Georgia State’s football team will spend most of August trying to turn all of its of question marks on offense into exclamation points by the season opener against Abilene Christian on Aug. 27 at the Georgia Dome.
Though it’s all a choreographed machine in which the play of each unit — defense, offense and special teams — will affect the production of the other, it’s no secret that each unit failed to produce last season.
The only difference for the defense and special teams is that several players with experience returned for another season.
The offense has question marks at every position except tight end, which is not exactly a comfort to those waiting for Georgia State to improve upon last season’s 0-12 record and the 1-11 mark of the previous season.
“We have to get them comfortable with the system and playing well,” coach Trent Miles said. “We don’t need superstars. We need them to play the way they are supposed to play.”
Junior-college signee Nick Arbuckle is the starting quarterback … as of now. He will be pushed by Ronnie Bell, who started 12 games last year and threw 15 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions, and incoming freshman Emiere Scaife.
Bell, perhaps more than any player last season, was affected by the inconsistency of all of the units. Often the offense was forced to pass frequently because the team would fall behind. Bell would show flashes, but also would frequently underthrow or overthrow open receivers.
He wasn’t helped by a line that could neither pass block nor run block consistently. The Panthers ranked last in the Sun Belt in rushing yards per game (102.2), sacks allowed (32) and points per game (18.8).
However, that group could feature at least four new starters, possibly five. A.J. Kaplan, who played numerous spots on the line last season because of injuries, suspensions and ineffectiveness, returns and will lead a group helped by the signing of three junior-college players — Mike Ivory, Steve Wolgamott and Taylor Evans — who are expected to start. Freshman Alex Stoehr also is pushing for a starting spot on a line that won’t be deep.
“The junior college guys are doing tremendous,” Arbuckle said. “They have experience going against (FBS-caliber) linemen. They are big, strong guys.”
Only one dependable starter returns at wide reciever, Robert Davis (44 catches, 711 yards), but Miles likes the work that he and Lynquez Blair have done in the offseason in studying the playbook and improving their strength and endurance. Arbuckle said a combination of players will help offset the loss of Albert Wilson, who was a senior last season and set school records in lots of categories.
“It won’t be like it was last year when we had to rely on one guy to make all the plays,” Arbuckle said. “We will have so many guys who can score touchdowns. It will be much harder for defenses to stop this offense.”
Running back has several returners, none of whom distinguished themselves last year. Kyler Neal, who rushed for 96 yards last season is the presumed starter, but Miles said he likely will use a committee approach until someone from a group that includes Jonathan Jean-Bart (71 carries, 269 yards), Gerald Howse, Duvall Smith and freshman Krysten Hammon takes the job.
“They’ve all gotten so much better every week in the weight room and on the field,” Arbuckle said. “Whoever does step up will be better.”
Tight end features several players who saw time last season: Keith Rucker (14 catches, 232 yards) and Bill Teknipp. Joel Ruiz, who sat out last year, will also play.
“It will be hard for us to not be better than we were last year,” Arbuckle said. “Whether that produces wins, you can still be better and not produce wins. But we will be a better offense.”
About the Author
