To see Bryan Williams running around Georgia State’s practice field, after watching him struggle to walk around last year, is a sight to see.
Williams suffered a herniated disk Aug. 4, 2013. Eschewing surgery for therapy, Williams hobbled around the practice complex while his teammates practiced. Still, he came out every day. By the end of the season, he was able to run a little bit. Now, he’s running with the second-team defense at safety.
“I feel great,” Williams, a sophomore, said. “Credit the training staff for helping me. I’m just glad to be back.”
Williams rated the pain as a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10, and it didn’t dissipate until November. Without being able to work out, Williams’ weight dropped to 187 pounds last year. He is now up to 202 pounds.
Williams has been able to test the back with some light hitting during practices. He follows that with a trip to the cold tub.
Williams, the younger brother of former Georgia State tight end Arthur Williams, started as a linebacker and played in eight games as a freshman.
His return boosted a position group that lost several players from last season’s team.
Defensive line: Shannon Jackson, like many of the position-group coaches at Georgia State, likes the competition he has seen among the defensive live.
“I’m feeling pretty good about the guys that are fighting for spots,” he said. “Guys know they have to practice as if they want to be a starter.”
Sophomores Shawayne Lawrence, Jalen Lawrence and Tevin Jones have consistently been the starters through the first few days of practice. Shawayne Lawrence started 11 games and made 25 tackles last season. Jalen Lawrence (no relation) played in every game and had 10 tackles. Jones played in 11 games and had three tackles.
Jackson said two other sophomores, tackle Will Cunningham and end Carnell Hopson, along with junior nose guard David Huey, are the second team.
Jackson expects the younger players should be able to move faster because they know the playbook and know what to expect.
“Now, it’s more reaction,” Jackson said. “Now, it’s up to technique, playing your gap, attitude and effort. Guys are doing a great job.”
Neal ready: Running back Kyler Neal went through an up-and-down experience last season as a freshman. He carried the ball 24 times for 96 yards, but those carries in spurts.
He didn’t rush in the first two games, carried the ball four times against West Virginia — a game he was supposed to start but didn’t — and then didn’t carry the ball again for four games. He finished strong, appearing in four of the last five games.
This year, he is atop the depth chart of a group that likely will have a by-committee approach because Jonathan Jean-Bart and Gerald Howse, two more running backs who played last season , also returned. The team had the worst rushing attack in the Sun Belt Conference last season, averaging 102.2 yards per game and 3.4 yards per carry.
Neal said he would love to run the ball more this season, something coach Trent Miles said the team must do. But if the opponents play in a way that encourages passes, Neal is fine with that to.
“Whatever helps the team win,” Neal said.
Neal focused on two things in the offseason: carrying the ball high and tight to his chest to try to avoid fumbles and adding strength.
Neal and Jean-Bart lost several fumbles in the season’s final games. Neal has an upright running style that presents a big target to defenders. He seems to be running lower during August practices.
He said he has added 10 pounds of muscle and weighs 220 pounds.
“I feel like I’m ready to play this year,” he said.
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