team in tackles each of the past three years, Curney may play mostly special teams, with a series or two during games.

“Camp is going pretty well,” Curney said. “I’m learning from my mistakes and the team is looking pretty good.”