Georgia State Football: Experience leads the way for 2021 Panthers

Despite losses, Panthers have plenty of experience on defense

After struggling for the first part of the 2020 season, the Georgia State defense really started to play better by the end of the year. The biggest reason for concern for the Panthers is going to be the loss of pass rusher Jordan Strachan, who has transferred to South Carolina and that is going to be 10.5 sacks that are hard to replace.

Even with the loss of Strachan, the Panthers are going to have the ability to get after the quarterback. Hardrick Willis had six sacks and was a second-team All-Sun Belt selection last season. Jeffrey Clark and Akeem Smith are also going to be back up front, as well as Thomas Gore.

The linebacking corps is going to be where the Panthers need to find them some playmakers. They are going to be missing three starters, including Strachan. Last year’s leading tackler Blake Carroll is the lone returning starter and he is going to be looking to build on his 74 tackles from 2020. Jontrey Hunter, Justin Abraham, and Jhi’Shawn Taylor are going to be the guys that should step into the starting lineup.

The secondary is going to be returning all of their starters from last season. Quavian White and Jaylon Jones are back at corner and White was a second-team all-conference player last season. Chris Moore, a Virginia transfer, is going to be one starter at safety and Antavious Moore is going to be the other.

The Panthers were playing better defense at the end of the year and they hope to keep that trend going.