There was a light-hearted mood surrounding Georgia State’s annual Blue-White spring game Friday night.
A scaled-down pep band was stationed in the north end zone, playing in support of both teams. A nice crowd of a 4,633 watched with enthusiasm in the comfortable spring weather. There was even a countdown clock on one of the digital sign boards at Center Parc Stadium that let the world know how much time was left – down to the very second – before kickoff against Army on Sept. 4.
There were silly things, too, all in the name of fun. There was an option pass that resulted in former-player-turned-coach Dan Ellington throwing a long touchdown to former Georgia State lineman John Ulrick, who played in the NFL through 2019. There was nose guard Dontae Wilson scoring on a 1-yard run. The long pass was disallowed, but Wilson’s touchdown counted.
That gimmick worked so well that the White team tried to get a touchdown for center Malik Sumter, When that failed, they tried a direct snap to Sumter, which also failed. Undeterred, Sumter did a little dance in the end zone as he ran off the field.
They Panthers even managed to play a little football, too.
In the end, the White team won the game 23-17, although few seemed to care.
“What an awesome night,” Georgia State coach Shawn Elliott said. “The weather was excellent, the turnout was great, there was a lot of energy in the stadium. It almost felt normal. It was real exciting to look up and see people in the stands, enjoying themselves.
“Our players had a lot of fun and the game was really, really competitive and went down to the last throw.”
All three quarterbacks had their moments. Incumbent Quad Brown took his turn running each team. Redshirt freshman Mikele Colasurdo ran the Blue team and junior Darren Grainger, the transfer from Furman, operated the White team.
Brown’s savvy was obvious late in the half when he took the Blue team down the field with less than a minute to play in the first half to set up a 51-yard field goal from Noel Ruiz. Brown played only four series. Colasurdo delivered a nice touchdown pass to Robert Lewis. Grainger directed a long, extended drive that resulted in Wilson’s touchdown and led the team to a quick-strike drive that won the game.
“After watching tonight, I feel very confident of all three quarterbacks,” Elliott said. “I think all three can lead our football team. Here a year ago we had one. Now we have three guys I feel can lead our team.”
Elliott, who returns 11 offensive starters and nine defensive starters from last year’s 6-4 team, wanted to use the spring to build depth. That mission has been accomplished, as Elliott saw from his perch from behind the quarterback.
There is much more depth at running back. Jamyest Williams, a year into his transformation from cornerback, understands the offense and looked more comfortable. Marcus Carroll showed breakout speed when he scored on a 25-touchown run. Dawson Hill had several nice runs, including the game-winning 6-yard touchdown, and appears ready to join the others -- leading rusher Destin Coates and hard-nosed inside man Tucker Gregg -- in the competition for playing time.
There is more depth at receiver. Robert Lewis showed he’s ready to fit in, and veteran Jamari Thrash threw his hat in the ring for more time. Redshirt freshman tight end Ahmon Green had a pair of nice catches and appears ready to move into the rotation with veterans Roger Carter and Aubry Payne.
There was no real pass rush allowed, although there were moments when the linebackers and ends got into the backfield. Sophomore Cameron Sims did good job breaking up and defending several long passes.
Michael Hayes had a good night punting and also proved himself as a capable kicker. He booted three field goals, including a 49-yarder that had plenty of distance.
“Our team, our staff, our mindset is that our overall program is very close to where I think we need to be,” Elliott said. “We have to continue to focus throughout the rest of this semester and the summer, but I think we have a chance to be pretty good. I really do.”
After the game, Elliott announced that defensive back Keon Carter had been placed on scholarship. The redshirt senior began his career as a walkon from Norcross.
When the game was over, families came on the field to take photos and enjoy the moment. Then they cranked up “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” on the big screen in what used to be center field at Turner Field.
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