With 44 practices in the books, the Georgia State football team is developing consistency in its execution and intensity and individual standouts are beginning to emerge, according to head coach Bill Curry.
Practice No. 44 took place Thursday morning at the Georgia Dome as the Panthers went through scrimmage situations with officials present.
"This is the fourth time we've had officials at practice, and we really appreciate their time," said Curry after the workout.
"The intensity is picking up. We've had 44 practices, and we're starting to understand how hard we have to practice every single day in order to get better. We still have some days where we wallow around a little bit, but today was good.
"Consistency is the goal."
Curry said that many players have shown promise, but he noted several individuals who are playing well, beginning with cornerbacks Brandon Jones and Parker Stevens. Jones is an Atlanta native who transferred to Georgia State after playing two seasons at Mars Hill, while Stevens is a freshman from Katy, Texas.
"On defense, we've had excellent work in the secondary," said Curry. "Brandon Jones has played very well at cornerback. He's a Southwest DeKalb grad who played for Buck Godfrey, one of the great coaches of all time.
"Parker Stevens is another corner who missed several weeks with a thumb injury. Now he's back, and he's done excellent work. Those are the two who standout back there."
"At linebacker, we had a guy walk on from the student body this fall," continued Curry. "His name is Mike Hall, and he's made play after play after play. If he'll just keep that pace, he'll have a chance to be a contributor.
"The guy who's done better up front on defense is Demetreious Shorter. He's a hybrid defensive end who's going to be hard to block for tackles or backs."
Moving to the offense, Curry immediately mentioned Travis Evans, the tailback from Williston, Fla., who earned frequent praise throughout the season.
"On offense, I think it's hands down that Travis Evans has been the standout," said Curry. "He runs the hardest, he plays with the most enthusiasm, and he's broken the most long runs."
At quarterback, Drew Little (McDonough, Ga./Henry County HS) and Kelton Hill (Lithia Springs, Ga./Lithia Springs HS), both from the Atlanta area, are competing.
"The guy who has studied the hardest and mastered the offense the best is Drew Little, but he's got real keen competition from Kelton Hill," said Curry. "Those two are going to battle it out, and there may be others as we go forward.
"Up front, we've got a transfer from Ball State, Ben Jacoby, who has been a stalwart at center. He's got some things he needs to work on, but he's a good leader for us."
Finally, Curry mentioned his wide receivers.
"Our wide receive corps is probably the most talented group, but they're also the most prone to line up in the wrong place because of all the formations we use. I'm not ready to single out any names, but we're pleased with them as a group."
