ATLANTA -- The Georgia State football program wrapped up its first spring practice under new head coach Dell McGee with the annual Spring Game as the Black defeated the Blue 17-11 before a lively crowd and festive atmosphere at Center Parc Stadium.
After the Black team jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first half, the Blue fought back in the second half and had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds, but D'Icey Hopkins broke up
Braylen Ragland's pass in the end zone.
Defense dominated the controlled scrimmage with each team scoring on an interception return.
Jacorrei Turner for the Black on a 6-yard pick six in the first half, and in the second half,
Jaylen Jones took one 80 yards for a score that brought the Blue back within six points.
"I'm just really proud of our kids and how they finished the spring," McGee said. "It was good to see the resilience from the Blue team to come back."Â
Ragland passed for 206 yards for the Blue, while
Zach Gibson passed for 176 yards for the Black, including the game's only touchdown pass on a 12-yard completion to
Ja'Cyais Credle.
Credle, the senior from Columbus, Ga., finished with six catches for 62 yards.
After the game, McGee focused on the overall progress of the spring.
"With the leadership on the team and the quality young men in the program, they handled the transition very well. A lot that can also be attributed to our coaches, and the players responded in the right way."
Among the crowd at today's Spring Game were numerous high school coaches prospective student-athletes.
"We had a great turnout throughout spring practice," McGee said. "We had 100-plus kids here everyday we practiced. I can't be more appreciative of all the high school coaches who came out today. I tried to shake everyone's hand. We have a brotherhood because I'm a former high school coach, and when I win, they feel like they win."
The day's activities including a halftime performance by rap star Pastor Troy.
