ATLANTA -- It's two weeks down and two more to go as the Georgia State football team continues preparations for the Sept. 2 season opener.
The Panthers, coming off their first bowl appearance, host Ball State on Friday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Georgia Dome. Season and single-game tickets are on sale now by calling 404-413-4020 or visiting GeorgiaStateSports.com.
NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE PANTHERS PRESEASON:
UNDER CENTER: The quarterback battle continues as the Panthers must fill the position manned the last two years by Sun Belt Student-Athlete of the Year Nick Arbuckle. Junior Conner Manning, sophomore Emiere Scaife and redshirt freshman Aaron Winchester are all in the mix, and head coach Trent Miles has said that he will not announce the starter prior to the opening game.
TOE-ING IT UP: Following the graduation of all-conference kicker Wil Lutz, now in camp with the Baltimore Ravens, a pair of newcomers are battling to earn the kicking job in freshman Barry Brown from Dublin, Ga. (Dublin HS) and Rogier Ten Lohuis, a former soccer player from the Netherlands. Redshirt freshman Brandon Wright (Atlanta, Ga.) looks to earn the role of punter and kickoff specialist.
NEW NUMBER: All-Sun Belt defensive end Shawanye Lawrence has changed jersey numbers for his senior season. After donning No. 85 his first three years, he asked to wear No. 49 this year in honor of his late high school coach from Eagle's Landing, Joe Teknipp, who died last year.
ROOKIES: True freshman receiver Devin Gentry of Louisville, Ky., is among those rookies who have shown potential to contibute this season. On the offensive line, tackle Nick Meyer and Shamarious Gilmore are vying for backup roles. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has mentioned cornerback Cedric Stone of Charlotte, N.C., and defensive end Terry Thomas of McDonough as rookies who have caught his eye with a chance to earn playing time.
INTERNATIONAL FLAIR: Head coach Trent Miles took time during preseason camp to visit with Georgia State's international students at their annual "Global Grillout" welcome event. Several hundred international students attended Wednesday's event at the GSU Sports Arena and got an introduction to Panther athletics.
SCRIMMAGE SATURDAY: The Panthers will hold their second scrimmage of the preseason Saturday morning at the GSU Practice Complex at 11 a.m. Georgia State students, faculty/staff, alumni and season ticket holders, including those from the Perimter College campuses.
Saturday's scrimmage will mark the end of preseason "camp" as the Panthers move into their dorm rooms this weekend in preparation for the start of fall semester classes Monday.
