What You Need to Know:
• The defense made big plays in GSU's second spring scrimmage, including two interceptions, two sacks, a fumble recovery and eight pass breakups.
• Running back Taz Bateman continues to impress, including a 55-yard pass play.
• Spring practice continues through the April 16 Spring Game at Panthersville.
ATLANTA -- Georgia State's defense, which returns nine starters, made plenty of big plays in the Panthers' second spring scrimmage, held Saturday morning at the GSU Practice Complex.
Junior cornerback Antreal Allen grabbed two interceptions, and GSU defenders got their hands on several other balls including two breakups each by cornerback Jerome Smith and defensive end Shawanye Lawrence.
Sophomore linebacker Chase Middleton recovered a fumble, defensive end Mackendy Cheridor had a sack and a pass breakup, while Tevin Jones (sack) and Kaleb Ringer (TFL) also had tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Freshmen defensive backs Cedric Stone and David West added pass breakups.
Offensively, graduate transfer Conner Manning had the best day among the quarterbacks, going 13-for-26 for 147 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. On one scoring drive, he had consecutive completions of 26, 23 and 13 yards, the last being a touchdown pass to true freshman receiver Jonathan Ifedi.
Sophomore Emiere Scaife struggled today, completing four passes for 52 yards but throwing two interceptions.
Redshirt freshman Aaron Winchester had five completions for 74 yards, highlighted by a 55-yard completion to Taz Bateman on a busted play.
Bateman, the junior running back, continues to impress this spring with his versatility, also catching an 18-yard pass.
In addition to his 13-yard touchdown, Ifedi, the early enrollee from Charlotte, N.C., had a 26-yard receptions. Tight end Ari Werts contributed four catches for 44 yards with a long of 26.
The blustery conditions made things challenging for the offense and the kicking game, but redshirt freshman Brandon Wright nailed a 52-yard field goal.
Overall, head coach Trent Miles was pleased with the scrimmage.
“I thought there was more energy overall than the last scrimmage, so I like that," he said. “There were apparently no major injuries, so I am a delighted man right now.
“I always want to watch film before I make evaluations, but I saw some good things on defense, some good things on offense and some things we need to correct.”
The Panthers have four practices remaining, capped by the April 16 Spring Game at Panthersville.
REMAINING SPRING PRACTICE DATES (Subject to Change)
Tuesday, April 12, 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, April 14, 9:30 a.m.
Friday, April 15, 10 a.m.
Saturday, April 16, Spring Game, 1 p.m.
