Georgia State coach Trent Miles said he may have to move some defensive linemen to the offensive line for Saturday’s game at Arkansas State to cover emergency situations.
The team (0-10) picked up two more injuries in last week’s 35-21 loss to Louisiana-Lafayette.
Tackle Grant King (shoulder) and guard A.J. Kaplan (hamstring) are both doubtful to face the Red Wolves. Kaplan has started every game this year, while King started every game his first three years before an academic-related issue sidelined him for the first four games this season. He returned for the fifth game against Alabama and has started every game since.
In addition to those issues, Miles said that freshman guard/tackle Brandon Pertile is no longer on the team. He was suspended for last week’s game for conduct detrimental to the team. That decision reduces the depth of the offensive line even more.
Miles said they are considering moving David Huey, who played just a few snaps this season, into the lineup at guard. Ramell Davis, a senior, could also play at tackle.
Miles said they will not play true freshman Davis Moore because they want to preserve his redshirt.
Miles said the coaching staff hasn’t decided which, if any, defensive linemen they will move over as emergency back-ups.
The line has had depth issues all season, exemplified by it being down to its fifth-string center. Tim Wynn, who started at guard the first six games, was starting at center after the previous four either left the team or sustained injuries.
Cade Yates, who has missed games with an injury, is back and can play center, which would allow Wynn to move to guard.
On defense, freshman linebacker Kight Dallas (knee) is questionable for this week’s game.
Defensive tackle Theo Agnew has been reinstated by the NCAA after missing the game against the Ragin’ Cajuns as a result of an academic misunderstanding. He will be eligible to play in this week’s game.
Jeppesen's role: Sean Jeppesen, normally a fullback, saw his first action at linebacker early against Louisiana-Lafayette. He was credited with one tackle.
Miles said Jeppesen, a redshirt junior, will continue to play at linebacker the rest of the year and will also be the team’s fullback in goal-line situations.
“There are some things that he needs to learn how to do,” Miles said. “One occasion he couldn’t get off guard. But the more he played the better he did.”
Lee's production: Senior Parris Lee, who scored the first touchdown in Georgia State history in 2010, had career highs for catches (six) and receiving yards (55) in Saturday's game against the Cajuns. Lee started as a receiver before moving to a running back as a freshman. He switched back to wide receiver this year.
He may get more opportunities this week because Miles said he hasn’t decided if Kelton Hill, who was suspended for last week’s game, will return this week.
“Parris has done a great job just staying in it to produce,” Miles said. “When a guy sticks with everything for so long and finally gets a chance to do it and he performs well, it shows to the other kids to stick with it.
“We appreciate him, everything he has done and is doing.”
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