Bonus Question: Could this be the greatest 12 months in Atlanta sports history?

My rationale:
-Atlanta Dream reach the Eastern conference Finals
-Atlanta Braves currently 2 games up and poised to win the NL East for the 1st time in 5 years
-Atlanta Falcons coming off back-to-back winning seasons and poised to reach the Playoffs for the 2nd time in 3 years
-Atlanta Hawks are readying for a 4th straight playoff apperance
-Atlanta Thrashers have had an extremely productive off season and look to jump back in the Playoffs for the first time in 4 years.

-Oh yeah, this urban university in Atlanta is 2 days away from kicking off in the Georgia Dome.

Question #2: How will the coaching staff turn the media attention into regional success?

The media coverage has been immense.  We even have some down in other Southern cities (Mobile, AL) calling us "overrated and overhyped."  I'll let you be the judge on that comment as I've already thrown gas on that fire.  What will be the ramifications of this coverage on recruiting and our planning in the next 5 years?

I'm interested in your thoughts...Go!

Shorter Identifies with Being First

Pretty interesting take as 5 of their Grad Assistants will be a part of both inaugural games.

One GA's opinion: "Our players are ready for the excitement," said Carmean. "I think they are prepared for the hype."



Link

Men's Basketball Called 'Low Major'

Forget "Mid-Major", MLive.com calls us a 'low major' and calls us one of the low lights as it pertains to Western Michigan (a team from the MAC, mind you) men's basketball schedule in 2010-11.  Some of the quotes:

The lowlights: The Broncos also have to take flights for road games at lowmajors Towson in Baltimore (Dec. 1) and Georgia State in Atlanta (Dec. 11).

Road games at Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Nov. 23), Towson and Georgia State are the beginnings of home-and-home series for WMU, with all three programs playing in Kalamazoo next season.


Hawkins said he and his staff would have preferred to find closer opponents than Towson and Georgia State, but couldn’t secure willing partners in the Missouri Valley, Horizon or Summit leagues.

MLive.com Link

Question # 3: How will our offense look?

We have high hopes about his offense with two ACC OL, a C-USA WR and a BCS National Championship winner under center.  We want to be very balanced and not turn the ball over.  With dynamic RBs and WR who can flat out catch (Jordan Giles, please watch him Thursday night at slot wide receiver), what are you most looking for this year?

Question #4 How will our defense look?

We will be running a hybrid 3-4 (as chronicled by the roster and DJ's astute analysis weeks ago watching practice).  We will face a Shorter squad who runs the triple option and throws less than 10 times per game, then a Lambuth team that resembles Texas Tech and then Jacksonville State who runs a spread/pro style combination style.  My question today is how will our defense look?  Who are you most interested in seeing?

Creative Loafing: 'GSU Football worth every penny'

GSU alum and Creative Loafing sports writer takes on those (including some at his very publication) that say Georgia State football is to costly.  Bookmark his site and come back and visit often.  He's also on Twitter @SportsLoaf.

Creative Loafing Link

AJC Video: Know Your Panthers

Great stuff by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  The ask players on both sides of the ball what it means to be the first players in GSU history. 

Link HERE.

Opponent #1 will come to the Dome 0-1

Shorter took a loss on Saturday at Division II West Alabama 37-7.  To be fair, UWA is a preseason Top 25 team (currently ranked #12) and handed highly regarded North Alabama one of their only losses last season. 

Shorter only got on the board with 1:39 left in the game when Brandon Morten returned a punt return for a 66 yard TD.  As CBC says, special teams are important.

Shorter's triple option offense only managed 4 first down and a total 66 yards rushing.  Shorter's QB tandem of Ben Williams and David Byrd did not complete a pass and were a combined 0-7 on the evening. 

It looks like we can absolutely let the Free Safety and Rover loose and play assignment football. 

I'll preview the Shorter game completely later this week for full offensive and defensive breakdowns and matchups to watch. 

Game Recap and Box Score courtesy of West Alabama University

GSU vs. Jacksonville State on CSS

That's 4 games on TV so far this season.  I really hope we keep this game competitive. 

JSU Sports Link

AJC Sunday: Pick One Up

We are featured in a big way and it's absolutely worth it to pay the $2.  It includes a great interview with CBC, tips for fans coming on Thursday night and 5 impact players to watch.

It's Game Week people!  See you Thursday!

Question #5: Who will be the go-to RB?

The odds on favorite to win the starting RB nod is RS Sophmore Rosevelt Watson.  He physically mature and very hard runner.  It helps that he and Star Jackson have played together at Lake Worth HS.  The good news is that we have a stable of backs. 

RS Freshman Travis Evans has been limited in practice due to a hamstring injury but according to him yesterday: "Hammy is feeling way better soreness bout gone #09/2/10 get ready for me ." The more I hear from this kid the more I like him.

Who do you think is the impact player at RB?

Question #6: How will the team respond to success/failure?

May be the hardest question to answer but that's why I open it up to you. CBC has mentioned that he's already prepared to speak to the team after the Alabama game.  What about if Shorter takes it out on us Game 1?  How then do we respond?

I have complete confidence in CBC and staff to have us ready to keeping us going. 

What do you think?

5 Days Left: Readying the Helmets

Great write up by CT about what's going on our helmet.

GSU Sports Link

Atlanta Business Chronicle: GSU Employs Marketing Blitz

Pretty good article by the publication that gave us out intitial football article circa Spring 2002.

Atlanta Business Chronicle Link

Atlanta Q100 Adopts Georgia State Football

Photo Courtesy of GSU Sports Communications

Not a joke. The Bert Show responded to me after thanking him for his support on his show and this season.  His response:  U got me 100%. 

I encourage everyone to email the show, follow Bert on Twitter @TheBertShowBert (your boy is on there as well, follow me @GStateBen, just sayin') or call the show and give them a shout.

They even have a special page dedicated to it and has the replays of the interviews.  You can find it here: Q100.

From my previous work in radio at a sports radio station in town, Bert has always been a stand up guy and has been nice to wife and I.  I really want to thank him for the invaluable coverage that he's given us.  Big ups to the Bert Show!

AJC: First Person - Ben Jacoby

"It’s cool to see that we are a team that does not bat an eye or complain about our circumstances," Georgia State center Ben Jacoby says.

AJC Link

My take: Great Article on our Rock in the middle.  Pretty interesting quotes about his knowledge base of Georgia State growing up as a kid.

Football Scores 1st Commit of 2011 (Updated)

According to the AJC's Chip Towers:

Georgia State, which opens its inaugural football season against Shorter on Sept. 2, landed a nice addition to its 2011 class with a commitment Monday from DE Roderick Thompson of Mays High. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound athlete plays on the end opposite the Tech commitment Caldwell, giving the Raiders’ one of the more formidable defensive fronts in Atlanta. “He’s my right-hand man,” Thompson said of Caldwell. “We’ve been hanging out since we were kids. We’re trying to be the best in the state.” Thompson chose the Panthers over a number of FCS offers, plus Grambling, Army and William & Mary. “[Georgia State is] just starting off and I feel like I can help them get better,” Thompson said. “Plus, they’re right here at home.”

Rivals.com Profile

From Mays HS Football Coach Dominic Calloway: "He is a big athletic defensive end that understands the game. He is a good student and he will be a good addition to your program on and off the field."

My take: A great grab and a kid that could have major offers coming.  I hope the staff can keep him on board for February.  He's very tall and has the body style to easily put on 25lbs. or more and be an impact DE.  Great start to the recruiting cycle at a position of need.

Football Season Ticket Mailing Update

Spoke to the folks in the ticket office and here is the gist:

[The ticket office is] fielding a lot of anxious calls from our football season ticketholders and [we] can totally understand people's concerns.

The only delay in the mailing was due to the fact that our commemorative season ticket cardstock took longer than expected to arrive here at GSU. GSU is one of many schools that uses the company we used to print season tickets. With that said, there were delays [due to multiple schools in front of us] on their list. The season tickets finally arrived on Friday and we packaged all orders over the weekend. We dropped off all season ticket orders, that were placed as of 8/20/10, at the United States Postal Service Office here in downtown Atlanta on Monday morning and they were scheduled to be delivered via first-class mail.

CAA Official Men's Basketball Preview

This gave me heartburn.  Some of the highlights (really shouldn't call them that):
-George Mason returns their entire starting lineup from 2009-10.  ODU and VCU return 4 out of 5 starters.  There's the Top 3 teams in the league for 2010-11.
-We do not return a single person in any major statistical category.  Again, not a good sign.
-The Preview:

Senior point guard Marques Johnson is Georgia State’s lone returning starter. The N.C. State transfer started 20 of the Panthers’ final 24 contests and was second on the team with 73 assists.


Junior guard Jihad Ali averaged 8.9 ppg and 3.6 rpg over GSU’s final nine games last season. He poured in a career-best 22 points in the Panthers’ 61-57 victory over George Mason, including the game-winning three pointer with 42 seconds left.


The Panthers face the difficult task of replacing their top five scorers from a year ago, who combined to average 47.2 ppg. GSU has added seven new players to this year’s roster, including three junior college transfers.
 
Ugh, more bad news considering we were one of the worst scoring teams in the conference.

CAA Link

Gameday Page: Shorter

Great job by the folks in the GSU Sports Communication Office.  Includes Promotions, Rosters, Ticket Links, Things to know when you are attending the game. 

Game Day Link

Thursday Quick Hitters - 8.26.10

Yes we are only 7 days away folks!!!! Here are the quick hitters for today:

-Ticket Sales Update: 4,200 season tickets have been sold and we're approaching 2,000 individual tickets sold for the Shorter game.  You could have as many as 8,000 student in the building and   I've been told by multiple sources that 20,000 fans is realistic for next Thursday night.  If you don't have your tickets, you need to get them.  There is only one first game! Don't miss it!  Full GSU Sports Article

-The AJC Sunday Section will feature a pull out section of more than 34 pages.  It includes us (as we are apart of the "Big 3").  Pick up a copy or two.

-Dominant ILB Evan Bostic gets a shout out from his local paper in the Shelby NC Star.

-OL Michael Davis is head to see his knee surgeon this morning.  Everybody lift up a prayer and keep him your thoughts today. 

-RB Travis Evans may be a game week decision vs. Shorter.  He has a hamstring issue that has been giving him issues and has been limited in practice.

-Funny moment via social media (get on Twitter and follow your boy @GStateBen):  Multiple players were convinced that there would be a white out for Sept. 2nd's game with Shorter.  The trouble is that Shorter's colors are Blue and White as well and they are the road team.  They'll be wearing white.  I think it's been corrected and they bottom bowl will be a sea of blue.

-Speaking of the players: How ready are they to play?

**RB Rosevelt Watson: We got 7 days left til I 1st game, Too amped! WE ready to make    History! 
**DB Brandon Jones: Greatness is the next step for GSU Football.
**OL Ramell Davis: 7 days till the game I'm more focused then ever I must stop my mental mistakes and stop thinking about everything and just do it.

Question #7: Who will be the impact freshman?

We may have found out a few of these answers as CBC mentioned the DBs that have impressed him with shear speed in Albert Wilson, Damarius Matthews, Justin Hughes and Jamal Ransby.  Could you have someone emerge in the LB corp like Robert Ferguson?  How about on the offensive side of the ball?

Your thoughts are always welcome and appreciated.  What do you think?

Question #8: What will our first year record look like?

This may be the most debated questions.  Some look at our schedule and are cautiously optimistic (like I am).  The natural reaction is to look at an opponent and size them up based on previous year's record, starters returning/lost and what division they play.  I'm reserving my thoughts but I want yours.

What will be our record on Nov. 19th when we are back in Atlanta and begin preparing for Thanksgiving?

Coach Curry Preview Video

Tuesday Practice Report: Preparation for Shorter

The players are back at it after getting yesterday off for the start of the Fall semester.  Time to focus on Shorter's Triple option offense and refining the discipline that it takes to play your gaps.

Some highlights from the GSU Sports Communications report:
-CBC:“The young secondary players have such speed,” he said. “There are four of them: Jamal Ransby from Newnan High School, Damarius Matthews from out of McEachern and then Justin Hughes and Isaiah Howard from South Florida. These guys are going to add a tremendous dimension to our defense that we’ve just haven’t had in the past.


“Then, Albert Wilson from down in South Florida is going to be a kick returner and a receiver, and he has a kind of speed that we just have not had before. So those guys are faster and better than we thought.”

Video and Article

Question #9: What is the Most Winnable Game in 2010?

Counting down the days prior to kick off, I think this is a relatively easy one.  I believe the opponent is Savannah State.  They are a program in shambles and are a tenative member of a conference.  They've fought the independent battle in every sport and have fired their coach (who's suing because he believe he was fired because he was white) and players who have allegedly lost their scholarships because they are white.

What are your thoughts?

Tuesday Quick Hitters - 8.24.10

T Minus 9 Days and Counting Folks...

The folks at Charlotte have taken notice: Charlotte Observer Link

The Sports Network gives us a look and a preview:
As with Old Dominion in 2009, Georgia State is entering its first season of football in 2010. Unlike ODU, however, Georgia State will not be joining the CAA until 2012.


Attempting to predict how Georgia State will fair in 2012 is akin to dialing your ex at three in the morning - you can make the call, but it probably won't be right. Predicting the results of Georgia State's debut season in 2010 is a much more stable and healthy exercise.

Enter Bill Curry, seasoned and respected coach of such programs as Georgia Tech, Alabama and Kentucky. Curry has compiled 17 years of coaching experience and has won coach of the year in both the Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference. As an NFL player, Curry played in three Super Bowls and learned under legendary coaches Vince Lombardi and Don Shula.

In 1980, Curry inherited a Georgia Tech team in transition, moving from independent status to the ACC. In 1985, Curry led the Yellow Jackets to a 9-2-1 record and a victory over heavily favored Michigan State in the All- American Bowl, Georgia Tech's first bowl victory in 13 years. He was named ACC Coach of the Year as a result.

Curry joins Georgia State in a similar period of transition and the belief is that he can duplicate his earlier success. This year's schedule has supporters optimistic, as Georgia State opens the season against a pair of Division II teams and also plays the other four FCS independents. Still, it is unlikely Georgia State will match ODU's surprising 9-2 record of a year ago, and may find 2012 a difficult transition before Curry can build a solid CAA contender.

10 Questions Before We Kick: Can We Stay Healthy?

This is a huge question and no one knows the answer.  We've already lost LB Rontaverous Aribo (who was likely a gunner on special teams) and OL Michael Davis (possible rotation at guard) to season ending injuries.  We've emerged from camp with only minor knicks and bumps.  Can we stay healthy on the D-Line and O-Line?

What do you think?

GSU Athletes Sing Fight Song

Great find by Paxos from PantherTalk.com

Shorter Alumni Group Calls Us The Bulldogs

From the release on the Coosa Valley News:

Shorter University Baseball will host the Shorter Hawks Baseball Alumni Football & Golf Outing on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 2 and 3, in conjunction with the Shorter football game against Georgia State University at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.


Baseball alumni will be treated to a tailgate prior to the 7:30 pm. kickoff with the Bulldogs on Sept. 2. The tailgate is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be held in the Yellow Lot adjacent to the Georgia Dome.

My take: Seriously?! We need to drop kick these country folk and send them back to Rome.  Nothing gets me going like people who call you by someone else's nickname.

First Bill Curry Coaches Show is Monday, 8/30

From The Voice:  The first Bill Curry radio call-in show is scheduled for Monday, August 30th, 4-5 p.m. live from STATS on Newstalk 1160, WCFO-AM.

Chattanooga Times Free Press: 'Greatness of Spirit'

Pretty good article with a Tennesse twist.  Again, I'm intrigued that the coverage we are continuing to get from a regional level because of Coach Curry and their opinions of our program.

CTFP Link

AJC: Director of Athletics Getting the Job Done

Photo Courtesy of Women's Sports Wire

I couldn't agree more.  Great peice by Ken Suguira.

Some Highlights:

• On What Is Left for Sept. 2nd: "We're down to making sure we have enough (parking) spots," Levick said. "We told [school president Mark Becker] he has three spots. Let's make sure he has three spots."
• On what's next and the impact of football on other sports: Levick and her staff, notably senior associate AD's James Greenwell, Kosha Irby and Todd Reeser, form what she calls "the team behind the huddle." When she arrived, the most pressing issues were securing a temporary practice field and finding the space on campus for a locker room and weight room for the fall of 2009.
  
  Hired in May 2009, Greenwell oversaw the conversion of a neglected aquatics building next door to the school's arena into a locker room, equipment storage area, training room and weight room in about six weeks.
  
  The construction of the permanent practice field was completed before spring practice earlier this year. In time, the property will house the football team and the space in the aquatics building will be converted into a volleyball arena.
  
  The volleyball court is part of the strategic plan Levick is developing for the department, a comprehensive vision that has helped assuage fears of coaches initially leery of football's arrival. Raising the budgets for the school's 18 teams – made possible by increases of student fees and enrollment – has helped, also. The budget for fiscal year 2011 is $19.5 million, about $4.6 million more than the previous year. Football accounts for $4.5 million of the budget.

AJC Link

Saturday Practice Report: Game Situations

From the writing of DJ.  Great run down on some of the most important positions including the WR corp, D-Line and DB.

Take a read: PantherTalk Link

One Question Series: President Mark Becker

Wrapping Up our series today.  Over the last four days, I'm granting you an opportunity to speak to various important figures that impact our athletic department and asking them what really on your mind.


Today's Guest is Georgia State President Mark Becker.  He's an avid cheerleader for athletics and has positioned us well during his 19 months of leadership.  In a magical room of truth, what is the one question you'd ask?






Photo Courtesy of the Office of the President

Friday Practice Report: Bilukidi Dominates

Oh Canada! This dude is good.

Photo Courtesy of GSU Sports Communications

Great run down by DJ and interesting nugget that we are nearing more than 4,000 season tickets sold. 

PantherTalk Link

FAU fans say GSU to Sun Belt

Interesting perspective as the conference realignment carousel continues to turn. Apparently Year 2 opponent University of Texas-San Antonio has already been contacted by the WAC as their conference is falling apart.  Lousiana Tech could be looking around and join the Sun Belt.

FAU Owl Access Link

Game vs. ODU on CSS

Great news from the Virginian-Pilot.  This makes 3 games on television this season: Morehead State on CSS, ODU on CSS and Alabama on ESPNU.

One Question Series: Director of Athletics Cheryl Levick

It's a simple premise really, over the next four days, I'm granting you an opportunity to speak to various important figures in our athletic department and asking them what really on your mind.


Today's Guest is Director of Athletics Cheryl Levick. She's nearly 18 months on the job and one could argue that the next 18 months are more crucial for directing our ship than the previous 18.  In a magical room of truth, what is the one question you'd ask?

 
 

 

Photo Courtesy of GSU Sports Communications

Panther Football Radio Team Announced

 

                                                  Photo Courtesy of GSU Sports Communications

Play-By-Play: "The Voice" Dave Cohen

Color Analyst: Sam Crenshaw from WXIA 11 Alive

Sideline Reporter: Former Falcon Harper LeBel

Georgia State Sports Link

Atlanta Business Chronicle Link

My take: Glad to know who'll be joining Dave.  More coverage coming on 11 Alive and I look forward to grabbing Former Falcon TE Harper LeBel's thoughts.  Awesome stuff!  Two weeks from tonight folks!!

Creating Elements for Game Day

Game Day Script: It's a Tremendously orchestrated process

If you guys don't know who Blake Adams is, you should.  He's the man responsible to what we will see in the Georgia Dome and the Sports Arena for football and basketball respectively.  He pulls the curtain back (only slightly) to describe the creative process.

I'm very much looking forward to seeing what he creates two weeks from tonight at 7:30pm.

Follow his blog here: The Blog of Blake Adams

One Question Series: Coach Bill Curry

It's a simple premise really, over the next four days, I'm granting you an opportunity to speak to various important figures in our athletic department and asking them what really on your mind.


Today's Guest is Coach Bill Curry.  He's yet to coach a game for our football team (2 weeks from tonight is Game 1) but has already done immeasurable work to give our university a face.  In a magical room of truth, what is the one question you'd ask?

One Question Series: Coach Rod Barnes

It's a simple premise really, over the next four days, I'm granting you an opportunity to speak to various important figures in our athletic department and asking them what really on your mind. In a magical room of truth, what is the one question you'd ask? 

Today's Guest is Coach Rod Barnes. His career record is 33-61 (18-33 in CAA play) at GSU and he's in the 4th year of a 5 year deal.



What's your question?

Tuesday Practice Report

Curry had high praise for the young secondary and represented the Georgia State Band.  Awesome stuff!



Georgia State Sports Link




Photo Courtesy of GSU Sports Communications

Monday Quick Hitters - 8.16.10

-17 days and counting...If you don't know, ask somebody.

-Catching up with South Alabama: AL.com Article

-Some love from the Alabama folks: Bleacher Report Article
 
GEORGIA STATE - Alabama will catch hell the entire week for scheduling this game, but nobody will mention the fact that the pay out this school receives will be tremendous in helping them grow as a football team.

The transfers they picked up from other top schools with help as well, including former Bama QB Star Jackson. Even in their first year, they should do well in their division. Not in this game though. You will see plenty of future Tide stars get a chance to shine.

-A little bulletin board material: ODU has billed us at their Homecoming Game.  Time to take them down on 23rd of October.

Basketball Non-Conference Opponent Update

Teams are slowly starting to release their schedule and I believe ours should be out soon.  A few notes across the wire in the last few days:

We will open up at McNeese State on November 16.  We will also head to play in the annual Dr Pepper Classic Dec. 29-30 with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and NAIA Montreat in Chattanooga.

Other rumored opponents include:  Troy, the Bracketbuster return game @ Hampton, Western Michigan and @ Georgia Southern.

Practice #11 & 12: Special Teams & Dome Time!

I had the pleasure of attending the morning practice on Saturday and came away impressed with the special teams talent we have.  We have 3 potential starters for our punting duties and our place kickers seem be competing well. We may have some explosive plays on special teams as it seems we have speed for days on KR and PR.

The team spent nearly 3/4 of the period working on kick off, punt returns and other special team related things.  The rest was spent on the two minute hurry up offense with each QB taking snaps.

For the second practice of the day, I'll turn the analysis over to DJ at PantherTalk.

A few quotes from CBC:  “Christo Bilukidi is going to be a fine player,” said Curry. “Jake and Louie Muasau are always evident all over the field. We had some excellent plays made in the secondary today, especially by Brandon Jones. So we are coming along in various phases of our game.”


“We spent an awful lot of time on special times today, and we’re getting better than all of them,” said Curry. “I think we can be a real threat on special teams.”

Georgia State's First Professional Football Player

As we’ve seen in recent publications, Georgia State’s football reach is growing daily. From front page spreads in Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta Intown, The Atlanta Journal Constitution and the latest (and largest, by far) ESPN The Magazine, the team is receiving the level of exposure that it could only dream of.

What’s important to know is that while this is the first season as a sanctioned team, Georgia State football has existed in some capacity for nearly 10 years.  Efforts were great in the club football early days and the budget was non-existent. It was tougher to garner coverage as a club team and there were no scholarships to be given. A volunteer coaching staff led players who paid their own way to play.

We had another first in 2009, when Georgia State club football produced its first professional football player. Corey Alberty, a wide receiver who graduated from GSU, by way of Butler High School in Augusta, signed with the Green Bay Blizzard of the Indoor Football League (formerly Arena League 2). Corey was gracious enough to speak with PantherTalk and share his story.

PT: Tell me about your playing background .

CA: I started playing organized football at the age of eight after seeing Jerry Rice play. I told myself then that is what I want to do when I grow up. I was born and raised in Augusta and attended Butler High School. We had NFL players like Carlos Rogers [former 1st round pick out of Auburn and currently the starting CB for the Redskins] play there. In high school, my game was good and it’s funny as my whole life I played receiver until I got to high school. We had a scrimmage and a corner went down with an injury so they put me in and I had a interception on the first play. The coaches move me from WR to CB full time and that made me mad because my heart was at receiver.

PT: Were you recruited at all coming out of high school?

CA: No. I was not. I only played my 9th and 10th grade year and had to stop playing due to family reasons. I feel like if I would have played all four years, my road to the NFL would have been a lot easier.

PT: What brought you to Georgia State?

CA: I came to Georgia State because of the film program but a friend of mine told me they had a football team. I said to him, ‘Man, Georgia State does not have a team!' I did some research and reached out to Coach Carl Lawrence, which was the head coach at that time, and I came to Atlanta to meet with him. I saw the campus and he told me about the team and I just knew that I wanted to be a Panther and bleed G-State Blue.

PT: What were your impressions about club football at Georgia State Club Football?

CA: My initial impressions of the Georgia State football team was that I could not believe how much talent this team had. From my first day at practice at Pantherville in 2005 to my last game with my teammates against Clemson in 2007, we really had a lot of players who could have played on Sunday. I believe there were some players that could play at the next level and we had some great coaches in Coach Carl Lawrence and Coach Shambry.

PT: Were you disappointed that there was no NCAA sponsored football when you were on campus?

CA: I was very disappointed that there was no sanctioned football at Georgia State, but at the same time I am thankful for the people like Mr. Mark Lawson and Coach Lawrence, who kept the club team up and going so that Georgia State students could have some football to watch.

PT: What was the reaction on campus from students when you played from 2005-2007?

CA: The reaction that I received the most, and if you ask most guys who played they will probably say the same thing, was people saying, ‘I didn’t know we had a football team!.” Once they found out, the students were very supportive and we always said if they made the team [NCAA] sanctioned the student body will support them because they supported us.

PT: Were they ready for an NCAA sponsored team?

CA: Georgia State has been ready for a football team, in my opinion. This team should have been at State [a long time ago]. This is what the school been missing. You have students in the past who wanted to attend Georgia State but decided to go to UGA or Tech because they wanted that football atmosphere on Saturdays. Now those students can attend Georgia State and be proud that we have a great coach who has been there and done that in Bill Curry. Fans should have something to look forward to.

PT: What affect did club football have on your professional career?

CA: Club football had a lot to do with my professional career because I know every time I put on the helmet for a game or practice I represent every person who has played club football around the world. Now coaches and scouts can say, ‘Man, that player has a lot of talent where did he play? Georgia State Club Football.’ The team allowed scouts to change the way they viewed club teams and it gave them a chance to see more talent. I wanted to show coaches that I can play with the players who went to the Maryland’s, to the Michigan’s, to the Georgia Tech’s, etc. I am blessed to be getting paid for playing the game I love, but I did what people thought was the impossible coming out of Georgia State.

PT: Who were some of the teams that were looking at you?

CA: I received letters from the New York Giants. I worked out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars scouts during my college pro day at Morehouse College before the NFL Draft. Who would have ever thought that a player from a Club football team would work out for the NFL and go on to have a professional career playing Arena football? I have done things some D1 players have been able to do. 

PT: Tell me about your Arena League career.

CA: I started my Arena League career in 2009. I signed my first contract with the Green Bay Blizzard and after being released I was immediately picked up by the San Angelo Stampede Express in the Indoor Football League. I played the whole 2009 season with them and re-signed the 2010 season and then was traded to the Maryland Maniacs in Week Eight. I’m still currently signed with the Maniacs going into the 2011 season.

PT: Do you wish you had any eligibility left?

CA: Yes, I do because then I could make the Georgia Dome my stage and I could put on a show every Saturday for the world to see. The road would be a lot easier.

PT: What's next for you?

CA: I work and train hard and stay ready for the private workouts for these teams. I have been contacted in recent weeks by the Toronto Argonauts, Hamilton Tiger Cats in the Canadian Football League. I have also been contacted by the Omaha Nighthawks in the United Football League and also been contacted by the Kansas City Chiefs.

PT: Do you plan on attending games when they fit into your schedule?

CA: Yes, I do to plan to make a few games this season at the Dome and support the new GSU team.

20 Days and Counting: Bus Wraps Plaster the City

Do you have your tickets yet?

Practice # 9 & #10: Position Battles Heating Up

Could a RS Freshman being starting at Right Tackle?

Great coverage again by DJ and some interesting insight on how the O-Line is developing and what battles are shaping up.

PantherTalk Link

Basketball Recruiting: Men's & Women's in the News

As we still await word from UCONN transfer SG Jamaal Trice (who was in Atlanta the last few days and is headed back to LA today) on whether he'll join the team, there were a few basketball recruiting nuggets that came across the wire in the last 48 hours:

-Coach SBT (Sheryl Baldwin-Tener for those not familiar) was after a pretty big recruit.  #72 on the ESPN Top 100 to be exact in forward Tiffany Minor of Washington D.C.'s Maret School.  She has given her (public) verbal to Old Dominion but this gives you an idea on how our recruiting efforts have had to change in order to compete in the CAA.  Hampton Road Link

-On the men's side, Coach Barnes and the team are currently in the Bahamas but also after some big names.  One being Miller Grove's 6'7 wing Brandon Morris.  Morris has the big boys after him with offers from Clemson, Auburn and Georgia but again it's not like CRB and staff aren't trying.  They have offers out to some big name players and I'l lbe interested on how we close before November's early siging period.  AJC Link

Could we be facing a Rhodes Scholar & a Heisman Trophy Winner?

Looks like Greg McElroy, the Alabama starting QB will find out if he's a finalist 2 days after our game.

CBS Sports Link

Homecoming Game vs. Morehead State on CSS

According to MSU official site:

Morehead State football’s game at Georgia State on Oct. 2 will be regionally televised by Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast (CSS).

It will mark the second year the non-scholarship program has had a regionally televised game. Last year MSU aired a home game versus Pioneer Football League rival San Diego.

Official Link

ESPN The Magazine: The Article

Photo Courtesy of Peter Yang of ESPN The Magazine

ESPN Link

Lost & Found: The Club Football Archives

I did some digging and I hope you take some time to read up on the history of club football.  I'm in the process of creating a Wikipedia page with these articles will serve as citations.

Have a read and learn something.  Your humble blogger is mentioned a few times but there were many, many who put this together and made the football effort what it is.  Thanks to the "GodFather of Club Football" Mark Lawson, "The Benefactor" Ed Gadrix, "The Voice of the People" Jay Bryant, Coach Ted Bahhur and his entire staff, to Chris Martz and Chris McClure for giving us the coverage on campus, to Michelle Hiskey at the AJC for taking a chance on us and giving us a front page article on the Southeast's largest newspaper, the entire club football team and many, many, many others.

These links are a part of our history and I truly hope that each and every player and those involved know that we started "GSU The Movement."

The Original Article: Signal Link

Coke Football Preview: Our first Dance with the other 2 schools in our state.  I remember stories after this event that Georgia Tech players were in our dorms at the Village talking trash about how they would stomp us.  As Outkast would say, "If you scared, say you scared. "  This was beautiful.  Signal Link

Detailing Some of the Founders of Club Football: Signal Link

The Initial Student Reaction: Student Speak Out on Club Football: Signal Link

Don't Hate on GState: Signal Link

The inaugural club football game write up.  I remember traveling with Ed & Chris Martz to Mobile.  One of my favorite Georgia State moments period.  Signal Link 

Another First - Victory vs. UNC-Greensboro: Signal Link

Game 3 vs. Duke's Club Team on the Road: Signal Link

Game 4 vs. UNC's Club Team: Signal Link

Season One Finale: Home vs. South Alabama: Signal Link

Club Football Moves Onto Season #2: Signal Link

When we tailgate on September 2nd, please remember to raise your beverage and toast these incredible people and the stories that ensued.  Much respect!

Football Practice #8: Time for a Scrimmage

WR Sidney Haynes & TE Arthur Williams on Field Goal Protect.  You're not getting by.

Photo Courtesy of Georgia State Sports Communications

CBC: "There was a lot of enthusiasm and effort, and that's where it all starts," said Curry after the scrimmage. "Anyone who's ever watched a football scrimmage can see how far we have to go. But we've got time to do it, and that's the good news."

Curry noted that both the offense and the defense had their moments in the scrimmage, which included officials.

"The defense could dominate for certain stretches, but then all of a sudden there would be a touchdown or a long run or a long catch by the offense," said Curry. "That's what happens with defenses that are constantly morphing with personnel, some of whom have been here for a year and some who just got here last week. That's part of the deal. We've got to become a team, and we will."
 Georgia State Sports Link

My take: Baby steps.  Guys are still learning their roles and the coaches are starting to see how will be making an impact.  Two practices tomorrow.  Gotta get 2% better.

Wednesday Quick Hitters - 8.11.10

GSU Football from a Florida perspective: It's always intersting to me when we grab players from different states and how they react to our program.  Pretty good write up and insight on how highly regarded Clyde Yandell and Paris Lee were down in their home state.  Jacksonville.com Article

Guard Michael Davis tears ACL: As most saw yesterday via the official practice report, Redshirt Fresman Michael Davis tore his ACL and is out for the season.  He was developing very well and had the inside track on a starting spot come Sept. 2nd.  We wish him a speedy recovery and he remains very focused on getting better even with this injury.  From his Twitter page today: Making big strides in my prehab every day. #Godisworking

ESPN the Magazine Cover: PantherTalk.com broke the cover before anyone else had it.  *Collective Spit Take From That Southeast Georgia School.*  Big ups for the Atlanta Business Chronicle grabbing it before any other local media outlet.

Tracking Former UCONN SG Jamaal Trice: Mannnn this bout to b a long flight.  Could he be headed to the A?  Stay tuned for the latest.

ESPN Video: College Football Kickoff Babies Photo Shoot

Photo Courtesy of the Atlanta Business Chronicle

ESPN Link

Atlanta Business Chronicle Write Up

Fall Practice #6 & 7- 1st Two-a-Days

CBC Shouting Instructions with CB Parker Stevens in the background

Photo Courtesy of Georgia State Sports Communications

CBC: “I’ve learned that most of our guys will fight through the fatigue and the pain,” said head coach Bill Curry after the second of two practices Tuesday. “Football may be the most uncomfortable game in the world. Some people can’t handle it, but most of our men are at least trying. We’ve got light years to go in terms of execution and details, but I’m proud of the effort, for the most part.”

Bad News: The offensive line did suffer a loss as Curry announced that guard Michael Davis is out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. The redshirt freshman from Lithonia, Ga., and Chamblee High School injured the knee in practice and will undergo surgery in a few weeks.

“That’s a tremendous blow to our football team,” said Curry. “He is one of our best leaders, one of our best players and one of our most upbeat people. We’re all in agony about it, but that’s football and that’s life.”

Junior college transfers Gabriel Hampton and Ladeven Kirkland have stepped in to replace Davis at left guard.

Georgia State Sports Link

Jarvis Hayes Speaks to the Men's Basketball Team

Photo courtesy of GSU Sports Communications

Good to see former UGA basketball player and current New Jersey Net Jarvis Hayes in the Sports Arena.  I didn't realize that he's actually Coach Raheem Waller's brother.  Great advice and I hope the men's team takes heed as Jarvis has definitely found his nitch and has carved out an 8 year NBA career and has made more than $13 million.  Not bad, not bad at all.

Read the rest of the story

Football Team Involved in Freshman Block Party

Freshman Block Party

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Hurt Park and Gilmer Street

Georgia State students, faculty and staff are invited to kick off the inaugural season of Panther Football at the Welcome Week Block Party, following Freshman Convocation! We'll be blocking off Gilmer Street from the Student Recreation Center to the heart of Hurt Park. Festivities will feature food, games, music and giveaways, as well as appearances by head football coach Bill Curry and other campus leaders. Meet Georgia State student-athletes, including the 2010 football team. The Block Party is hosted by Admissions, Athletics and Undergraduate Studies. Campus groups will be on hand with information on programs and ways to get involved.

Courtesy of GSU PantherWelcome

Fall Practice #5: Hybrid Defense and a Position Switch

Big thank you to DJ for his complete run down.

-Great Insight on our Defense and Coach Thompson gains another fan.
-Cole Moon will be playing a new position come Fall.
-Christo Bilukidi begins to emerge.
-A new face in the Panther Backfield?

PantherTalk Link

Football Opponent Check In - 8.9.10

Combing the web, I was able to uncover some interesting things about nearly all of our upcoming football opponents.  Check the links.

Jacksonville State Practice Report & Stadium Construction Update: http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20100807/NEWS/100809884?Title=Crowe-gives-JSU-high-grades-
http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/08/amazing_view_--_and_amazing_vi.html

Savannah State Update: http://savannahnow.com/sports/2010-08-09/ssus-dixon-hopes-lose-interim-tag

Lamar Practice Report: http://www.lamarcardinals.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080510aaf.html

South Alabama Practice Report: http://usajaguars.com/news/2010/8/8/FB_0808105340.aspx

ODU Practice Report: http://www.odusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080810aac.html

Alabama Practice Report: http://www.examiner.com/x-6543-Alabama-Crimson-Tide-Examiner~y2010m8d7-Alabama-football-practice-3-Luther-Davis-praised-by-Saban--Blake-Sims-at-QB

Behind the Scenes at Picture Day: The Movement

Photo Courtesy of MG's Helmets

Travis Evans is definitely a character.  Oh yeah, he's really good to.  Great job again by Georgia State Sports Communications for putting it together.

From Evans,"September 2nd, GSU The Movement, taking off."

Link to Video

Fall Practice #4: Leo Mazzone Visits

The Greatest Pitching Coach Ever poses with Punters Kevin Crosby, Brandon Lupo

and Long Snapper Scott McQueen

"The guys are leg weary, and you can see the self-pity; it almost oozes out of the pores," said Curry. "We started to drop balls and line up incorrectly. I don't tolerate that, and it gives me a chance to put my foot down and lengthen practice or repeat periods until we start to execute with some snap and precision. That's fact of life with any team."

Curry is looking for his squad to persevere through the "dog days" of preseason practice in the heat of August.

"I told the guys today that the 'new' stuff is over," he said. "We're not a new team anymore. We've seen you now, we know what you can do, and we expect you to do it. Most of them understand that and are trying to respond."

After a day off from practice on Sunday, the Panthers will work in full pads for the first time Monday morning.

"I'm looking for a big jump because we're not practicing this afternoon or tomorrow," said Curry. "I think the rules are good because the players get some time off their feet. We should have plenty of energy Monday, and we should have had plenty of time to study our playbooks. I expect to start looking like a real football team, officially, Monday morning."

Georgia State Sports Link

My Take: The guys better take a get ready pill as Monday should be a rough practice with hitting likely.  CBC and staff are definitely identifying the guys that put the work in this summer and those who haven't.  You will get lapped on the depth chart if you are not physically and mentally ready to compete everyday.

Fall Practice #3: Defense Dominates

Read DJ'S Breakdown.   Absolutely worth the read and it sounds like our guys benefitted by the earlier than normal stop to pracice due to the threat of lightnning.

Braving a brutal heat index of well over a 100 degrees, the football team concluded its 3rd Fall practice of the season. Heat sensors were installed inside the players’ helmets (at the request of the coaching staff) to monitor and ensure player safety. A member of the staff informed me that the field was even hotter yesterday, measuring at astonishing 120 degrees. Needless to say, players today were frequenting the water coolers every chance they got, and despite tough conditions, put forth an incredible effort.

Photos from Practice 3

Players will have the benefit of a state-of-the-art Theatre Room.

Photo Courtesy of DJ Kunovac.

Fall Practice #2: Curry sees Improvement

That's to be expected at this point.  CBC and staff have to get these guys up quickly.  Temps should be a littler cooler (stress on the little part of that statment) as the team will practice at 3pm and don shells for the first time (that's helmet, shoulder pads and shorts for those not familiar).

Georgia State Sports Website Wrap of Day 2

A few pics from Day 2

Photo Courtesy of Georgia State Sports Communications

AJC Stepping Up GSU Coverage

Photo Courtesy of the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Johnny Crawford

Kudos to the Atlanta Journal Constitution stepping up there GSU coverage and overhaul their dedicated page.

Ken Seguira's Article on Practice Day 1: Jackson Impresses

Photos from Practice

Wednesday's Quick Hitters - 8.4.10

-Today was Media Day for the football team. 
                      29 days for those who are counting(and we are).

           - Some Quick Notes from Media Day:

• 3187 season tickets sold as of 8/2, according to Cheryl Levick today
• Coach Bill Curry calls the economy one of the most challenging things about starting this program.
• CBC calls out DE Demetreious Shorter. Ability and talent are there, needs to work harder.
• Football Practice Began today @ 3pm.

Keep it locked here and PantherTalk.com for the latest updates.

-Former SC QB Julian Stokes will attempt to walk on when walk on tryouts begin.  Interesting to see if lands a spot.
Link to Coastal Courier Article.

Pictures from Fall Practice Day 1

Courtesy of the folks at Sports Dept. at Creative Loafing.  Follow them on Twitter @Sportsloaf.

O-Line Doing Work. Two of the new guys #73 Gabriel Hampton & #76 LeDevon Kirkland.

Photo Courtesy of Georgia State Sports Communications

#2 Star Jackson and #4 Kelton Hill let one fire.

Photo Courtesy of Georgia State Sports Communications

RB Rosevelt Watson gets low while OL Coach Todd Perry looks on

Shorter Bringing The Noise on Sept. 2nd

The Shorter University football team appears to have called upon a secret weapon for its season opener with University of West Alabama on Aug. 28, as well as its much-anticipated clash with Georgia State University on Sept. 2 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

The weapon you ask? The 23 flavors of Dr. Pepper.

Those who have roamed the athletic offices at the Winthrop-King Centre over the past several weeks may have noticed the arrival of a colossal quantity of mini Dr. Pepper bottles – some full, most empty.

Eventually, every bottle – approximately 1,000 in the end – are being used in creating noisemakers that will be distributed among Hawk football fans as they travel to Shorter home and away games this season, one that begins on Saturday, Aug. 28 when the Hawks travel to NCAA Div. II foe University of West Alabama.

“Initially, we will try the shakers out on the road at West Alabama, and then I expect them to be in full force at the Georgia Dome against Georgia State,” said Shorter Director of Athletics Bill Peterson, who has witnessed first hand the invasion of Dr. Pepper amidst WKC halls. “It’s a fun idea and should be really helpful to our team.””

Rome News Wire Link

The Voice Interviews Coach Curry

Awesome interview from "The Voice" Dave Cohen at the Atlanta Sports Preview Luncheon with Coach Bill Curry.

Link here

Men's Basketball: Asst. Coach Ron Moore?

High Point is looking to replace boys' basketball coach Ron Moore after he accepted an assistant coaching job at Georgia State University. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native took over the struggling program three years ago. After winning just two games in the 2007-08 season, the Eagles went 15-8 last season and made it to the 4A South Region title game before losing to Eleanor Roosevelt.

High Point Athletic Director Shirley Diggs said the search for a new coach hasn't started yet.

"I got the call a couple of weeks ago because he just found out that he got the job at Georgia State," Diggs said. "We loved Ron at High Point and he did a fantastic job with this program. I am upset for the kids because they were excited for the upcoming season because he worked hard with them and brought the program back."

Maryland Community Newspapers Link

Still looking into this one...Stay tuned

Petit Makes $1.5 Million Gift to Football!

Everyone stand up and clap your hands for Mr. Petit.  Thank you!

Georgia State University hasn’t played a football game yet, but the program has scored a key victory as alumnus and long-time benefactor Parker H. “Pete” Petit has made a $1.5 million commitment toward the GSU Football Practice Complex, representing the largest gift ever made to GSU athletics.

“I believe that having football at Georgia State University will provide numerous benefits for the students and the University,” said Petit. “Under Coach Bill Curry, Panther football will add a new dimension to the excitement and enthusiasm that students will feel about their University experience.

Courtesy of Georgia State Sports
Atlanta Business Chronicle Link

Coach Barnes: Practice Day 2 underway

According to CRB's Twitter page: Day 2! We r Working hard! Check out the facility. New floor, lights & seating in 1 mo. GSU facilities crew is super!