ATLANTA--As Georgia State concluded spring practice with a final scrimmage Friday morning, redshirt freshman Ben McLane emerged as the Panthers number one quarterback.

McLane, from Snellville, Ga., has been running with the first offense the last two weeks, moving in front of junior returnees Kelton Hill and Bo Schlechter. A former state championship winner at Brookwood High School, McLane overtook the two veterans, who combined to start nine of GSU's 11 games in 2011, with consistency and accuracy.

"Ben was the most consistent quarterback and the most accurate quarterback this spring," said offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach John Bond. "Day-in and day-out, he did a good job completing passes and managing the offense.

"In the offseason, he needs to continue to work hard on his game and he needs to continue to study the offense - all the things he's been doing that have allowed him to play beyond his years."

One of the standouts in GSU's final scrimmage was cornerback Nate Anthony, a junior from Conley, Ga., who had two interceptions and a fumble recovery.

"Nate has always been a great effort guy and one of the best citizens and leaders on our team," said head coach Bill Curry. "He's moved positions a few times, so it's really nice to see him getting a feel for cornerback and making big plays."

Senior Qwontez Mallory had two more sacks in the scrimmage as he continues a very successful transition from linebacker to defensive end.

"We played Qwontez at linebacker last season because we needed him there, but, as he told me, he loves to play football with his hand in the dirt," said Curry.

Another player that Curry mentioned for his progress this spring is junior offensive guard Harrison Clottey, who moves into a starting role.

"Harrison really made strides in improving his technique this spring," said Curry.

The Panthers open the 2012 season by hosting South Carolina State on Thursday, Aug. 30 at the Georgia Dome.

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