Georgia State, which has played in three straight bowl games and four in five seasons under coach Shawn Elliott, placed eight players on the 2022 preseason All-Sun Belt Conference team.

Three-time all-conference selection Malik Sumter, who’s also on the watch list for the Rimington Trophy presented annually to college football’s best center, earned first-team honors along with Panthers defenders Blake Carroll (linebacker) and Antavious Lane (defensive back).

Five Georgia State players were named to the second team: running back Tucker Gregg, offensive linemen Travis Glover and Pat Bartlett, tight end Aubry Payne and defensive lineman Thomas Gore.

Georgia State, which ended the 2021 season with a 51-20 win over Ball State in the Camellia Bowl, opens the 2022 season Sept. 3 at South Carolina. The Sept. 10 home opener against North Carolina will be the first game at Center Parc Stadium against a Power Five opponent.

About the Author

Featured

The Midtown Atlanta skyline is shown in the background as an employee works in Cargill's new office, Jan. 16, 2025, in Atlanta.  (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com