Quarterback Aaron Winchester and wide receivers Robert Davis and Todd Boyd are standing together as practice has finished up. Davis is walking through the route he just ran and talking with Winchester to make sure he and his quarterback are on the same page.
Although both guys said they have a strong connection that goes back to the summer when Winchester was fighting for the starting job, there is still some work that needs to be done to make sure they are at their best come Saturday.
“Just make sure we’re on the same page as far as routes and timing and the chemistry,” Winchester said.
As quarterback Conner Manning recovers from an arm injury and his status for the game against South Alabama (3-4, 0-4 Sun Belt) is still unknown, Georgia State (2-5, 1-2) has prepared for the possibility that Winchester will make his second career start Saturday.
With the more athletic Winchester taking snaps, the Panthers’ offense takes on a slightly different look. In the contest against Tennessee-Martin last week, GSU had its most rushing attempts in a game this season. Of the team’s 39 rushes, Winchester was responsible for 16 of them and 75 of the 166 yards.
“Whatever it takes to win,” Winchester said. “If (offensive coordinator Luke) Huard wants me to run the football, wants me to throw the football, it doesn’t matter. Whatever it takes to win.”
“He’s an electrifying player,” Davis said. “He’s a guy that’s very mobile — Conner is not nearly as mobile as he is — so that is another dynamic that he brings to the team. For teams that like to blitz us or pressure us, he can always make plays outside of the pocket.”
Winchester’s legs are a big reason the Panthers should look to run the ball more, and the big guys on the offensive line provide an extra boost of confidence. The team has every reason to trust the players up front, as they have kept the quarterbacks safe all season, allowing only nine sacks on the season.
In the middle of the group is center Gabe Mobley. The sophomore was on the Preseason Watch List for the Rimington Trophy, and Winchester is quite aware how lucky he is to be taking snaps from him.
“I try to point out the defense, anything I see, what they got, what they’re giving us,” Mobley said. “But the quarterbacks do a good job of making changes and adjustments, too, so we communicate it and just get the play off.”
The Panthers are heading into the final stretch of their season.
After Saturday, they get three consecutive home games before closing out the season on the road at Idaho on Dec. 3. For a team that has hopes of reaching back-to-back bowl games for the first time in program history, there is no more room for error.
If Winchester’s number is called to start Saturday, his teammates will help to make sure he’s ready to go. But at the same time, they do not have the luxury to hold his hand as he adapts to the college game.
“Honestly, having Gabe Mobley as your center is a match made in heaven for me,” Winchester said. “Very, very smart guy. Helps me a lot in the film room, helps me out on the field. So having him, it relieves a lot of pressure off myself, but I have to prepare myself as well.
“We’re not out there trying to figure out what’s going on because they understand I’m prepared, they’re prepared, so we just roll with it.”
