Countdown to Fall Practice - Offensive Line & Tight Ends

We keep going in our countdown series before the first practice, with a look at each position as it relates to our team. Today we take a peek at our offense and more specifically our top-to-bottom deepest positions on our roster.  This includes Offensive Tackles, Centers, Guards and Tight Ends in our multiple offensive package. These guys are arguably the most important people on the field because if they do not do their job, you can accomplish very little in both the running and passing game.

Left Tackle: Junior LaDeven Kirkland is an absolute beast at the left tackle position.  He's 6'5, 340lbs.  That will make any QB very happy.  Redhsirt Freshman Grant King will give Kirkland a solid back up.

Left Guard: Junior Gabriel Hampton will line up at left guard and is another imposing physical presence.  Hampton will be backed up by Redshirt Freshman Michael Davis.

Center: Another Division 1 transfer and possibly offensive captain Junior Ben Jacoby will man this position.  He quickly asserted himself as a leader and was vote as "Top Offensive Performer" in the Spring.  That's impressive.  Highly touted Freshman Tim Wynn will likely back up Jacoby.

Right Guard: This position should be locked down by former Georgia Tech graduate Joseph Gilbert.  Gilbert started 25 out of a possible 27 games the last 2 seasons.  Experience in the ACC definitely helps.  Freshman Ulrick John is a likely redshirt candidate but will back up JG.

Right Tackle: Another Georgia Tech early graduate Junior Clyde Yandell will start along side his former North Avenue teammate.  Redshirt Freshman Harrison Clottey and Ramel Davis will serve as depth at both right and left tackle.

Tight End Position (with DJ's analysis)
 
Junior Arthur Williams - I've seen enough video of him to make me believe he will be one of the best blocking TE in all of FCS. I'll say no more.

Junior Bailey Woods - You can't deny that blocking on kick off returns for an SEC powerhouse [Auburn] means you have some serious blocking skills, but I have not seen much college video of him so I'm going with Williams for now. Of course, we also might run two-TE sets, so both of these guys might be on the field at the same time on some plays.

Walk on Redshirt Sophmore Emmanuel Ogbuehi - We are lucky to have such a physical specimen for a walk-on. This guy is athletic and tough as nails and actually might have the best hands out of all our TEs.

Freshman Drew Pearson - I will be thoroughly surprised if he doesn't take a red shirt.
 
Tomorrow: The Wide Receivers

Countdown to Fall Practice - Defensive Line

We roll on in our countdown series before the first practice, with a look at each position as it relates to our team. Today we look at the defense and more specifically one of the areas that could be one of our greatest concern as depth is an issue. This includes both the Defensive End and Nose Guard positions in our hybrid 3-4 scheme. These players will take on the opponents offensive line and stymie the run game while putting immediate pressure on the Quarterback.  These guys don't seem to get the credit they deserve but will set the LBs and DBs up for plays.  The longer the Quarterback can hold the ball, the tougher it is for the DBS, the more momentum opposing RBs can generate bursting through the line, the less chance the LBs can make a big play. 

Defensive End: Junior Christo Bilukidi takes on defensive end spot.  At 6'4, 295lbs, Bilukidi has the strength and leverage to rush the passer and disrupt the TE.  Freshman CJ Stephens will back up the Pass Rusher of Monte Christo (ok, made that one up).

Nose Guard/Defensive Tackle: Redshirt Freshman Eduardo Curry is a former wrestler and has tremendous size to push the middle of the field.  Freshman Terrance Woodard will spell Curry. 

Nose Guard/Defensive Tackle: Junior Khiry Karriem will help solidy the middle on passing downs.  An adept pass rusher from the inside, Karriem has 25 solo tackles and 4 sacks as a DT.  Impressive.  Look out for Junior walk-on Chris Halbert to potentially work into the rotation. He's a transfer from Kentucky State and not exactly "Rudy" standing at 6'2 and more than 240lbs.

Defensive End: Junior Kalan Jenkins is a converted TE (partly because of his athleticism and that position is loaded, more on that next week) and should make a big impact right away.  Redshirt Freshman Demetreious Shorter will spell him.  Shorter has been a guy on the rise as well as he's put on nearly 25lbs. since enrolling last Fall.

DJ's Take: Moving Jenkins to DE was a brilliant move. Alex Findura might replace Shorter on the depth chart if he doesn't red shirt.

Tomorrow: The Big Uglies - The Offensive Line & Tight End

Thursday Quick Hitters - 7.29.10

-Did Coach Pugh (pictured left) let's the cat out of the bag? Things that make you think...

"The coaches in Georgia have been great for us," said Pugh, who expects Georgia State to be on the "same platform" as Georgia and Georgia Tech within five years. "We wouldn't be able to do this without you giving us the opportunity to recruit your kids. ... Thanks to you guys, we're off to a good start."

Athens Online Link

-Just to clarify a mention that men's basketball Rashaad Richardson is not going to Bahamas but will be enrolled for Fall semester.  No worries Panther Nation!

-Just a quick note about Academic Causalties: Coaches know that when they recruit players that are borderline when it comes to academics, that there is a possibility is that they will not make it in.  Not to minimize this but it's not a big deal, as it happens at every other major school. Take a breath Panther Nation!

-Awesome Peice on the History Behind our uniforms: These options just aren't pulled out of hat folks.  There is some rhyme behind the twine.  Link

-A really cool note about Season Tickets: If you purchase season tickets (which you should!) and are unable to make a home game, you can set up your seats to be filled by local Boys & Girls Club kids of Metro Atlanta.  That's awesome!

Countdown to Fall Practice - Linebackers

We roll down the countdown series before the first practice, with a look at each position as it relates to our team. Today we look at the defense and more specifically one of our most talented positions.  This includes both the Inside and Outside LBs in our hybrid 3-4 scheme. These players will fly around the field cleaning up plays in the flats and piling up tackles from oncoming ball carriers.  These guys typically bring the pain and are responsible for collisions on nearly every play.

Outside Linebacker: Junior Jake Muasau is a leader on the Defense and will be counted on to fly around and make plays.  Redshirt Freshman Allen McKay will likely serve as Jake's backup.

Inside Linebacker: Junior Louie Muasau is a fantastic talent and another of the Phil Steele All-Independent team.  Junior Olufemi Opanubi will likely rotate behind him here.

Inside Linebacker: Junior Evan Bostic is a converted DE and has a relentless motor.  This guy can go and will be a pass rush threat any time Coach Thompson calls his number.  True Freshman Aaron Gambrah is a probable back but may redshirt.

Outside Linebacker: Redshirt Freshman Robert Ferguson is a bonafide star in the making.  He's from "The Muck" and definitely represents players from that area.  Go do some research and you'll see how special players come from this area.  He nearly returned a pick 6 in the spring game and has remarkably put on nearly 35lbs. since arriving on campus 12 months ago. Oh yeah, there will be plenty of people wearing Ferg's jesey this season and for good reason.  Redshirt Freshman Blake Wyatt moved from safety to OLB post spring and will provide quality depth.

DJ's thoughts: Mark Hogan will be 3rd on the depth chart on the outside LB. Jarrel Robinson, a great inside prospect will probably take a red shirt, as will Blake James, but we'll see.

Tommorrow: The Defensive Line

Football gets a mention in CNNSI's Stewart Mandel's Mailbag

There has been some buzz lately about new football start-up Georgia State University. They hired Bill Curry as head coach, they will call the Georgia Dome home and, recently, Alabama's former prized recruit, Star Jackson, transferred to the school. Georgia is a huge football state with only two FBS teams. Where do you see this program in 10 years?


-- Ben, Dayton, Ohio

To me, the most intriguing part of the Georgia State's upcoming first season is that Curry, the former Alabama coach who had a brick thrown through his office window, is bringing his start-up team to Tuscaloosa on Nov. 18. We're talking about not just an FCS team, but a team that's yet to play an official game, facing the defending national champions. The carnage could be grotesque. And yet at the same time it's a fantastic p.r. move by Curry, whose team won't likely garner much coverage once its first game passes but will get a burst the week of that game.

As for his program's long-term potential, one need only look at some of the upstart Florida schools for a model. I don't know that Georgia State will be playing in a BCS conference within nine years of Inception (saw the movie last weekend; overrated) like USF did, but Curry could conceivably follow the fast-track of Howard Schnellenberger, who started Florida Atlantic's program in 2001, had it playing in the Sun Belt by '05 and reaching its first bowl by '07.

CNNSI Link

Men's Basketball Headed to Bahamas

“Finally, the chance to get on the floor with these guys for 10 days of practice is really exciting as a coach,” continued Barnes.  “After this trip, we’ll know so much more about these new players  and how they play together. That gives us a great head start going into preseason practice. Our coaches are ready to coach and our players are ready to play, and we’re going to try to use this time very wisely.”

My take: Great rundown for those who are basketball hungry (like yours truly).  It also shows me where Barnes' heads at in regards to his starting lineup if they were to play right now:

PG: Marques Johnson
SG: Jihad Ali
SF: Josh Micheaux
PF: Harold Doby
C: Eric Buckner

Georgia State Sports Link

Countdown to Fall Practice - Defensive Backs

We continue counting down before the first practice, with a look at each position as it relates to our team.  Today we look at the defense with an eye on what I believe is the most intriguing battle during preseason practice.  This includes the Cornerbacks and Safeties in our hybrid 3-4 scheme.  These players will serve as the lasst line of defense and are typically the highlight reel guys including breaking up deep balls, interceptions and the over the middle collisions. 

Left Cornerback: Junior Jocquez Fears, a transfer from Northeastern, will likely start at cornerback.  Fears' Creekside HS teammate was none other than Former Tennessee and the #5 pick in the NFL Draft  Eric Berry at Creekside.  I'd imagine they had a good time lighting people up along with Florida State's Terrance Parks.  True freshman Demarius Matthews and Justin Hughes will likely back Fears up.
Right Cornerback: Redshirt Sophmore Brent McLendon gets my nod for the other cornerback position.  If the name sounds familiar it's because his daddy, Willie and brother Bryan both played at the school up in Athens. B Mac was also named a Phil Steele All-Independent Team Selection.  Redshirt Freshman Parker Stevens and True Freshman Isaiah Howard will back him up.
Free Safety: Redshirt Freshman Fred Barnes take his place as centerfielder of the D and is a punishing hitter.  True Freshman Eric Odonkor will back him up.
Strong Safety: Redshirt Junior Brandon Jones is likely a defensive captain and my pick for strong.  The kid is pound for pound the toughest guy on our roster.  Dude can lay people out.  Check the spring game highlights and you'll see #20 fly into your screen and destroy the TE.  He'll be backed up Redshirt Junior Michael Hall.

DJ's Analysis: Honestly, the secondary is anyone's guess at this point because I have no clue which if any of the freshmen CBs will redshirt. I can tell you that all the freshmen are better than guys like Fears, Stevens and McLendon, but they obviously have never played a down of college football and will need to add bulk and gain some experience before they can show off their talents. We'll see.

Tomorrow: The Linebacking Corps

Countdown to Touchdown: Day 37

Thanks to my main man CT for including my daughter and me in the Countdown to Touchdown Series.  Do you have your tickets yet?

Photo and Article Courtesy of GeorgiaStateSports.com

Countdown to Fall Practice - Special Teams

We begin counting down before the first practice, with a look at each position as it relates to our team.

Today we look at the special teams including Place Kicker, Punter and Kick Returner and Punt Returner.  It's an extremely important facet of college football and when your special team breaks down, your offense and defense are put in vulnerable positions.

Let's dive in.

Kicker: Redshirt Senior Iain Vance will likely assume the place kicking duties after freshman Patrick Baker is headed to Ole Miss as a walk-on.  Vance was a former walk-on at Georgia Tech and should handle kick off duties as well.

Punter: Redshirt Senior Kevin Crosby will likely assume punting as he, like Vance, is a transfer from Georgia Tech.  He averaged 43.9 yards per punt as a Senior at Atlanta's Blessed Trinity HS.

Kick Returner: Redshirt Freshman Darren McCray & Redshirt Freshman Nate Anthony are my picks for KR duties.  McCray was widely regarded as one of the state's most dangerous return men at Spencer HS in Columbus. You can see his video via ESPN here. Anthony can flat out go and has been clocked at 4.41 in the 40 yard dash (hand timed).

Punt Returner: Redshirt Freshman Darren McCray.  See above.  You don't get called the most dangerous man in the state by accident.

Tomorrow: Defensive Backs

Football: Position-By-Position Breakdown

Starting tomorrow, my man DJ and I have combined to take a look at each position.  Here's the schedule leading up to Media Day and the kick off to Fall practice:

July 27th - Day 8: K & P
July 28th - Day 7: DBs
July 29th - Day 6: LB
July 30th - Day 5: DE & DL
July 31st - Day 4: TE & OL
August 1st - Day 3: WR
August 2nd - Day 2: RB
August 3rd - Day 1: QB

Tuscaloosa News: Curry's Time at Bama

“So I try to take the things that were positive at Alabama and use them to coach football and help youth. That's what I do. When you are at a place and you see ordinary players go out and play like Superman just because they put on that Alabama jersey, that makes an impression on you. 

"... we also had a lot of players who played better than they were just because it was Alabama."

“That's what I am trying to instill here at Georgia State. I know how far away we are from that. But it's a chance here to be at the beginning of something that could be like that someday."

This is, by far, the best (and balanced) article that I've seen about Coach Curry's time at Alabama.  Good to see that this has been published and it's good to see that others believe that his experiences there will only help us at Georgia State.

Link

Former MBB Players Mentor Current Team

Great to see guys like Lamont McIntosh, Donnie Davis, Kendrick Alloway, Markael King, Torquin Gresham come speak to our current team.  I'm glad to see that Coach Barnes continues to reach out to the guys that were here in our glory days.

Link to Story

Picture Courtesy of GeorgiaStateSports.com

Trey Hampton signs pro contract in Germany

According to CRB's Twitter page.

Always great to let recruits know they can come to State, get a quality education and continue to play post-graduation. Congratulations Trey!  Make us proud!

Season Ticket Preview

Courtesy of GeorgiaStateSports.com

AJC: Football coaches prepare for influx of transfers

Pretty interesting read about how while the transfers are working out, they haven't been able to practice with them as only Coach Coggins and the S&C team are allowed to be around.

AJC Link

UCONN Transfer Jamaal Trice has GSU in Final 4

Former UCONN men's basketball player Jamaal Trice has mentioned us as he cuts his transfer list to 4.  Trice is a 6'5, 190 guard and former 3 star prospect from LA by way of the Mt. Zion Christian Academy (NC).  He would be eligible in 2011-12.  Decision to be made in the next week or so.

Article Link

Rivals.com Profile
Video Here

Thursday Quick Hitters - 7.22.10

-More coverage coming for football: The August edition of Atlanta Magazine will feature our team on the cover.  I love the shot and it's a credit to those in our sports information department to continue to spread the word. This issue is hitting news stands on August 1st.

-Football Ticket Sales Update: Now confirmed that we've sold more than 2,600 season tickets.  I believe we hit 3,000 by kick off.

-Football Important Dates: Sorry folks, all practices will be closed to the public unless I hear otherwise.
Wednesday, Aug. 4 - Media Day, 1st practice - 3-5 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 5 - Practice 2 - 3-5 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 6 - Practice 3 - 3-5 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 7 - Practice 4 - 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Sun., Aug. 8 - Afternoon Meetings, Walk Thru
Mon., Aug. 9 - Practice 5 - 8:30-10:30 a.m. (First practice in Full Pads)
Tues., Aug. 10 - Practice 6 - 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Wed., Aug. 11 - Practice 7 - 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Thurs., Aug. 12 - Practice 8 - 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Fri., Aug. 13 - Practice 9 - 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Sat., Aug. 14 - Practice 10 - 8:30-10 a.m.
Sun., Aug. 15 - Meetings only, Walk Thru
Monday, Aug. 23 - First Day of Fall Classes

-Pick up The Voice's Book: Play-by-Play extraordinaire Dave Cohen has written a book entitled Matzoh Balls & Baseballs.  Pick it up and give it read.  Or buy a copy for you and a friend.  Click the link and come back and read so more.

-Alabama Game on ESPNU: As expected, the Alabama contest taking place on Thursday night, Nov. 18th will be carried live on ESPNU and will begin at 7:30EST.  The SEC requires all of its games be on TV (according to the league's current TV deal) so I believed that they would take the opportunity to make their game vs. San Jose State a Pay-Per-View game and ours getting larger press.  Absolutely awesome!

-Speaking of the Alabama game: The ticket packages for our away contests have not been released but the folks in Happy Valley give us some insight to how much the tickets may cost.

-Position-by Position Breakdown begins Tuesday: Starting next week (July 27th to be exact), I'll be going down each position in a daily look at who I believe will make an impact offensively, defensively and on special teams leading into the opening of Fall practices August 4th.

Tuesday Quick Hitters - 7.20.10

-Catching Up with Former Basketball Players Marcus Brown & Sylvester Morgan

-The Touchdown Club of Atlanta has announced that they will be hosting a Special Tailgate for our Sept. 2nd game with Shorter as well as CBC speaking on October 11th.  Check out their website for more information.

-Star Jackson's story from Tuscaloosa News for the first time since transferring:

In his first interview since leaving the Crimson Tide program, Jackson told The Tuscaloosa News that his comfort level with Georgia State head coach Billy Curry -- and his familiarity with others in the startup program -- had a strong hand in his decision.

“I’ve known some of the people here for a long time, and Coach Curry is a very good guy along with being a good coach,” Jackson said.

-One last note: Networking is crucial for developing business relationships. Oh yeah, Stephen Strasburg is pitching vs. the Braves and you get food, two drink tickets and a ticket.  Come join me and let's have a State takeover. Link

Monday Quick Hitters - 7.19.10

-I'm humbled and thankful that I was given the opportunity to be quoted in the Examiner.com peice today. Thanks again to Bob Rosentreter for all that he does covering Georgia State sports.

-Atlanta Business Chronicle says football is a Win-Win for all.

-We get a major mention: More upgrades that we get to enjoy.

"Our ability to prove the value of our digital menu board solution was a true partnership with Levy Restaurants, the Georgia Dome and us," says Craig K. Chapin, President and CEO of Allure Global. "We can now brand the menu boards to the event they have going on at the Dome, whether it be an Atlanta Falcons game, Georgia State University Football, the Chick fil A Bowl or any other type of event. Also, we can change menus at stands on an event-by-event basis. For example, last year for the U2 concert, Levy changed a large stand from a full food service site to a bar, then changed the menu back instantaneously."

46 days and counting...

Thursday Quick Hitters - 7.15.10

-Unconfirmed...but: Several folks on campus who were on the spot yesterday, we may have locked up a regional cover for ESPN the Mag in mid-August.  CBC Twitter update confirms:  Every moment at GSU seems to have special meaning.Photo session for a publication became an emotional time for bonding between band, cheerleaders,mascot Pounce,and our players.There was rare chemistry,which adds to the university mission in many positive ways.
My take: Tremendous exposure that we do not get if CBC is not our coach.  Tremenous asset and we absolutely are primed to make a big dent in the Atlanta consciouness. 

-Your GSU Football Season Tickets in 3D: Really cool to see.  Excellent ticket sales tool and well done by our ticket folks.

Wednesday Quick Hitters - 7.15.10

-Coach Bill Curry is making the rounds: Audio from  680 the Fan and 790 The Zone.

-More trouble for Week #4 opponent Savannah State.

-Strength and Conditioning Coach Coggins profiled in the AJC. A great man and an incredible motivator.

-We get a mention on The Sports Network:
"Biggest difference from the opener to the finale - Georgia State's first-year program under Bill Curry debuts on Sept. 2 against NAIA program Shorter College in what could be a relatively empty Georgia Dome. The Panthers close their season Nov. 18 against defending FBS champion Alabama before a huge crowd at Bryant-Denny Stadium."



-Due to the movement of the Alabama game, we grab an extra $35K in the coffers from Alabama.

-Football Jerseys on Sale in the Georgia State Bookstore.  From what I've been told they'll be online by Friday.  Pick one up today!

Monday Quick Hitters - 7.12.10

-Following CRB: I give credit to CRB and staff, they log some heavy mileage.  Just back from evaluating top talent in the Midwest (likely following Thomas Gipson, more on him below), he's back in Georgia for the Peach Jam and Peach State Tourneys. 

-One recruit that we already have an offer extended to is Worldwide Renegades' & Norcross HS Josiah "I Want It" Moore. I'd imagine CRB is taking in his game tonight at 9pm.

-Speaking of men's basketball, here's Rivals' take on one of our other two confirmed offers:

PF Thomas Gipson - 6'7 245lbs. Cedar Hills, TX

"Gipson played the way he always does, with physicality and effort. A brute around the rim, he uses his long arms and desire to outwork guys on the glass and make them uncomfortable. An in the paint guy all the way, his ability to keep competing has helped him out."

The other confirmed offer is SG Nathan Harries from Centennial HS.

-Moving onto current players, here's a number update:

• Devonta White will be wearing #10
• Javonte Maynor will be wearing #15
• Eric Buckner will be wearing #20
• Josh Micheaux will be wearing #23
• Brandon McGee will be wearing #24
• Rashaad Richardson will be wearing #25
• Harold Doby will be wearing the #32

-Bleacher Report may not be representative of a national or even regional opinion but we are starting to gather respect paid based on Phil Steele's AA list.

-We discussed about creating a PantherTalk T-shirt and here's a preview:

-Last but not least: I always aim to support GSU grads & supporters: Big ups to Ben Brussard and his work at Creative Loafing.  Follow him @ CL Atlanta. Also, big ups to Examiner.com writer Bob Rosentreter.  Great read and previewing each football opponents. Read his work here.

Football Game Times Announced

From Georgia State Sports Information:

All home games will kick off at 1pm with the lone exception being the opener vs. Shorter which will kick at  7:30pm.

Away games at ODU will kick at 2pm, at Campbell at 1pm, South Alabama at 5pm.  The Alabama time will likely be determined by TV and will be released at a future date.

Coach Barnes goes shopping for some talent in Tulsa

According to his Twitter page: Has been a very busy week. Headed to Tulsa. We only need to land a couple. RB

My take: CRB is likely headed to the Jerry Mullens Basketball Classic in Tulsa.  Teams from NC, TX and AZ are coompeting.  By my count, we should only have 1, possibly 2 scholarships available.  We really need to bring in a wing and a scoring big man.

4 Panthers Make Phil Steele's Preseason Independent Team

Big ups to Louie Muasau, Brent McClendon, Ben Jacoby and Joseph Gilbert!

Friday Quick Hitters - 7.9.10

-Football Roster Update: 5 signees from February are missing but accounted for according to the folks I've spoken to.

-Traditions: I'm very interested to see what traditions are/will be developed for kick-off (55 days and counting). Could we smoke? How about Panthers Roaring on every Defensive 3rd down? Welcome to the Jungle intro music?

-Updated Uniform pic? From former club football (and I believe currrent walk-on) Jamall McMillan. I believe there are some additions (stripes, numbers on the shoulders) but I love this design.

Thursday Quick Hitters - 7.8.10

-Coach Barnes on the Hot Seat? There has been a ton of speculation about the possibility that this could be Coach Barnes' last season at Georgia State.  I'm not sure I agree with that and here's why: he has two years at $200K per season left on his contract. I'm not confident that our current administration would like to pay CRB and a new coach roughly the same amount of money at the same time.  Yes, I do understand it's extremely difficult to recruit with no long term contract in place but I do not believe that CRB or staff has justified themselves for an extension.

-Football Schedule Promotions - As seen in this photo, we have several promotions planned for our 7 home games including: Patriot's Day (attracting military service men and women), GSU Day (a call out to all employees) Kids Day (another fantastic way to bring loud voices in) and "Dome"coming (Homecoming, ahh this is what this feels like).  I'm sure a Parents Weekend will develop as well (if it hasn't already).  Great job again by new hires Tina Kelly and Ike Fullard.  They are open to ideas just don't go crazy.
 
-Football Season Ticket Update: 2,400 sold.  It's really beginning to pick up.  I absolutely expect 3,000 to be a number to hit by the end of August (if not sooner).  A credit to Kevin Miller, Ford Williams and that group.
 
-Alabama cancels classes for Friday, November 19th, will we follow suit?  It's not likely because of the fact that Thanksgiving break is the following week but I have a hunch that Friday, September 3rd may be a no class day.  I'll keep you posted if anything moves there.  Tide Link

AJC: GSU prepares for 1st game

“We’ve seen progress every day since we got here,” coach Bill Curry said. “There is always some kind of way we can get better every day, and the key is how do we do something to get better.”


For Georgia State, work isn’t just a four-letter word, it’s a way of life as the university prepares for the final stages of getting the football program ready.

Time especially is important when it comes to the multi-million-dollar field house.

The field house is the last major facility to complete before the first game. Construction on the facility began in March, around the beginning of spring practices, and the hope is that it will be completed by Aug. 1, in time for the start of preseason practices.

James Greenwell, executive senior associate athletics director, said work on the field house is on schedule.


Safety Brandon Jones is amazed at the progress.  “I can’t wait to see it fully finished,” Jones said. “It amazes me at the rate [workers] are moving. Sometimes I sit back and wonder if I can help.”


AJC Link

Men's Basketball Recruit killed this weekend

From Rivals.com:

The GASO jump-starts the live evaluation period for college coaches and recruiters, and Jackson-Houston was one of the athletes looking to make an impression. Jackson-Houston already had received offers from SMU, TCU, North Texas, Florida International and Georgia State, and he had garnered interest from Baylor, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Texas Tech, among other schools.

R.I.P. Deion Jackson-Houston

In the FCS Huddle: Transfers to watch

Independents

Quarterback Star Jackson hopes to live up to his name as Georgia State's likely starter. He was No. 3 on Alabama's depth chart and played in the spring game before deciding to transfer to coach Bill Curry's first-year program in Atlanta.

Link

Monday Quick Hitters - 7.5.10

-Spoke with our new Assoc. AD for Marketing.  Impressive hire and willing to taking risks.  Football campaign is in full swing: Radio, Online banner ads, newspaper wraps, plane flying over the city, billboards and TV all hitting the Atlanta area.

-A great blog from a long time Panther Fan.  I don't know a better way than to save it as your homepage and give it a daily read will you? Link

-Latest football season ticket sales update: Approaching nearly 2,300 sold.

-Speaking of football: The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer is reporting that we are in a battle with Fake GSU and Furman for kicker Mikey Jacobs

-An update on Joe Dukes

-Men's Basketball Summer Update: CAA Summer Report: Interesting quotes from Coach Barnes: 

• On how long he thinks the process is going to take: Barnes enters the fourth year of what he sees as a seven-year building project.
• On mistakes in recruiting: “Where in the past we had a bunch of athletic guys who were real versatile, these guys coming in each have a specific position,” Barnes said.
• On putting his non-conference schedule together: “Every school has a different situation in regards to scheduling,” Barnes said. “We’ve been close in some of those games, but us and all of the teams at the bottom of the league have to keep building our programs. There are advantages to us in recruiting and in the community by playing some of those teams. We just have to win games.”

Soccer Signs Two

So I said when Surrency was hired he needed to focus his effort in state.  We now project to have 12 guys on the roster out of 17 are from the state of Georgia.  2 out of 3 recruits isn't bad this cycle.  These two join CJ Cochran, a huge (6'5) GK from Alpharetta.

Evan Scott, Forward (Columbus, Ga., Hardaway HS): His 193 career goals ranked fifth all-time nationally and was just 20 goals shy of tying the all-time record of 213, set by Sean Shapert back in 1984, according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Wow!

Diego Marzuca, Midfielder (Santiago, Chile, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile)


Link

Alabama game moved to Thursday night

From Sports Information:
ATLANTA—Georgia State’s season-ending football game at national champion Alabama has been moved to Thursday, Nov. 18 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., the two schools announced Thursday.

Kickoff time and television exposure are to be determined.  The Crimson Tide requested the change from the original date of Saturday, Nov. 20, and Georgia State Director of Athletics Cheryl L. Levick and head coach Bill Curry agreed to the new date after consulting with GSU President Mark Becker.

My take: We shouldn't have to worry much and honestly I was expecting us to make some kind of concession.  Alabama faces 6 consecutive opponents coming off a bye week.  Change your reservations boys and girls!

Link