Georgia State’s football team looked better in its second day of camp on Friday, coach Trent Miles said.
There were fewer drops and fumbles, though there were still some issues with the center-quarterback exchange.
“The efforts always been great,” Miles said. “Sometimes it gets a little sloppy at the end when you start putting the younger guys out there. We are heading in the right direction.”
Out: Running back Kyler Neal was excused from Friday's practice because of a stomach virus. Defensive end Shawayne Lawrence (knee) continued to be held out. Linebacker Kaleb Ringer, who limped off the field Thursday, did participate in some drills.
QB gone: Quarterback Ronnie Bell, the starter two years ago, will not return to Georgia State's team. Instead, Miles said Bell will work toward graduation.
Bell fell to second on the depth chart last year with the arrival of Nick Arbuckle. Bell played in just five games and completed 3 of 11 passes after throwing for 2,573 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2013.
Arbuckle is the No. 1 quarterback this season with redshirt freshman Emiere Scaife the backup and South Alabama transfer Brett Sheehan and freshman Aaron Winchester competing for the third spot.
RB gone: Bell isn't the only absence at camp.
UAB transfer Demarcus Kirk is attempting to transfer to a Division II program. He hasn’t been at the first two practices. He signed with UAB in 2014 and redshirted last year. He is an Alabama native.
No two-a-days: Miles said Georgia State won't hold any two-a-day practices during camp because he doesn't feel they are needed.
Because the coaches got to work with the players two hours a week during the summer, he said there is no need to schedule an additional practice after one practice has already been held.
“With everybody being here all summer long, I don’t feel the need to have a two-a-days and risk injuring a guy, or putting them in position where they aren’t going to be fresh and full speed once the season starts,” Miles said.
Shaw shining: With just 12 sacks last year, Georgia State needs someone who can get to the quarterback.
Enter outside linebacker Michael Shaw. He redshirted last year, but defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Miles believe that Shaw can do great things.
“Michael is a power-five level talent that we are very happy to have,” Miles said. “He’s got great instincts and a high motor.”
Shaw has put on almost 30 pounds since he arrived and now weighs 222 pounds. He wants to weigh around 225-227 for the opener against Charlotte. He said he will still be able to run with the weight, which is key because he said being fast is the best way to get to the quarterback.
“I want to get to the quarterback and help the team get off the field on third down,” Shaw said.
He said he spent last season trying to add more pass-rushing moves, and also working on his pass defense.
He said gaining weight helped him improve defending the run, also.
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