Georgia State coach Shawn Elliott met with the media Monday during Sun Belt Conference media days in New Orleans. Here’s a brief Q&A with Elliott, whose Panthers open preseason camp next month and open the season Aug. 31 on the road against the University of Tennessee:
Q: How has the offseason and preseason been for the program?
A: We're really looking forward to getting back on the field and showing that what happened in 2018 (2-10 record after a 7-5 season in 2017 which included a bowl win) won't be the Georgia State people can get used to seeing. (The) 2018 (season) happened and you'll never forget it, but we're moving forward and really anticipate having a good group of players on the field this season.
Q: What can we expect from quarterback Dan Ellington (2,744 yards rushing and passing in 2018) in Year 2 in your program?
A: Dan has a very good skill set for the position and he's a good quarterback who's also a good leader. I expect Dan to have a good year and do some good things for our team.
Q: How do you envision Ellington working with new offensive coordinator Brad Glenn?
A: Those two hit it off instantly as if they had been around each other for years. Communication has been great, relationship has gotten off to a great start and we're anxious to see how things develop even more when we start camp.
Q: What should we look forward to from the defensive side of the ball?
A: We had a tough year defensively, but we made some schematic changes and we have some new coaches on that side ball that should help us be a better unit this season. We have great leadership in (senior linebacker) Ed Curney, who is the pulse of our defense, and we have some kids in the secondary who played a lot last season and that experience should help them this year.
Q: Your thoughts on the schedule, which kicks off Aug. 31 at Tennessee?
A: We open at Tennessee, everyone knows the type of program they have and we're excited about going up and competing. Our conference (schedule) will be tough as always and we have Army (11-2 in 2018) coming into our place. It's a tough schedule but we plan to have a good group ready to line up and compete in every game.
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