ATLANTA -- The Georgia State football team has quite a few newcomers who are expected to play keys roles this season, but one of the new faces that inside linebackers coach Brian Landis will rely on is not really new at all.

Veteran defender Jontrey Hunter has moved to inside linebacker this season after starting at outside linebacker the last two years. The Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference selection has 138 career tackles with 15.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in a GSU uniform.

"Jontrey has been a staple of our defense the last four years as one of our outside 'backers," Landis said. "With the changes we've made on defense and with the hard work he did in the offseason changing his body and putting on weight, now I have the great gift of having him in my room. He's doing a helluva' job out there."

Hunter is up to about 240 pounds, but he says the biggest adjustment is mental, not physical.

"Playing inside linebacker, I have to be a lot more vocal and more involved with getting everybody lined up and getting our checks right," Hunter said.

Landis agreed, saying, "He's got all the physical tools, so it's just learning what to do, how to do it and when to do it. Luckily for older guys, that's a little bit easier than for a rookie. He's picked it up quickly."

Last season, Hunter was third on the team with 55 tackles in 2022, including six tackles for loss and two sacks. He contributed two interceptions, including one that he returned 77 yards for a score, along with two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and four pass breakups.

Whether he is playing inside or outside, Hunter says he is looking forward to, "Just playing with my brothers one last time."

Hunter and the Panthers open the season on Thursday, Aug. 31, when Georgia State hosts Rhode Island at 7 p.m. at Center Parc Stadium. For tickets, call 404-413-4020 or visit GeorgiaStateSports.com/TIX.