ATLANTA -- As the Georgia State Panthers continue preparations for their 2020 season opener, head coach Shawn Elliott noted two young redshirt freshman defenders who could make an impact for the GSU defense.

Georgia State, which has earned three bowl berths in the last five years, opens the season Sept. 19, when the Panthers host Sun Belt Conference West Division favorite Louisiana at Center Parc Stadium in a 12 noon contest that will be nationally televised on ESPN2.

Asked if there were any "pleasant surprises" in camp, Elliott immediately mentioned defensive end Jeffery Clark and safety Antavious Lane. Both are pushing for significant playing time, and perhaps starting berths, for the defense.

On the defensive line, GSU returns a pair of veteran All-Sun Belt performers in senior noseguard Dontae Wilson and junior defensive end Hardrick Willis. Clark, the redshirt freshman from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, is competing for the starting nod at the defensive end position played last season by Terry Thomas.

"We've got a defensive lineman by the name of Jeffery Clark who's really made a lot of plays over the course of camp," Elliott said. "Coming off his redshirt year, he's really changed and changed his mentality. He's going to be an impact player for us."

In the secondary, Lane is vying for a starting berth at safety, along with senior Evan Jones, who moved from cornerback, and Chris Moore, the graduate transfer from Virginia. Lane, the West Palm Beach, Fla. (Dwyer HS), native, got his feet wet by playing in four games as a true freshman last season to preserve his redshirt year.

"Antavious Lane is a safety that you're going hear a lot about," Elliott continued. "He is one of the more explosive players on our football team. He generates turnovers, he's a sure tackler, and he's a guy who's really stepped up and done an exceptional job this fall camp."

When Elliott moved to discussing the offense, one rookie that he mentioned was true freshman running back Marcus Carroll from Union City, Ga., and Hapeville Charter Academy, who adds depth to a strong running back room. Despite the graduation of GSU's all-time leading rusher Tra Barnett, the Panthers still have juniors Destin Coates 546 yards, 7 TD in 2019), Seth Paige (405 yards, 4 TD) and Tucker Gregg, along with sophomore Dawson Hill coming off injury. Redshirt freshman Makari Pruitt adds depth.

"We are excited about the upcoming season," Elliott said. "We've got a game here in 16 days with Louisiana Lafayette coming into our place, so we've got something to really look forward to. This season is going to be about distractions and how you manage them and keep pushing forward.

"I think we have strong-minded group. Our team is focusing, they're working hard and they're moving forward."