Georgia State’s football team experienced a major shake-up on Monday, two days after a dismal 42-14 loss to Tennessee-Chattanooga in which the Panthers rushed for just 30 yards.
Two starting offensive linemen, center Michael Davis and guard Harrison Clottey, quit the team. In addition, running backs coach Tony Tiller was reassigned to another position within the athletic department, coach Trent Miles announced on Monday. Graduate assistant Brock Lough will take over the running backs.
“Tony is an excellent person and a good young coach,” Miles said. “He will be a very good coach in this profession. I wish him the best and will do anything I can to help him.”
Davis said he loves the team but needed to focus on his academics. He is a graduate student. Clottey couldn’t be reached for comment. Both were redshirt seniors.
The Panthers have struggled to run the ball in their first two games, rushing for 72 yards in the season-opening loss to Samford followed by a program-worst performance in Saturday’s loss to the Mocs.
However, Miles said he isn’t blaming Tiller for those problems.
“Point the finger at me,” he said. “It starts with me.”
Miles declined to answer any more questions about Tiller.
Tiller was hired after Thomas Brown resigned shortly after accepting the job. Tiller played at East Tennessee State and had stints in the NFL with several teams, including the Falcons.
He is a graduate of Stephenson High, from which the Panthers have three commitments for the Class of 2014: tight end Ari Werts, outside linebacker Malik Ricks and safety Ronald Peterkin.
Miles said earlier Monday that he wants players with passion following Saturday’s 42-14 loss to Tennessee-Chattanooga. The Panthers will play at West Virginia on Saturday.
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