There were few bright spots in Georgia State’s opening-game loss to Army on Saturday. The exception was Jamari Thrash, who showed he deserves a place in the team’s deep, talented receiving corps.
With all-conference receiver Sam Pinckney unable to play because of COVID-19, Thrash stepped in and responded with the best game of his career. The 6-foot, 180-pound sophomore from Troup High School in LaGrange caught all seven passes thrown his way for 87 yards, both personal bests.
“When I found out Sam had corona, I knew it was my turn to step up,” Thrash said. “Sam is the No. 1 receiver, the go-to receiver, and I knew I needed to play my game and stay calm and just focus on what I should focus on.”
Thrash didn’t have to wait long for his number to be called. The first two passes went his direction toward the left sideline, and he caught both. Thrash was targeted seven times and came away with seven catches -- nearly equaling his nine total receptions from 2020.
“It was no surprise to see him go out there and play well,” Georgia State coach Shawn Elliott said. “He had a very good camp, and he’s work extremely hard. To see him go make those plays was good to see.”
Thrash said he tried to focus on being more consistent this season. That, along with long hours of preparation in the film room, have helped him achieve that goal and earn a more prominent place on the roster.
“That’s something I worked on all summer and in fall camp was being more consistent,” he said. “That’s something that I feel I need to improve in my game.”
Elliott has been impressed by the growth that Thrash has shown since his arrival in 2019. He appears ready to join Pinckney, Cornelius McCoy and Terrance Dixon among the reliable wide receivers and slot receivers.
“When he came in here as a true freshman he didn’t speak. He was quiet,” Elliott said. “He’s really matured and come into his own. He’s got a great personality – he and I cut up and really get after each other a little bit – and to see him come into his own and make plays was great to see.
“It was no surprise to see him go out there and play well He had a very good camp and he’s work extremely hard. To see him go make those plays was good to see. And guys like him will start bursting on the scene as the season progresses, as well.”
Georgia State can’t afford a similar lackluster effort this week when they play at No. 24 North Carolina at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (TV: Bally Sports South. Online: ESPN3; Local radio: WRAS-FM 88.5) It marks Georgia State’s first game against a Power 5 opponent since 2019 when it upset Tennessee 38-30, the program’s marquee victory.
Elliott said the staff and players have already taken steps to put the opener to the side and shift the focus to the game at hand.
“I would say we’re ready to go,” Elliott said Monday. “Everybody was very sharp and businesslike. Mondays aren’t typically that way. They’re a little more relaxed and you’re just trying to get refocused. (Monday) was a lot of attentiveness out there and eagerness. Thy were ready to get out there and start moving toward North Carolina.”
The game is personal for Elliott, too. He has friends on the North Carolina coaching staff, including line coach Stacy Searels. Elliott was a young assistant at Appalachian State after he graduated there and worked under Searels, who was the offensive line coach. “He’s the whole reason I became a coach, to tell you the truth,” Elliott said.
The Georgia State offense must do a better job than it did against Army. Quarterback Quad Brown only threw for 129 yards – Elliott called it “average” -- and the offensive line struggled against Army’s pressure, allowing three sacks. The Panthers were limited to 48 yards rushing, 1.7 yards per carry.
“We’ve got to stay on the field a little bit more to become steadier,” Elliott said. “You just don’t go out there and get in a groove. Things get better as you run more plays. … That’s when we get good is when we can get in the rhythm, offensively, and it takes a little bit of time and not just one play.”
In addition to Pinckney, Georgia State also was without outside linebacker Jontrey Hunter, cornerback Quavian White, defensive end Hardrick Willis and backup receive Ja’Cyais Credle. Elliott expects all to be able to return to practice at some point this week, but isn’t sure how much to expect from them Saturday.
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