Georgia State's game at Charlotte is a homecoming for team captain Trajan Stephens-McQueen, who attended West Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte. Get to know the Panthers' senior inside linebacker:


ON THE FIELD

> Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference (second team)

> Ranks fifth in GSU history with 204 career tackles

> The Panthers' leading tackler in 2019 with 110 stops, the second-highest total in program history. Ranked fifth in the Sun Belt with 8.5 tackles per game.

> Was second on the team with eight tackles for loss and tied for the team lead with two interceptions

> Set the Georgia State single-game record with an eye-popping 20 tackles in the win over Army. Named Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week

> Grabbed an interception in the fourth quarter to help seal the 38-30 win at Tennessee

> Made his first start at Charlotte as a true freshman in 2017, when the Panthers earned the only shutout in program history in a 28-0 victory over the 49ers.

"I had quite a few people at that game, so it was kind of cool to be able to start as a freshman," he recalled. "A lot of nerves."

But he's come a long way since then.

"I've definitely matured a lot. The game has slowed down, and my football IQ has gotten higher."

> Elected a team captain for 2020, along with Shamarious Gilmore, Dontae Wilson and Hardrick Willis

"I see myself as the quarterback of the defense. Someone that others can ask questions of," Stephens-McQueen said.


OFF THE FIELD

> Stephens-McQueen's home is just minutes from Charlotte's Jerry Richardson Stadium. He had expected to have more than 100 friends and family in attendance, but Charlotte is not allowing any fans.

> His first name comes from the Duke basketball standout of the 1990s, Trajan Langdon. Even though his father is actually a North Carolina Tar Heels fan, he liked the name Trajan.

> Majoring in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in communications. Made the Dean's List last spring.