TV: ESPNU. Announcers are Eric Clemons and Jay Walker. Georgia State will be making its fourth appearance on ESPNU but first for a Sun Belt game.
RADIO: Georgia State Radio Network, including Atlanta flagship 1340 The Fan 3 as well as 680 The Fan. Dave Cohen is in his 34th season as the play-by-play voice of Panther athletics. Brandon Leak and Harper LeBel join him from the booth with Sam Crenshaw on the sideline. A free audio stream is available on GeorgiaStateSports.com.
THE KICKOFF: In its first Sun Belt Conference Thursday night game, Georgia State (2-6, 1-3 Sun Belt) hosts Arkansas State (3-4, 3-0 Sun Belt) in a nationally televised game on ESPNU.
Georgia State is playing its first midweek Sun Belt Conference game, but the Panthers have played nine previous non-Saturday games, posting a 4-5 record on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Playing its second straight game without starting quarterback Conner Manning, Georgia State fell 13-10 at South Alabama, which kicked the winning field goal with two seconds left.
Arkansas State, a 51-10 winner over UL Monroe, has won three straight games since an 0-4 start and 12 consecutive Sun Belt games dating back to 2014.
A CASE FOR THE DEFENSE:
> The GSU defense leads the Sun Belt with 5.0 yards allowed per play. Over the last six games, the Panthers have been even better, allowing just 4.7 yards per play.
> The Panthers lead the Sun Belt and are tied for sixth in the FBS with three defensive touchdowns this season.
> GSU ranks eighth in the FBS in pass efficiency defense, 13th in passing yards allowed (177.8) and 13th in interceptions (11).
> The Panthers have allowed just one touchdown in the last two games, and Georgia State has not allowed a first-half touchdown in five of the last six games.
DAVIS ON THE RECEIVING END: Georgia State has played 45 games since the start of the 2013 season, and senior wide receiver Robert Davis has caught at least one pass in every one of them. That is the FBS lead among active players for consecutive games with a reception. Davis has extended that streak despite playing through a shoulder injury and playing without starting quarterback Conner Manning the last two games.
Davis is the Sun Belt’s active leader with 195 career receptions and 3,002 receiving yards. He ranks eighth among active FBS players in yardage and 14th in receptions.
GEORGIA STATE FOOTBALL
Game 9: GEORGIA STATE (2-6, 1-3 SBC) at ARKANSAS STATE (3-4, 3-0 SBC)
Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016 | 7:30 p.m. ET | Georgia Dome | Atlanta, Ga. | ESPNU
2016 SCHEDULE & RESULTS (All times Eastern) Rankings are AP/Coaches
Date Opponent Time TV Site Series Result
Sept. 2 (Fri.) BALL STATE 7 p.m. ASN/E3 GEORGIA DOME 1-0 hL 21-31
Sept. 10 at Air Force 2 p.m. MWN-CI Colorado Springs, Colo. 0-2 aL 14-48
Sept. 17 at Wisconsin (9/12) 12 p.m. BTN Madison, Wis. 0-1 aL 17-23
Oct. 1 at Appalachian State 12 p.m. ASN/E3 Boone, N.C. 0-3 aL 3-17
Oct. 8 TEXAS STATE 3:30 p.m. ESPN3 GEORGIA DOME 2-2 hW 41-21
Oct. 15 at Troy 3:30 p.m. ESPN3 Troy, Ala. 1-3 aL 21-31
Oct. 22 UT MARTIN (Homecoming) 3:30 p.m. ESPN3 GEORGIA DOME 1-0 hW 31-6
Oct. 29 at South Alabama 5 p.m. ESPN3 Mobile, Ala. 2-4 aL 10-13
Nov. 3 (Thu.) ARKANSAS STATE 7:30 p.m. ESPNU GEORGIA DOME 0-3
Nov. 12 UL MONROE 2 p.m. ESPN3 GEORGIA DOME 0-1
Nov. 19 GEORGIA SOUTHERN TBA GEORGIA DOME 1-1
Dec. 3 at Idaho TBA Moscow, Idaho 0-0
Already Georgia State’s career leader in receptions, Davis is 188 yards behind Albert Wilson’s GSU record of 3,190 yards. He is also second to Wilson (23) with 15 career touchdown catches.
FBS ACTIVE LEADERS - CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITH RECEPTION
1 Robert Davis, Georgia State ...45
2 Corey Davis, Western Michigan ...44
Zach Pascal, Old Dominion ...44
4 Zay Jones, East Carolina ...43
5 Nate Phillips, Arizona ...41
Taquan Mizzell, Virginia ...41
Jonnu Smith, FIU ...41
FBS ACTIVE LEADERS - RECEIVING YARDS 1 Corey Davis, Western Michigan ...4,524 2 Trent Taylor, Louisiana Tech ...3,650 3 Zay Jones, East Carolina ...3,627 4 Taywan Taylor, WKU ...3,581 5 Thomas Sperbeck, Boise St. ...3,219 6 Austin Duke, Charlotte ...3,165 7 Gabe Marks, Washington St ...3,113 8 Robert Davis, Georgia State ...3,002 FBS ACTIVE LEADERS - RECEPTIONS 1 Zay Jones, East Carolina ... 355
2 Corey Davis, Western Michigan ... 284
3 Trent Taylor, La Tech ... 284
4 Gabe Marks, Washington St ... 283
5 Austin Duke, Charlotte ... 236
6 Taywan Taylor, WKU ... 221
FACTS GEORGIA STATE ARKANSAS STATE 2016 Records 2-6, 1-3 Sun Belt 3-4, 3-0 Sun Belt
Nickname Panthers Red Wolves
Location Atlanta, Ga. Jonesboro, Ark.
Enrollment 50,000 14,074
Conference Sun Belt Sun Belt
Head Coach Trent Miles Blake Anderson
Alma Mater Indiana State, 1987 Sam Houston State, 1992 Record at School 9-36 (4th year) 19-14 (3rd year) Career Record 29-72 (9th year) 19-14 (3rd year) Series Record Arkansas State leads 3-0
Last Meeting Arkansas State 48-34, 2015 at Jonesboro, Ark.
7 Ryan Switzer, North Carolina ... 214
8 Keevan Lucas, Tulsa ... 212
9 KeVonn Mabon, Ball State ... 209
10 Zach Pascal, Old Dominion ... 208
11 River Cracraft, Washington St ... 207
12 Artavis Scott, Clemson ... 200
13 Thomas Sperbeck, Boise St ... 199
14 Robert Davis, Georgia State ... 195 “NEXT MAN UP” IN GUTTY WIN:
Georgia State earned a 31-6 win over UT Martin despite numerous key injuries:
> After starting QB Conner Manning was injured in Thursday’s practice, redshirt freshman Aaron Winchester completed eight passes for 119 yards and one touchdown while rushing for a game-high 75 yards on 16 carries.
> The Panthers were already without starting TE Keith Rucker and top RB Kyler Neal, plus WRs Robert Davis and Glenn Smith played through injury. True freshman RB Darius Stubbs rushed for 69 yards on 12 carries with a 35-yard touchdown run.
> Replacing standout Jerome Smith at CB, B.J. Clay had two interceptions and three pass breakups, including a 38-yard pick-six.
> Marterious Allen, who moved from DE to NG two games ago when starter Julien Laurent was injured, came through with a 23-yard fumble return for a touchdown to put GSU ahead 17-3.
> Even the special teams were affected as both GSU long-snappers were out. LB Trey Payne had six tackles and an interception while also handling long-snapping and fielding a pooch kickoff.
DEFENSE GETS IT DONE: Playing without its starting quarterback and several other key offensive starters, the Georgia State defense took over with a record-setting performance in the Panthers’ 31-6 win over UT Martin.
The GSU defense scored twice in the game--a first for the program--on consecutive plays while holding the Skyhawks to just two field goals. The Panthers set a school record for fewest points allowed and did not give up touchdown for the first time in GSU history.
With GSU holding a 10-3 lead late in the third quarter, defensive end Mackendy Cheridor caused a fumble in the backfield, and noseguard Marterious Allen scooped and scored on a 23-yard return. On UTM’s next offensive play, cornerback B.J. Clay returned an interception 38 yards for a score.
Georgia State forced four turnovers, including three straight UTM possessions in the second half.
SERIES vs. ARKANSAS STATE: Arkansas State has won all three meetings (2013-15) in the series.
Last season at Arkansas State, GSU entered the fourth quarter with a 34-27 lead, but Arkansas State converted a long punt return into the tying touchdown and then scored the go-ahead TD with eight minutes GENERAL INFORMATION
Full Name Georgia State University
Location Atlanta, GA
Founded 1913
Enrollment 50,000
Nickname Panthers
Colors Blue & White
Affiliation NCAA Division I FBS Conference Sun Belt Conference
President Mark P. Becker
Director of Athletics Charlie Cobb COACHING STAFF
Head Coach Trent Miles
Assistant Head Coach/ Harold Etheridge Offensive Line
Offensive Coordinator Luke Huard Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter Assistant Coach Jeff Jagodzinski Outside Linebackers Larry Knight
Wide Receivers Tim Lappano
Secondary Eric Lewis
Defensive Line Rick Minter
Linebackers/Recruiting Coord. P.J. Volker Senior Offensive Analyst John McDonell Strength & Conditioning Scott Holsopple
Athletic Trainer Bob Murphy
Equipment Manager Nick Vogt
Asst AD-FB Operations Steve Wojcikowski Director of Player Personnel Liam Smith Graduate Assts Ben McLane, Tyler Nemec Chris O’Leary, Reid Sanders, Collins Ukwu
FACILITY INFORMATION
Home Field Georgia Dome
Capacity (Total/Lower) 71,228 / 28,155
Surface Field Turf
Opened 1992
PROGRAM INFORMATION
First Season of Football 2010
Joined Sun Belt Conference 2013
Full FBS Eligibility 2014
All-Time Record 19-59 (7th year) SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS
Primary Football Contact Allison George
Office 404.413.4032
Cell 678.595.7728
email ageorge@gsu.edu
Secondary Football Contact Mike Holmes
Office 404.413.4033
Cell 404.259.9716
email rholmes@gsu.edu
Mailing Address P.O. Box 3975
Atlanta, GA, 30302-3975
Website GeorgiaStateSports.com Facebook Georgia State Athletics Twitter @GeorgiaStateFB, @GSUPanthers
to play before adding a late score to win 48-34. The 2013 game at Jonesboro also featured a GSU lead in the third quarter at 24-21. Then Albert Wilson’s 70-yard touch- down catch pulled the Panthers within 35-33 with two minutes left, but the try for two failed and GSU could not recover the onsides kick. The Red Wolves won 52-10 at the Georgia Dome in 2014.
CHERIDOR WREAKS HAVOC:
Defensive end Mackendy Cheridor continues to disrupt opposing offenses with 2.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and three pass breakups (despite missing two games to injury).
Cheridor was named Sun Belt Conference Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week (Oct.
10) after leading a strong defensive effort in the 41-21 victory over Texas State, collecting seven tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
After the Panthers’ third straight turnover gave Texas State the ball at the GSU 31 early in the fourth quarter, Cheridor forced a fumble on a sack, and Tevin Jones recovered for GSU. Cheridor had another sack and a shared sack in the fourth quarter, and he also had a tackle for loss on 3rd-and-1 in the second quarter.
The Decatur, Ga., native has moved into second place in GSU history with 7.5 career sacks, just 1.5 behind Christo Bilukidi’s school record of 9.0, and third place with 21 tackles for loss, one behind Joseph Peterson’s school record of 22.
CAREER SACKS ...Years Sacks 1. Christo Bilukidi ...2010-11 9.0 2. Mackendy Cheridor ...2013-* 7.5 3. Jake Muasau ...2010-11 7.0 Joseph Peterson ...2012-15 7.0 CAREER TACKLES FOR LOSS ....Years TFL 1. Joseph Peterson ...2012-15 22.0 2. Tarris Batiste ...2013-15 21.5 3. Mackendy Cheridor ...2013-* 21.0 CAREER FUMBLES FORCED ...Years FF 1. Jake Muasau ...2010-11 4 1. Brent McClendon ...2010-13 4 1. Mackendy Cheridor ...2013-* 4 BOYD BREAKS OUT: Junior receiver Todd Boyd had a breakout game against Troy, recording career highs with nine catches for 122 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown pass. Two plays before his touch- down, he made a crucial play with a six-yard reception on fourth-and-five at the Troy 33-yard line.
Robert Davis added five catches for 117 yards against the Trojans, giving Georgia State two 100-yard receivers in the same game for the seventh time in school history.
Davis has been involved in five of the seven.
“CORNERING” THE MARKET: Junior cornerback Chandon Sullivan is Georgia State’s career leader with six interceptions, including three this season. He broke the GSU record with a pick at Troy.
In the last three games, Sullivan has two interceptions and a blocked field goal.
Sullivan is one of three Georgia State cornerbacks with three interceptions this season, along with Jerome Smith and B.J.
Clay
RUCKER RECOGNIZED AMONG TOP TIGHT ENDS: Tight end Keith Rucker was tabbed to the Midseason Watch List for the John Mackey Award, given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end.
Rucker, a senior from Cincinnati, Ohio, is a preseason conference selection after earning second-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2015. He has 16 receptions for 128 yards, including an 8-yard touchdown catch in Saturday’s win over Texas State.
He ranks in the top six in Georgia State history with 74 career receptions for 914 yards and nine touchdowns.
Off the field, Rucker serves as the Sun Belt Conference representative on the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Rucker is the second Georgia State tight end in three seasons to be recognized as a Mackey Award candidate, following Joel Ruiz in 2014. Since the beginning of the 2014 season (30 games), Georgia State tight ends have combined for 116 receptions for 1,402 yards and 12 touchdowns.
CLOSE CALL AT WISCONSIN: Playing at No. 9 Wisconsin, Georgia State took a 17-13 lead with 11 minutes to play before falling 23-17.
> Trailing 13-3 in the third quarter, Georgia State moved closer on Robert Davis’ 13-yard touchdown catch with 19 seconds left in the third quarter that capped a 75-yard drive. Then Chandon Sullivan’s intercep- tion regained possession for the Panthers, who needed just three plays to score the go-ahead touchdown. Glenn Smith’s 60-yard catch-and-run down to the 9-yard line, followed by Kyler Neal’s 9-yard TD run, put Georgia State in front.
> In the first half, Georgia State’s defense held the Badgers to two field goals, a missed field goal, a fumble and a punt on five possessions. The defense kept the Panthers close despite playing without three starting defensive linemen.
> The game at Wisconsin was Georgia State’s eighth contest against a Power Five opponent in seven seasons of football.
Four of the eight Power Five opponents have been ranked: Wisconsin, 2016 (9/12), Alabama, 2010 (10/12), Alabama 2013 (1/1) and Oregon, 2015 (12/13), while two others (Washington and Clemson in 2014) were just outside the Top 25.
BAKER EARNS SECOND SUN BELT AWARD: Safety Bobby Baker was named Sun Belt Conference Defensive Student- Athlete of the Week for the second time in his career after leading the Panthers’ strong defensive effort at No. 9 Wisconsin. He also earned honorable mention recognition as
Jim Thorpe Award Player of the Week.
The senior from Sherman Oaks, Calif., collected 11 tackles, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup to help the Panthers hold a 17-13 fourth-quarter lead before falling 23-17.
Baker’s pass breakup came as the Badgers had third-and-four at the GSU 23-yard line on their first drive and forced Wisconsin to settle for a field goal.
His fumble recovery was on third-and- goal at the 1-yard line, with GSU holding a 6-0 lead in the second quarter.
Baker added another fumble recovery at South Alabama, ,giving him a GSU-record five for his career.
GLENN SMITH SHOWS VERSATILITY:
Glenn Smith caught five passes for a career- high 131 yards at Wisconsin, including four catches covering 128 yards in a second half that saw Georgia State take a 17-13 lead with 11 minutes to play. Smith had catches three long receptions on the Panthers’ two touchdown drives. He set up one score with catches of 40 and 20 yards, and then he had a 60-yard catch and run down to the 9-yard line to set up the go-ahead touchdown.
Smith began the season as Georgia State’s starting running back, but moved to slot receiver with Penny Hart injured.
NEW FACE UNDER CENTER: Georgia State features new faces at quarterback, where the Panthers had to replace record- setting quarterback Nick Arbuckle, the 2015 Sun Belt Conference Student-Athlete of the Year who passed for more than 7,600 yards and 51 touchdowns in his two seasons.
Graduate transfer Conner Manning earned the starting nod, edging redshirt freshman Aaron Winchester.
Coming into the season, the Panthers’
scholarship quarterbacks had combined to complete only two passes in a Division I game.
PENNY LOST FOR SEASON: Georgia State had the services of 2015 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and Freshman All- America Penny Hart for just a handful of snaps this season. Hart suffered a broken foot vs. Appalachian State and also missed two games with a hamstring injury. He is eligible for a medical redshirt.
Hart LED IN THE SUN BELT with 5.5 recep- tions and 84.5 receiving yards per game, and he set the Sun Belt freshman record for receiving yards (1,099).
He ranked second among all freshmen receivers in the FBS in receiving yards and touchdown (8) and fourth in receptions.
Hart already ranks in the top five in GSU history in career receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.
PROLIFIC PASS CATCHERS: Georgia State’s pass-catching quintet of receivers Robert Davis, Penny Hart, Todd Boyd and Glenn Smith and tight end Keith Rucker all rank among the Panthers’ career receiving leaders.
GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY t A leading urban research university founded in 1913 and located in the heart of downtown Atlanta.
t One of the nation’s largest and fastest growing universities with enrollment topping 50,000 in 2016.
t One of only four public research universities in the state, offering 100 fields of study with 250 graduate programs in its eight colleges and schools.
t A national leader in graduating students from diverse backgrounds.
t Has achieved national recognition for its commitment to its students’ successful progress toward graduation.
t More than 180,000 alumni worldwide.
FUTURE OPPONENTS
2017
Sept. 2 Tennessee State (Home)
Sept. 9 Charlotte (Away)
Sept. 16 Penn State (Away)
Nov. 18 Memphis (Home)
2018
Aug. 30 Kennesaw State (Home)
Sept. 8 NC State (Away)
Sept. 15 Memphis (Away)
Sept. 22 Western Michigan (Home) 2019
TBA Tennessee (Away)
Sept. 7 Furman (Home)
Sept. 14 Western Michigan (Away) 2020
Sept. 12 Alabama (Away)
Sept. 19 Savannah State (Home)
Sept. 26 Charlotte (Away)
2021
Sept. 4 Army (Home)
Sept. 11 North Carolina (Away)
Sept. 18 Charlotte (Home)
Sept. 25 Auburn (Away)
2022
Sept. 10 North Carolina (Home)
Sept. 17 Charlotte (Home)
Oct. 1 Army (Away)
2023
Sept. 16 Charlotte (Away)
2024
Sept. 28 Vanderbilt (Home)
2025
Sept. 20 Vanderbilt (Away)
RECEPTIONS ... Years Rec 1. Robert Davis ... 2013-* 195 2. Albert Wilson ...2010-13 175 3. Danny Williams ...2010-13 121 4. Donovan Harden ...2014-15 99 5. Penny Hart ... 2015-* 79 6. Keith Rucker ... 2013-* 76 7. LynQuez Blair ...2011-14 68 8. Todd Boyd ... 2014-* 59 9. Travis Evans ...2010-13 58 10 Glenn Smith ... 2014-* 48 RECEIVING YARDS ... Years Rec Yds 1. Albert Wilson ...2010-13 175 3190 2. Robert Davis ... 2013-* 194 3002 3. Donovan Harden ...2014-15 99 1610 4. Danny Williams ...2010-13 121 1605 5. Penny Hart ... 2015-* 79 1160 6. Keith Rucker ... 2013-* 74 929 7. LynQuez Blair ...2011-14 68 683 8. Todd Boyd ... 2014-* 56 680 8. E. Ogbuehi ...2010-12 47 581 10 Glenn Smith ... 2014-* 48 529 TD RECEPTIONS ... Years TD 1. Albert Wilson ...2010-13 23 2. Robert Davis ... 2013-* 15 3. Donovan Harden ...2014-15 12 4. Danny Williams ...2010-13 9 Penny Hart ... 2015-* 9 Keith Rucker ... 2013-* 9 TOP TURNAROUNDS: Georgia State’s five-game improvement from 2014 to 2015 made the Panthers one of the nation’s most improved teams last season:
School ... 2014 2015 Dif Southern Miss ... 3-9 9-5 +6 Washington State ... 3-9 9-4 +6 Georgia State ... 1-11 6-7 +5 North Carolina ... 6-7 11-3 +5 Iowa ... 7-6 12-2 +5 Northwestern ... 5-7 10-3 +5 Michigan ... 5-7 10-3 +5 DEJA VU ALL OVER AGAIN FOR MILES : Georgia State’s improvement under head coach Trent Miles mirrors what Miles and his staff accomplished in his first head coaching stop at Indiana State, his alma mater.
In 2008, Miles took over a program that had lost 28 straight games, and in his first two seasons, the Sycamores went 1-22. Then in Year 3, Miles guided Indiana State to a 6-5 mark in the first of three straight winning seasons as the Sycamores followed with records of 6-5 in 2011 and 7-4 in 2012.
In 2013, Miles took over a GSU program that was coming off a 1-10 record and was entering its first season at the FBS level. The Panthers were 1-23 in 2013-14 and started this season at 2-6 before winning four straight to become bowl eligible.
ISU GSU
Year Before 0-11 1-10
Miles Year 1 0-12 0-12 Miles Year 2 1-10 1-11 Miles Year 3 6-5 6-7, Bowl
2016 AWARDS
Sun Belt Defensive Bobby Baker, S Student-Athlete of Week Sept. 24 Sun Belt Defensive Mackendy Cheridor Student-Athlete of Week Oct. 10 Preseason Robert Davis, WR (1st) All-Sun Belt Penny Hart, WR (1st)
Bobby Baker, S (1st)
Shawanye Lawrence, DL (2nd)
Keith Rucker , TE(2nd)
Jim Thorpe Award Bobby Baker, S Watch List
John Mackey Award Keith Rucker, TE Watch List (Preseason & Midseason)
Biletnikoff Award Robert Davis, WR
Watch List Penny Hart, WR
Dave Rimington Trophy Gabe Mobley, C Watch List
Senior Bowl Bobby Baker, S
Watch List Robert Davis, WR
Wuerffel Trophy Keith Rucker, TE Watch List
NFF William V. Campbell Bobby Baker, S Trophy Semifinalist
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON: The Georgia State coaching staff features a father-son combination on the defensive side. Jesse Minter is in his fourth season as the Panthers’
defensive coordinator. This year his father, Rick Minter, joined the staff as defensive line coach.
Rick is a former FBS head coach (Cincin- nati, 1994-03) and long-time defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, Ball State, South Carolina, Marshall and Kentucky. He spent the last three years as linebackers coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Minters first worked together in 2006 at Notre Dame, where Rick was the defensive coordinator and Jesse was an intern. Then in 2010, Rick and Jesse both served on Trent Miles’ defensive staff at Indiana State.
NFL FLAVOR: The Georgia State coaching staff features significant coaching experience in the National Football League.
Head coach Trent Miles spent the 2000 season as an assistant coach on Mike Sher- man’s staff with the Green Bay Packers.
Wide receivers coach Tim Lappano joined the GSU staff after five years with the Detroit Lions, where he coached All-Pro Calvin Johnson in 2013. Lappano previously coached on Dennis Erickson’s staff with San Francisco (2003-04) and Seattle (1998).
Secondary coach Eric Lewis spent two seasons in the NFL as a quality control coach with Green Bay. He is the son of long-time NFL coach Sherman Lewis.
Defensive line coach Rick Minter spent the last three years as the linebackers coach for Chip Kelly with the Philadelphia Eagles.
ACADEMIC HONORS: The Georgia State football team has performed extremely well in the classroom under head coach Trent Miles:
> The team posted a record GPA of 2.91 for the spring 2015 semester and has main- tained a GPA of 2.8 or better since then.
> Nine Panthers were named to the 2015-16 Sun Belt Conference Commissioner’s List (GPA of 3.5 or higher), while another 36 were tabbed to the Sun Belt Honor Roll (GPA of 3.0-3.49).
> Georgia State’s overall athletic program was honored with the Sun Belt Conference Graduation Rate Award in 2016.
PANTHER PROS: Despite Georgia State’s brief history, four Panther alumni have played in the NFL, including three who are currently active:
> A member of Georgia State’s inaugural team in 2010, receiver Albert Wilson is in his third season with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was an undrafted free agent in 2014.
> Wil Lutz, GSU’s placekicker the last four years, is now the kicker for the New Orleans Saints. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Baltimore Ravens in the spring, he was picked up by the Saints just before the season opener.
> Offensive tackle Ulrick John was selected in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He played in two games for the Miami Dolphins in 2015.
This year, he was just signed by the Arizona Cardinals off the Dolphins’ practice squad.
> GSU’s first draft pick was defensive tackle Christo Bilukidi in 2013. He played three seasons (2013-15) in the NFL with Oakland, Cincinnati and Baltimore.
> Quarterback Nick Arbuckle, the 2015 Sun Belt Student-Athlete of the Year, was signed to the practice squad for the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders.
NFL FACILITIES: Georgia State is one of six FBS programs to play all its home games in the same facility as an NFL team.
The others are Miami, Pittsburgh, San Diego State, Temple and USF. UMass plays some of its home games at Gillette Stadium.
OH BROTHER: Three current Panthers are the younger brothers of former Georgia State football players:
S Bryan Williams (TE Arthur Williams, 2010-11)
DL Jamal Paxton (OLB Nate Paxton, 2012-15) TE Jacob Nesmith (OL Nick Nesmith, 2009-13)
In addition, junior receiver Chancellor Triplett is the younger brother of former GSU baseball standout Chris Triplett (2013-14).
HEAD COACH TRENT MILES
Trent Miles is a program builder.
And after the remarkable job he did in guiding the Panthers to their first- ever bowl game in 2015, Georgia State’s fourth-year head coach is the reigning Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year.
HEAD COACH TRENT MILES
Date of Birth: July 29, 1963 Hometown: Terre Haute, Ind.
Alma Mater: Indiana State, 1987
Playing Career: Wide receiver at Indiana State, 1983-86
Family: Wife Bridget; daughters Kaylee, Anna, Charlie Elizabeth, son Noah Michael COACHING CAREER
1987, Indiana State, graduate assistant 1988-89, New Mexico, graduate assistant 1990, Oklahoma, graduate assistant
1991-94, Northern Illinois, receivers (1991-93), defensive backs (1994)
1995-96, Hawai’i, wide receivers (1995), defensive backs (1996)
1997-99, Fresno State, wide receivers 2000, Green Bay Packers, offensive assistant 2001, Stanford, wide receivers
2002-04, Notre Dame, wide receivers 2005-07, Washington, running backs 2008-12, Indiana State, head coach 2013-present, Georgia State, head coach YEAR-BY-YEAR COACHING RECORD
Year School Overall
2008 Indiana State 0-12
2009 Indiana State 1-10
2010 Indiana State 6-5
2011 Indiana State 6-5
2012 Indiana State (20-36) 7-4
2013 Georgia State 0-12
2014 Georgia State 1-11
2015 Georgia State 6-7
2016 Georgia State (9-36) 2-6
Total 29-72
Miles was introduced as Georgia State’s second head football coach on Dec. 3, 2012 and charged with the task of building the fledgling program as it jumped to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Sun Belt Conference after only three seasons of play.
And just three years later, he had the Panthers playing in a bowl game in their sixth season of existence.
The former assistant coach at Stanford, Notre Dame and Washington demonstrated the ability to build a winning program in five seasons as the head coach at Indiana State.
The rebuilding job he did there earned notice, and he was hired to build the Georgia State program following the retirement of Bill Curry, the Panthers’ head coach from the program’s inception in 2008 through 2012.
Miles and his staff immediately began to lay the foundation to enable the Panthers to compete at the highest level of college football, building the program through recruiting, player development and the establishment of a winning culture, all within the framework of a strong family atmosphere.
He is fond of saying, “We look for young men of great character who are smart, tough and love the game.”
After taking baby steps in his first two seasons, Miles’ Panthers began to run midway through Year 3, winning their last four regular-season games to earn their berth in the AutoNation Cure Bowl.
Along the way, Georgia State featured one of the nation’s top passing attacks, led by quarterback Nick Arbuckle, the Sun Belt Student-Athlete of the Year, and a bevy of talented receivers, including Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and Freshman All- American Penny Hart.
The prolific offense, which led the league in passing for the second straight year, was complemented by a defense that was, statistically, the most improved defense in the FBS. Both offense and defense were on display as the Panthers put an exclamation point on the regular season with a record-setting, 34-7 victory at in-state rival Georgia Southern.
A total of 12 Panthers earned All-Sun Belt recognition in 2015, giving GSU 22 all- conference players in Miles’ three years. And Miles was named Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year, and he was also recognized with a national award by the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation.
Miles’ first Georgia State team in 2013 showed progress throughout the season, despite playing at the FBS level for the first
time with an undermanned roster.
Under Miles’ tutelage, wide receiver and return specialist Albert Wilson earned all-conference and All-America recognition with a record-setting campaign in 2013.
Following the season, Wilson became the first Georgia State player to earn an invitation to the prestigious National Football League Scouting Combine and then signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Miles also helped develop Ulrick John into an NFL prospect as the offensive tackle was drafted in the seventh round by the Indianapolis Colts, becoming the second draft pick in GSU’s history.
The building process continued in Miles’
second year in 2014, which opened with a dramatic, come-from-behind victory over Abilene Christian. Despite a depleted roster, Georgia State featured one of the top passing offenses in the Sun Belt Conference and the nation, and seven Panthers earned all- conference honors.
In his first three seasons, Miles’ program has produced two All-Americans, 22 all- conference performers and two NFL players.
Miles’ emphasis on the total development of his student-athletes is also in evidence as the Panthers enjoyed their best semester in the classroom in the spring of 2015 with a 2.91 grade-point average, including 52 student-athletes with a 3.0 or higher. The team ended the fall 2015 team with a 2.88 cumulative GPA and 39 more academic honorees. In 2013, the Panthers earned the Sun Belt Conference’s team academic award as the football program with highest grade point average in the league.
Miles’ first head-coaching job was at his alma mater, Indiana State, where he took over a struggling program that had won just one game in the three seasons before his arrival in 2008. But it took just three years for him to produce a winning season, the first of three straight winning campaigns in Terre Haute.
After leading his 2010 Sycamores to a 6-5 mark for the school’s first winning record since 1996, Miles was recognized as Missouri Valley Football Conference Coach of the Year. He was named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year Award and the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year honor.
Miles guided ISU to another winning season in 2011 and then a 7-4 record in 2012.
No Sycamore team had won more games since the 1984 squad on which Miles played, and the school’s run of three straight winning
FOOTBALL TIMELINE
Nov. 2006 Football feasibility study completed Apr. 15, 2007 Dan Reeves named football
consultant
Apr. 17, 2008 Georgia State officially launched its football program
June 12, 2008 Bill Curry named head coach Aug. 2008 First six assistant coaches hired Nov. 20, 2008 Ground-breaking for new practice
facility at 188 MLK
Jan. 4, 2009 First scholarship player, Mark Hogan, enrolled
Feb. 4, 2009 GSU signed its first recruiting class June 11, 2009 GSU admitted to CAA Football,
beginning in 2012
Aug. 11, 2009 First team of 71 players reported Aug. 14, 2009 Georgia State’s first football practice
held at NFL YET facility Fall 2009 First team conducted 60 practices Mar. 23, 2010 First spring practice began Mar. 27, 2010 First workout on new field at GSU
Practice Complex
April 10, 2010 Over 3,000 fans watched first Spring Scrimmage at the Georgia Dome Aug. 3, 2010 Inaugural team reported for
preseason
Aug. 4, 2010 Preseason practice began Sept. 2, 2010 Inaugural football game at Georgia
Dome: GSU 41, Shorter 7 Nov. 19, 2010 First game vs. FBS opponent at
defending national champion Alabama
Aug. 2011 Team moved into GSU Practice Complex
2011 season GSU played as an FCS Independent Apr. 9, 2012 GSU accepted invitation to join Sun
Belt Conference in July 2013 Apr. 21, 2012 Christo Bilukidi is the first Panther
drafted by NFL (Oakland, 6th) 2012 season GSU began FBS transition, played
its only season of CAA Football Nov. 10, 2012 Bill Curry coached final game at Maine Dec. 3, 2012 Trent Miles introduced as Georgia
State’s second head coach July 1, 2013 GSU officially became a member of
the Sun Belt Conference 2013 season First season in FBS and Sun Belt
Conference
Aug. 30, 2013 First game as FBS program vs.
Samford at the Georgia Dome Oct. 12, 2013 Inaugural Sun Belt Conference game
vs. Troy at the Georgia Dome 2014 season GSU is eligible for Sun Belt title and
postseason bowl games Aug. 27, 2014 First win as an FBS program:
GSU 38, Abilene Christian 37 Sept. 12, 2015 First win over an FBS program and
first Sun Belt Conference win:
GSU 34, New Mexico State 32 Dec. 19, 2015 First bowl game: GSU vs. San Jose
State in AutoNation Cure Bowl
seasons under Miles was its longest since ISU had six straight from 1964-69.
Following the 2012 season, Miles was honored as the American Football Coaches Association Region Four Coach of the Year for the second time in three seasons.
Throughout his career, Miles has coached on both sides of the ball and possesses more than 25 years of college coaching experience as well as one year as a National Football League assistant with the Green Bay Packers. As an offensive assistant for the Packers in 2000, Miles worked with wide receivers and quality control. He coached NFL All-Pro receiver Antonio Freeman.
Miles spent the next seven years as an assistant coach under Tyrone Willingham at Stanford (wide receivers, 2001), Notre Dame (wide receivers, 2002-04) and Washington (running backs, 2005-07), where he recruited, coached and developed many talented skill players.
Among his pupils were Stanford’s Teyo Johnson, a second-round draft pick of the Oakland Raiders in 2003, Notre Dame’s Maurice Stovall and Arnaz Battle, both of whom went on to the NFL, Jeff Samardzija, an All-America wide receiver at Notre Dame who is now a Major League Baseball pitcher, and Louis Rankin, a 1,000-yard rusher at Washington.
Miles began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Indiana State (1987), New Mexico (1988-89) and Oklahoma (1990).
While at New Mexico, one of his mentors was Marvin Lewis, now the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Miles moved to an assistant coaching position at Northern Illinois for four seasons, working with receivers (1991-93) and then defensive backs (1994). Miles then headed west for a two-year stint at Hawai’i, where he coached wide receivers (1995) and defensive backs (1996).
As wide receivers coach at Fresno State from 1997-99, Miles helped the Bulldogs to a share of the 1999 Mountain West Conference title and a berth in the Las Vegas Bowl. He also recruited and coached future NFL standout Bernard Berrian.
Miles, 53, is a native of Terre Haute, Ind., and a 1987 graduate of Indiana State with a degree in criminology. He was a wide receiver for the Sycamores from 1982-86, playing on the 1983 and 1984 squads that each won nine games and reached the FCS playoffs. The 1984 Sycamores were ranked No. 1 in the nation for much of the season, and that team was inducted into the Indiana State University Hall of Fame in 2002.
He is married to the former Bridget Hogan, and the couple has three daughters,
COACHING HONORS
2010: AFCA Region Four Coach of the Year;
Missouri Valley Coach of the Year; Finalist for Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year and Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year
2012: AFCA Region Four Coach of the Year 2015: Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year
HEAD COACH TRENT MILES (continued)
LUKE HUARD
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Alma Mater: North Carolina, 2002 Fourth Year at GSU
• Developed and coached 2015 Sun Belt Student- Athlete of the Year Nick Arbuckle, who passed for 7,651 yards in two seasons, including a Sun Belt- record 4,368 yards in 2015.
• Spent four seasons (2009-12) at Illinois State, including the final three as offensive coordinator.
Coached MVFC Offensive Player of the Year, QB Matt Brown.
• Previously worked with Trent Miles at Washington, serving as a graduate assistant in 2007-08.
LARRY KNIGHT
Outside Linebackers Alma Mater: Central Michigan Second Year at GSU
• Joined the staff in 2015 after two years as a quality control assistant at Tennessee.
• Spent a total of three seasons under Butch Jones at Tennessee and Cincinnati. Also played for Jones at Central Michigan.
• Native of Augusta, Ga.
TIM LAPPANO
Wide Receivers Alma Mater: Idaho, 1983 Third Year at GSU
• Coached three all-conference receivers in 2015, including Sun Belt Freshman of the Year Penny Hart, and six in his first two years at GSU.
• Spent five seasons (2009-13) with Detroit Lions.
Coached receivers, including All-Pro Calvin Johnson, in 2013 after four years as tight ends coach
• Coached with Trent Miles at Washington, where he was offensive coordinator/QB coach from 2005-08.
• Running backs coach for San Francisco 49ers (2003-04) and Seattle Seahawks (1998). Also coached at Oregon State, California, Washington State and Purdue
JESSE MINTER
Defensive Coordinator
Alma Mater: Mount St. Joseph, 2005 Fourth Year at GSU
• His 2015 GSU defense was the most improved unit in FBS, allowing 15 points fewer per game and improving by 122.3 yards per game and 1.92 yards per carry vs. the run.
• In 2015 GSU finished in the top four in the Sun Belt in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense, pass efficiency defense and interceptions
• Served four seasons (2009-12) on Trent Miles’
staff at Indiana State, including the last two years as defensive coordinator
• One of youngest defensive coordinators in FBS (33).
JEFF JAGODZINSKI
Assistant Coach
Alma Mater: Wisconsin-Whitewater, 1985 Fourth Year at GSU
• Posted a 20-8 record and back-to-back ACC Atlantic Division crowns in two seasons (2007-08) as head coach at Boston College
• Coached Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan at Boston College as well as three other future first- round draft picks
• NFL assistant coach with Green Bay (1999-03, 2006) and Atlanta (2004-05)
• Coached with Trent Miles with the Packers in 2000
HAROLD ETHERIDGE
Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line Alma Mater: Western New Mexico, 1982 Fourth Year at GSU
• Former offensive coordinator under Trent Miles at Indiana State (2011-12), where his offense produced the top rusher in FCS in 2011 (Shakir Bell, 151.8 ypg)
• Previously served as offensive line coach at Illinois State (1991-99) and Army (2000-03), North Texas (2004-06), Northern Illinois (2007) and Washington State (2008-09).
RICK MINTER
Defensive Line
Alma Mater: Henderson State, 1978 First Year at GSU
• 10 years as head coach at Cincinnati (1994-03), including four bowl berths.
• 17 years as a defensive coordinator with stops at Notre Dame (1992-93 and 2005-06), Ball State (1985-91), South Carolina (2004), Marshall (2008- 09) and Kentucky (2011-12)
• Spent last three seasons coaching linebackers for Philadelphia Eagles.
ERIC LEWIS
Secondary / Special Teams Coordinator Alma Mater: San Diego State, Second Year at GSU
• 2015 GSU defense ranked top four in the Sun Belt in interceptions, pass efficiency defense, total defense and scoring defense.
• Former defensive coordinator at Weber State (2013) and Eastern Michigan (2009).
• Two years of NFL experience as defensive quality control coach for the Green Bay Packers (2006-07).
• Also coached at Buffalo (2014), Louisville (2008), and Ball State (2003-05).
P.J. VOLKER
Linebackers / Recruiting Coordinator Alma Mater: Mount St. Joseph, 2005 Fourth Year at GSU
• Coached the leading tackler in GSU history, three- time all-conference LB Joseph Peterson
• Served as Trent Miles’ linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator at Indiana State for three years (2010-12) before coming with Miles to GSU
• Helped lead the Sycamores to three straight winning seasons
JOHN McDONELL
Senior Offensive Analyst Alma Mater: Carroll College, 1981 First Year at GSU
• Spent last four seasons as offensive line coach at Tulane.
• 30-year coaching career also includes stops at Washington State, Stanford, Notre Dame and Purdue.
QB 7 Conner Manning OR ...6-1 205 R-Jr.
11 Aaron Winchester ...6-2 190 R-Fr.
2 Jaquez Parks ...6-1 205 R-So.
RB 1 Kendrick Dorn OR ...6-0 205 R-Jr.
28 Demarcus Kirk ...6-0 206 R-So.
23 Darius Stubbs ... 5-10 200 Fr.
5 Tra Barnett ... 5-10 180 Fr.
WR 17 Glenn Smith ...6-1 200 Jr.
81 Devin Gentry ... 5-10 190 Fr.
WR 15 Todd Boyd... 5-11 185 Jr.
85 Eric Elder ...6-1 185 Fr.
WR 19 Robert Davis ...6-3 220 Sr.
4 Jawan Nobles ...6-3 180 Fr.
TE 45 Keith Rucker ...6-3 245 Sr.
88 Ari Werts...6-4 225 So.
46 Jacob Nesmith ...6-3 270 R-Jr.
LT 76 Hunter Atkinson ...6-4 285 R-Fr.
69 Lucas Johnson ...6-4 285 So.
LG 75 Michael Ivory ...6-5 340 R-Sr.
77 Tyler Simonsen ...6-4 299 R-Sr.
C 72 Gabe Mobley ...6-2 280 R-So.
64 Akil Hawkins ...6-4 290 R-Sr.
RG 56 Alex Stoehr ...6-2 299 Jr.
65 Shamarious Gilmore ...6-3 285 Fr.
RT 74 Sebastian Willer ...6-5 285 R-Jr.
73 Nick Meyer...6-5 260 Fr.
— OFFENSE — — DEFENSE —
— SPECIALISTS —
GEORGIA STATE’S PROBABLE DEPTH CHART
OLB 27 Andrew Everett ...6-5 240 R-Sr.
33 James Traylor ...6-3 230 Jr.
DE 49 Shawanye Lawrence ...6-4 275 Sr.
52 Tevin Jones ...6-4 270 Sr.
53 Terry Thomas ...6-3 265 Fr.
NG 91 Julien Laurent OR ...6-4 310 R-Jr.
95 Marterious Allen ...6-2 270 So.
97 Jalen Lawrence ...6-1 285 Sr.
DE 5 Mackendy Cheridor ...6-5 275 R-Jr.
55 Carnell Hopson ...6-2 245 Sr.
OLB 44 Michael Shaw ...6-4 230 R-So.
38 Jameel Spencer ...6-1 230 Sr.
ILB 42 Trey Payne ...6-0 225 R-Jr.
8 Kaleb Ringer ...6-0 235 R-Sr.
ILB 4 Alonzo McGee ...6-1 230 R-Sr.
39 Chase Middleton ...6-2 235 So.
S 20 Bryan Williams ...6-3 212 R-Sr.
14 Cloves Campbell ...6-1 205 Sr.
S 2 Bobby Baker ...6-2 200 R-Sr.
21 Antreal Allen ... 5-11 190 Jr.
CB 16 Jerome Smith OR ... 5-10 180 R-So.
29 B.J. Clay ...6-0 190 Jr.
9 Cedric Stone ... 5-10 185 Fr.
CB 10 Chandon Sullivan ... 5-11 195 Jr.
7 Robert Dowling ... 5-10 190 Sr.
PK 90 Rogier ten Lohuis ...6-3 185 Sr.
93 Brandon Wright (KO) ... 5-10 180 R-Fr.
P 93 Brandon Wright ... 5-10 180 R-Fr.
48 Oliver Holdenson ...511 210 R-Fr.
HO 2 Jaquez Parks ...6-1 205 R-So.
93 Brandon Wright ... 5-10 180 R-Fr.
LS 42 Trey Payne ...6-0 225 R-Jr.
PR 9 Cedric Stone ... 5-10 185 Fr.
17 Glenn Smith ...6-1 200 Jr.
KR 5 Tra Barnett ... 5-10 180 Fr.
17 Glenn Smith ...6-1 200 Jr.
1 Kendrick Dorn ...6-0 205 R-Jr.
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE PLAYERS:
Antreal Allen ... an-TRELL Clifford Amazan ...like Amazon Niemus Bryant ...NEE-mus Tra Barnett ... TRAY Cloves Campbell ... CLO-vess Mackendy Cheridor ... muh-KEN-dee CHER-uh-door Ruggiero DeLuca ... rue-GEE-do Carnell Hopson ...car-NELL Jonathan Ifedi ...ee-FED-ee Shawanye Lawrence ...shuh-WAN-yay Julien Laurent ...la-RENT Gabe Mobley ... MA-blee (not MOBE-lee) Justin Otiwu ...oh-TEE-woo Ronald Peterkin ...PEE-ter-kin Dom Roldan ...ro-DAN Malik Ricks ...muh-LEEK Emiere Scaife ...uh-MEER SKAFE Alex Stoehr ...STORE Rogier Ten Lohuis ...ro-HERE ten-LOW-house Ari Werts ...RR-ee COACHES:
Tim Lappano ...luh-PA-no John McDonell ... MACK-dun-ELL
No. Name ... Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown (High School/Previous School) 1 Kendrick Dorn ... RB 6-0 205 R-Jr. Fontana, Calif. (Los Osos/San Bernardino Valley) 2 Bobby Baker ...S 6-2 200 R-Sr. Sherman Oaks, Calif. (Birmingham/Pierce College/UAB) 2 Jaquez Parks ...QB 6-1 205 R-So. Griffin, Ga. (Griffin/Hinds (Miss.) C.C.)
3 Ed Curney ...LB 5-11 225 So. Atlanta, Ga. (Carver)
4 Alonzo McGee ...LB 6-1 230 R-Sr. Sumter, S.C. (Crestwood/Georgia Military/UAB) 4 Jawan Nobles ...WR 6-3 180 Fr. Smyrna, Ga. (Campbell)
5 Tra Barnett ... RB 5-10 180 Fr. Elberton, Ga. (Elbert County) 5 Mackendy Cheridor ...DE 6-5 275 R-Jr. Decatur, Ga. (Columbia) 6 Jonathan Ifedi ...WR 6-0 195 Fr. Charlotte, N.C. (Vance) 7 Robert Dowling ...CB 5-10 190 Sr. Marietta, Ga. (Lassiter)
7 Conner Manning ...QB 6-1 205 R-Jr. Lake Forest, Calif. (El Toro/Utah)
8 Taz Bateman ... RB 5-8 190 Jr. Inglewood, Calif. (Junipero Serra/Long Beach City College) 8 Kaleb Ringer ...LB 6-0 235 R-Sr. Claymont, Ohio (Northmont/Butler (Kan.) CC)
9 Cedric Stone ...DB 5-10 185 Fr. Charlotte, N.C. (Independence)
10 Ruggiero DeLuca ...QB 6-3 225 R-So. Cincinnati, Ohio (Roger Bacon/Miami (Ohio) 10 Chandon Sullivan ...CB 5-11 195 Jr. Winder, Ga. (Winder-Barrow)
11 Aaron Winchester ...QB 6-2 190 R-Fr. Lawrenceville, Ga. (Mount Pisgah) 12 Emiere Scaife ...QB 6-2 230 R-So. Charlotte, N.C. (Mallard Creek)
12 Deion Wilkins ...CB 5-9 170 Sr. Thomaston, Ga. (Upson-Lee/Jacksonville) 13 Charlie Patrick ...LB 6-0 225 Fr. Atlanta, Ga. (Mays)
14 Cloves Campbell ...S 6-1 205 Sr. Phoenix, Ariz. (Mountain Pointe/Scottsdale CC) 15 Todd Boyd ...WR 5-11 185 Jr. Moultrie, Ga. (Colquitt County)
16 Joshua Shim ...QB 6-0 205 Fr. Loganville, Ga. (South Gwinnett) 16 Jerome Smith ...CB 5-10 180 R-So. Atlanta, Ga. (Mays)
17 Glenn Smith ... RB 6-1 200 Jr. Warner Robins, Ga. (Northside) 18 Penny Hart...WR 5-8 180 So. Buford, Ga. (King’s Ridge Christian) 19 Robert Davis ...WR 6-3 220 Sr. Warner Robins, Ga. (Northside) 20 Bryan Williams ...S 6-3 212 R-Sr. Miami, Fla. (Miramar)
21 Antreal Allen ...DB 5-11 190 Jr. Auburn, Ala. (Auburn) 22 Trey Chapman ...DB 5-11 190 Fr. Madison, Ga. (Morgan County) 23 Darius Stubbs ... RB 5-10 200 Fr. Riverdale, Ga. (Luella)
24 Anthony Valverde ... RB 5-10 205 R-So. Banning, Calif. (Redlands East Valley) 24 Kwon Williams ...S 6-0 202 Fr. Oakwood, Ga. (West Hall)
25 Kyler Neal ... RB 5-11 215 R-Jr. Dallas, Ga. (East Paulding)
26 Anthony Davis ...CB 5-10 175 R-So. Conyers, Ga. (Rockdale County/St. Augustine’s 26 Kendrec Grady ...S 6-2 215 Fr. Norcross, Ga. (Norcross)
27 Andrew Everett ...LB 6-5 240 R-Sr. Lawrenceville, Ga. (Collins Hill/Old Dominion) 28 Demarcus Kirk ... RB 6-0 206 R-So. Dora, Ala. (Dora/UAB)
28 David West ...DB 6-1 185 R-Fr. Cumming, Ga. (West Forsyth) 29 B.J. Clay ...CB 6-0 190 Jr. Dacula, Ga. (Dacula)
30 Javonte Lain ...DE 6-2 230 Fr. Fayetteville, Ga. (Sandy Creek) 30 Kyndall Phillips ...DB 6-0 190 R-Fr. Cumming, Ga. (West Forsyth) 31 Ronald Peterkin ...S 6-0 185 R-So. Stone Mountain, Ga. (Stephenson) 32 Malik Ricks ...LB 6-1 235 Jr. Lithonia, Ga. (Stephenson) 33 James Traylor ...LB 6-3 230 Jr. Columbus, Ga. (Columbus) 34 Niemus Bryant ...LB 6-0 220 R-So. Columbus, Ga. (Carver) 35 Leander Howard ...DB 5-10 180 R-Fr. Lithonia, Ga. (Arabia Mountain) 36 Justin Otiwu ...LB 6-1 225 Sr. Buford, Ga. (Mill Creek) 36 Khai Anderson ...CB 5-10 185 So. Atlanta, Ga. (Riverwood) 37 Trent Hill ...S 5-10 195 Sr. Atlanta, Ga. (Martin Luther King) 38 Jameel Spencer ...LB 6-1 230 Sr. Smyrna, Ga. (Woodward Academy) 39 Chase Middleton ...LB 6-2 235 So. Lilburn, Ga. (Brookwood)
40 Remy Lazarus ...DB 6-0 190 R-Fr. Alpharetta, Ga. (King’s Ridge Christian) 41 Blane Cannon ...DB 5-9 170 Fr. Houston, Texas (Westfield)
42 Trey Payne ...LB 6-0 225 R-Jr. Warner Robins, Ga. (Northside) 43 Deandre Bowman... RB 5-10 180 Fr. Columbus, Ga. (Pacelli) 44 Michael Shaw ...LB 6-4 230 R-So. Suwanee, Ga. (Lanier) 45 Keith Rucker ...TE 6-3 245 Sr. Cincinnati, Ohio (Moeller)
NUMERICAL ROSTER
46 Jacob Nesmith ...TE 6-3 270 R-Jr. Cumming, Ga. (Forsyth Central/Presbyterian) 47 Peyton Moore...LB 6-2 230 Fr. Dacula, Ga. (Mill Creek)
48 Oliver Holdenson ...P 5-11 210 R-Fr. Melbourne, Australia
48 Maurice Lauchner ... RB 5-9 205 Jr. Raleigh, N.C. (Leesville Road/Winston-Salem State) 49 Brandon Hamilton ...TE 6-2 230 R-Jr. Riverdale, Ga. (Riverdale, Ga.)
49 Shawanye Lawrence ...DE 6-4 275 Sr. McDonough, Ga. (Eagle’s Landing) 50 Jamal Paxton ...DL 6-0 280 R-So. Scottdale, Ga. (Tucker)
52 Tevin Jones ...DE 6-4 270 Sr. Hampton, Ga. (Luella) 53 Terry Thomas ...DL 6-3 265 Fr. McDonough, Ga. (Luella) 54 Daniel Zeigler ...LS 6-5 240 R-Jr. Snellville, Ga. (South Gwinnett) 55 Carnell Hopson ...DE 6-2 245 Sr. Powder Springs, Ga. (South Paulding) 56 Alex Stoehr ... G 6-2 299 Jr. Suwanee, Ga. (North Gwinnett) 57 Zeke Pernell ...OL 6-5 260 Fr. Jackson, Ala. (Jackson)
58 Juan Orozco ...DL 6-0 270 Sr. Roswell, Ga. (Centennial/Tusculum) 59 Deshaun Faltz...LB 6-1 215 R-Jr. Smithfield, Va. (Smithfield/Louisburg)
60 Jaylen Fareed ...OL 6-1 310 R-Jr. Decatur, Ga. (Southwest DeKalb/Georgia Military) 62 Will Cunningham ...DE 6-1 270 R-Jr. Cape Coral, Fla. (Ida Baker)
63 Davis Moore ... G 6-4 299 R-Jr. Loganville, Ga. (Loganville)
64 Akil Hawkins ...C 6-4 290 R-Sr. Fayetteville, Ga. (Fayette County/Grambling) 65 Shamarious Gilmore ...OL 6-3 285 Fr. Riverdale, Ga. (Drew)
66 Seth-Patrick Holman ...LS 5-11 200 So. Marietta, Ga. (Walton)
68 Mitchell Shea ...DL 5-10 225 Jr. Norcross, Ga. (Greater Atlanta Christian/Berry) 69 Lucas Johnson ...T 6-4 285 So. Cartersville, Ga. (Cass)
72 Gabe Mobley ...C 6-2 280 R-So. Moultrie, Ga. (Colquitt County) 73 Nick Meyer ...OL 6-5 260 Fr. Cincinnati, Ohio (St. Xavier) 74 Sebastian Willer ...T 6-5 285 R-Jr. Calhoun, Ga. (Calhoun)
75 Michael Ivory ...T 6-5 340 R-Sr. Louisville, Ky. (Jeffersontown/Coffeyville (Kan.) CC) 76 Hunter Atkinson ...T 6-4 285 R-Fr. Flowery Branch, Ga. (West Hall)
77 Tyler Simonsen ... G 6-4 299 R-Sr. Redland, Calif. (East Valley/San Bernardino Valley) 78 Dom Roldan ... G 6-5 310 R-Sr. Virginia Beach, Va. (Landsdown, Va./Grossmont College) 80 Matlin Marshall ...WR 5-9 190 Fr. Evans, Ga. (Evans)
81 Devin Gentry ...WR 5-10 190 Fr. Louisville, Ky. (Male)
81 Marquan Greene ...WR 5-10 180 So. Moultrie, Ga. (Colquitt County) 82 Chancellor Triplett ...WR 6-0 180 Jr. Fayetteville, Ga. (Sandy Creek) 84 Bill Teknipp ...TE 6-4 245 R-Jr. McDonough, Ga. (Eagle’s Landing) 85 Eric Elder ...WR 6-1 185 Fr. Stone Mountain, Ga. (Stephenson) 86 Bryson Duckworth ...WR 6-4 215 Fr. Riverdale, Ga. (Drew)
88 Ari Werts ...TE 6-4 225 So. Stone Mountain, Ga. (Stephenson) 89 Michael Kouassi ...TE 6-4 220 Fr. Lawrenceville, Ga. (Archer)
90 Rogier ten Lohuis ... PK 6-3 185 Sr. Amsterdam, Netherlands (Atlanta International School) 91 Julien Laurent ... NG 6-4 310 R-Jr. Toronto, Canada (New Mexico Military Institute) 92 DeQueszman Kelley ...DE 6-0 295 R-Jr. Buena Vista, Ga. (Marion County/Coffeyville (Kan.) CC) 93 Brandon Wright ... P-PK 5-10 180 R-Fr. Atlanta, Ga. (KIPP Atlanta Collegiate)
94 Barry Brown ... PK 6-4 180 Fr. Dublin, Ga. (Dublin) 95 Marterious Allen...DE 6-2 270 So. Hartwell, Ga. (Hart County)
96 Shavi Bash ... PK 6-3 195 Jr. Roswell, Ga. (Roswell/Morehead State) 97 Jalen Lawrence ... NG 6-1 285 Sr. Macon, Ga. (Westside)
98 Jeff Hollingsworth ...P 5-7 175 Fr. Lawrenceville, Ga. (Mountain View) 99 Clifford Amazan ...DL 6-2 320 Fr. Dacula, Ga. (Archer)
NUMERICAL ROSTER
95 - MARTERIOUS ALLEN
DL • 6-2, 270 • So.
Hartwell, Ga, Calif. (Hart County)
• Versatile defensive lineman who can play inside or outside. Has been playing noseguard since Julien Laurent was injured in Game 4.
• Recovered a fumble in the backfield and returned it 23 yards for a touchdown in 31-6 win over UT Martin. Also broke up a pass.
• Had a sack vs. Texas State.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year ... G UA-A Total TFL Sack Int PB FR FF 2015 ...11 2-2 4 2-2 0 0 0 0 0 2016 ...8 14-10 24 1.5-6 1-4 0 1 1-23 0 Total ...19 16-12 28 3.5-8 1-4 0 1 1-23 1
2 - BOBBY BAKER
S • 6-2, 200 • R-Sr.
Sherman Oaks, Calif. (Birmingham/
Pierce College/UAB)
* 2016 Preseason All-Sun Belt (1st)
* 2015 Sun Belt All-Newcomer
* Two-time Sun Belt Defensive POTW
CAREER• GSU career totals of 122 tackles, three interceptions and eight pass breakups in two seasons at GSU
• Holds the GSU career record with five fumble recoveries
• Transfer from UAB, where he spent the 2014 season but played in just three games before a season-ending knee injury.
2016 SEASON
• GSU’s second-leading tackler with 55, plus three pass breakups.
• Named Sun Belt Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week and honorable mention Jim Thorpe Award Player of the Week after leading strong defensive effort in 23-17 loss at No. 9 Wisconsin. Had a career-high 11 tackles, a pass breakup on third down to force a field goal and a fumble recovery on third-and-goal at the 3-yard line.
• Preseason All-Sun Belt selection who was also named to preseason watch lists for the Jim Thorpe Award and the Senior Bowl.
• Semifinalist for NFF William V. Campbell Trophy (scholar-athlete) 2015 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
• Starting safety who was second on the team with three interceptions and third with 76 tackles.
• Led Sun Belt with three fumble recoveries (7th in FBS) and was tied for ninth in the league in interceptions.
• Had a remarkable performance in his first game for GSU with five takeaways - two interceptions and three fumble recoveries vs.
Charlotte. Also had eight tackles and was named Sun Belt Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week (Sept. 7, 2015).
• Had five tackles, tackle for loss and pass breakup at Arkansas State.
• Interception and season-high 10 tackles vs. UL Lafayette.
• Made five tackles, including two key third-down stops, to help GSU hold Georgia Southern to just 203 total yards in 34-7 win.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year ... G UA-A Total TFL Sack Int PB FR FF 2014 (UAB) ...3 15-4 19 1-5 0 1-13 0 0 0 2015 ...13 53-23 76 1-1 0 3-17 5 3-0 1 2016 ...8 32-23 55 0.5-1 0 0 3 2-0 0 Total (GSU) ...21 85-46 131 1.5-2 0 3-17 8 5-0 1 Total ...22 98-49 147 2.5-7 0 4-30 8 5-0 1 GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS
2016 ...UA-A Total Sack TFL FF FR Int PB Blk
Ball State ...1-4 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Air Force ...1-6 7 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Wisconsin ...8-3 11 0 0 0 1-0 0 1 0
App State ...5-3 8 0 0.5-1 0 0 0 0 0
Texas State ...5-0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Troy ...5-1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
UT Martin ...2-1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
South Ala ...5-5 10 0 0 0 1-0 0 0 0
2015 ...UA-A Total Sack TFL FF FR Int PB Blk Charlotte ...8-0 8 0 0 0 3-0 2-15 0 0
NMSU...3-2 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Oregon ...4-5 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Liberty ...2-0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
App State ...5-1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ball State ...0-1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ark State ...3-2 5 0 1-1 0 0 0 1 0
ULL ...8-2 10 0 0 0 0 1-2 1 0
Texas State ...7-0 7 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
South Ala ...4-0 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Troy ...4-0 4 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 GS ...3-2 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SJSU ...4-6 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 CAREER HIGHS
Tackles: 11 vs. Wisconsin, 2016
Interceptions: 2 vs. Charlotte (tied school record) Fumble Recoveries: 3 vs. Charlotte (school record)
5 - TRA BARNETT
RB • 5-10, 180 • Fr.
Elberton, Ga. (Elbert County)
• Speedy true freshman who saw his first action in Game 5 vs. Texas State
• Had three carries for 31 yards and two kickoff returns for 33 yards in his first game vs. Texas State.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year ... G Att Yds Avg TD LP Rec Yds Avg TD LP 2016 ... 4 14 74 5.3 0 13 1 9 9.0 0 9 Year ...G KOR Yds Avg TD LP AllP
2016 ...4 4 69 17.2 0 21 152 GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS
2016 ... Att Yds TD LP Rec Yds TD LP KR Yds LP All-P TD Texas State ...3 31 0 13 0 0 0 0 2 33 21 64 Troy ...5 20 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 UT Martin ...6 23 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 South Ala ...0 0 0 0 1 9 0 9 2 36 18 45
15 - TODD BOYD
WR • 5-11, 185 • Jr.
Moultrie, Ga. (Colquitt County)
CAREER• Ranks eighth in GSU history in career receiving yards (680) and receptions (59) and tied for ninth in touchdown receptions (5).
2016 SEASON
• Starting receiver who is second on the team with 26 catches for 265 yards.
• Had a career day vs. Troy with nine catches for 122 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown. Had a six-yard receptions to convert on 4th- and-5 at the Troy 27 to set up his touchdown.
• Opened the season with five catches vs. Ball State and also had five in win over Texas State.
2015 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
• 25 catches for 296 yards and two touchdowns.
• Season high of four catches in consecutive games vs. Oregon and Liberty.
• Caught a 14-yard TD pass at Oregon.
• 28-yard reception at Ball State to help set up a field goal on final play of first half.
• Three catches for 63 yards in win over Texas State, including career- long 45-yard reception and a 15-yard grab on 3rd-and-13.
• Caught a 19-yard touchdown pass to give Georgia State a fourth- quarter lead over San Jose State in the AutoNation Cure Bowl.
Finished with three catches for 56 yards in the game.
2014 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
• Finished 2014 with eight receptions for 119 yards (14.9-yard average) and two touchdowns as a true freshman.
• Enjoyed his best game at Troy with three catches for 91 yards, including his first touchdown on a 21-yard reception. Also had a 38- yard reception.
• Had three catches for 18 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown, in season finale vs. Texas State.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year ...G Rec Yds Avg TD LP Att Yds LP 2014 ...11 8 119 14.9 2 38 0 0 0 2015 ...13 25 296 11.8 2 45 1 9 9 2016 ... 8 26 265 10.2 1 35 0 0 0 Total ...32 49 680 11.5 5 45 1 9 9 GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS
2016 ...Rec Yds TD LP Touchdowns Ball State ...5 29 0 11
Air Force ...2 12 0 6 Wisconsin ...0 0 0 0 App State ...2 19 0 11 Texas State ...5 47 0 15
Troy ...9 122 1 29 25 UT Martin ...1 35 0 35
South Alabama ...2 1 0 4
2015 ...Rec Yds TD LP Touchdowns Charlotte ...3 26 0 11
New Mexico State ...1 7 0 7
Oregon ...4 29 1 14 14 Liberty ...4 38 0 19
App State ...3 13 0 5 Ball State ...1 28 0 28 Arkansas State...0 0 0 0 UL Lafayette ...1 15 0 15 Texas State ...3 63 0 45 South Alabama ...2 21 0 13
Troy ...0 0 0 0 Georgia Southern ...0 0 0 0
San Jose State ...3 56 1 33 19 CAREER HIGHS
Receptions: 9 vs. Troy, 2015 Yards: 122 vs. Troy, 2015
Long Reception: 45 vs. Texas State, 2015
5 - MACKENDY CHERIDOR
DE • 6-5, 275 • R-Jr.
Decatur, Ga. (Columbia)
* Sun Belt Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week (Oct. 10, 2016)
CAREER
• Three-year starter including two years at defensive end, where he moved in 2015 after playing outside linebacker his first two seasons.
• Has moved into second place in GSU history with 7.5 career sacks (Record: 9) and third with 21 TFL (Record: 22).
• Tied for GSU career lead with four forced fumbles.
2016 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
• Leads the team with 2.5 sacks and six tackles for loss.
• Named Sun Belt Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week after
outstanding game vs. Texas State with seven tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss including 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. After a turnover gave Texas State the ball at the GSU 31, he had a sack and forced fumble on third down to regain possession for the Panthers.
• Career-high nine tackles and pass breakup vs. Ball State.
• Caused a fumble vs. UTM that GSU returned for a touchdown. Also had a TFL and a pass breakup in the 31-6 win.
• Missed Air Force and Wisconsin games due to injury (ankle).
• Six tackles with a TFL at Appalachian State.
2015 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
• Fourth on the team with 6.5 tackles for loss, including three sacks.
• Had five tackles with two tackles for loss and a caused fumble in win at Ball State. Sacked the quarterback and caused him to fumble on third down at the GSU 29.
• In 24-10 win over South Alabama, he tipped a pass at the line, enabling Tarris Batiste to grab a crucial fourth-quarter interception at the GSU 37-yard line.
• Had six tackles and a sack vs. San Jose State in AutoNation Cure Bowl.
2014 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
• Suffered a season-ending knee injury in Game 4 of the 2014 season at Washington
• Had four tackles and a sack vs. Air Force.
2013 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
• Second on the team with 7.5 tackles for loss, along with 34 tackles, as a true freshman
• Made his first start vs. Troy (2013) and had a career-high seven tackles, two TFL, one sack and a forced fumble
• Saw some snaps at tight end early in his freshman season before concentrating on defense
CAREER STATISTICS
Year ... G UA-A Total TFL Sack Int PB FR FF 2013 ...12 20-14 34 7.5-12 1-1 0 0 0 1 2014 ...4 8-5 13 1-10 1-10 0 1 0 0 2015 ...13 26-8 34 6.5-31 3-22 0 2 0 1 2016 ...6 21-8 29 6-28 2.5-13 0 3 0 2 Total ...35 75-35 110 21-81 7.5-46 0 8 0 4
