Georgia State’s youth movement in football seems likely to continue this season.
After 15 scholarship freshmen played last season, coach Trent Miles said that several more may play this year. The Panthers will open the season against Abilene Christian on Aug. 27 at the Georgia Dome.
“We’ll probably play 10 or more true freshmen this year,” Miles said.
Here’s a look at each of the candidates, grouped by likelihood that they will play:
CERTAINTIES
Alex Stoehr: The 6-foot-2, 300-pound freshman has been working the first team at guard most of the preseason camp.
Glenn Smith: The 6-1, 185-pound wide receiver also is being used at running back.
Krysten Hammon: The 5-9, 180-pound running back gives the position group a change of pace with his speed. He and wide receiver Avery Sweeting are the two fastest players on the team. He rushed for 79 yards in the team's second scrimmage.
Chandon Sullivan: The coaches have been high on the 5-11, 180-pound defensive back from the beginning of preseason camp after his work this summer.
Malik Ricks: If Joseph Peterson and/or Sean Jeppesen ever come off the field and are replaced by another inside linebacker, Ricks may be the guy. He looks naturally strong and has the frame (6-1, 230 pounds) to put on more weight.
PROBABLE
Michael Shaw: The coaches like the athletic ability of the 6-4, 210-pound outside linebacker. The position group is a bit thin, which also helps Shaw's chances.
James Traylor: Another outside linebacker who has the frame (6-3, 220 pounds) to put on weight without sacrificing speed.
Todd Boyd: He didn't join the team until a few days into camp, and his lithe frame (5-11, listed at 180 pounds but doesn't look it) made him seem like a redshirt candidate. But all he's done is run routes and catch passes.
Maaseiah Francis: He's still learning to run routes, and he can look stiff coming in and out of his breaks, but his size (6-3, 190 pounds) and strength makes him a handful along the sideline and in the end zone. When he learns how to use his frame to hold off defenders, he will be difficult to stop in man-on-man coverage.
Antreal Allen: The 5-11, 180-pound defensive back is another player who used a strong summer to force his way up the depth chart.
POSSIBLE
Emiere Scaife: His time at quarterback may depend upon the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of starter Nick Arbuckle and backup Ronnie Bell. Scaife has the physical tools, but needs the experience in practice. He started well, but seemed to struggle in the second scrimmage.
Niemus Bryant: He has improved as camp has progressed. Like Ricks, his time may depend upon if Peterson and Jeppesen come off the field.
