The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Spring game set for today
Coaches want to see energy, alignment and execution.
Georgia State’s spring game today won’t offer too much of a glimpse of its potential in its effort to post its first winning season since 2010.
The team won’t be at full strength because of injuries, precautionary holdouts and that most of the freshmen have yet to enroll.
Plus, the schemes run by the offense and defense will be fairly basic.
Lastly, and possibly most important, coach Trent Miles said the starting quarterback won’t be decided until the day before the season opener against Ball State at the Georgia Dome in September.
But Miles wants to see energy, proper alignment and execution when the scrimmage kicks off at 1 p.m. at Panthersville.
The teams for the spring game will be mixed and matched, selected in a draft.
The Blue team will be captained by wide receiver Robert Davis and safety Bryan Williams. The White team will be captained by running back Kyler Neal and safety Bobby Baker.
The draft’s format followed these lines: the offensive line and defensive lines were broken into groups by first string and second string so that if one team selected the first-string offensive line, the other team would select the first-string defensive line.
The captain would then select a player, with both teams selecting players to fill that position group. For example, cornerback Chandon Sullivan was the first player selected by the Blue team. So, the White team selected Jerome Smith and on it went.
The Blue team will feature the first-string defensive line of Shawanye Lawrence, Jalen Lawrence and Mackendy Cheridor. The White team will feature the first-string offensive linemen.
“Just go out and have fun and play hard,” defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said.
The quarterbacks are split in a unique way, with Conner Manning on the Blue team and Aaron Winchester on the White team. Emiere Scaife will play for both teams. All three are competing to replace Nick Arbuckle, who was named the Sun Belt player of the year after passing for more than 4,300 yards last season.
“I want to see guys plays fast,” offensive coordinator Luke Huard said. “Get lined up and play ball.”
There are a few players who won’t participate today: linebacker Michael Shaw has a class project, tight end Keith Rucker will be held out for precautionary measures, as will running backs Taz Bateman and Kendrick Dorn, offensive lineman Michael Ivory and defensive lineman Marterious Allen.