5 questions about Georgia State football, part II

Greetings.

I know that we are in the middle of hoops hysteria, but Georgia State will begin spring football practice on Wednesday.

To that, I’ll post five spring questions about the team that will bear looking at until practice ends April 6.

I encourage you to post your thoughts about each area because I enjoy what you have to say and I appreciate the feedback.

Here’s part I, who will be the impact player on the defensive line?

Anyway, part II:

Who will take over on the offensive line?

The offensive line was another group that underwhelmed last year, but it also sustained numerous injuries, so much so that it was down to its fourth-string center at one point.

Four starters are gone from that group, but because of the injuries there are players with experience ready to step in.

“Guys that have played are all guys that have been here,” coach Bill Curry said. “It’s not as if we were sticking a totally veteran group in but neither are we putting in redshirt linemen.”

Curry said he wants to see improvement in the run- and pass-blocking. The Panthers had difficulty getting a push last season, notably in several short-yardage situations. The offense averaged 167.9 rushing yards per game and 185.4 passing.

Curry said the line “has [already] improved drastically.”

Curry said left tackle Ulrick John has replaced Ben Jacoby as the line’s leader.

“He’s all over his teammates in the weight room and the running,” Curry said. “Very demanding. I’m really pleased with him.”

The line couldn’t have benefited from the carousel of quarterbacks. It notably played better once Kelton Hill settled into the starting spot in the last few games and the offensive began to develop a consistent identity. His elusiveness, combined with running back Donald Russell’s ability, should aid the offensive line while it develops chemistry and cohesiveness.

Here’s the depth chart

Left tackle

Ulrick John

Gabriel Hampton

Nick Nesmith

Left guard

Michael Davis

Cade Yates

Center

Tim Wynn

Ronald Martin

Right guard

Harrison Clottey

David Huey

Kam Cheatam

Jon Marshall Sauls

Right tackle

Grant King

Ramell Davis

Victor Ozieh

– Doug Roberson, AJC. Please follow me on twitter @ajcgsu