A lot of good has happened for the Georgia State Panthers after a historic season full of firsts. First time getting to 6 wins as a Division 1 program. First time in program history to become bowl eligible and play in the first ever Cure Bowl in Orlando, Fl.
The 2015 season is now in the rear view mirror, and in a three part series we will take a look at the past, the present and the future of the program now that National Signing Day has concluded.
First up, we take a look at what the Panthers are losing as they prepare for the 2016 season.
Overall the Panthers are losing 23 Seniors from the 2015 team.
OFFENSE
Offensively, GSU will be without 14 players including some playmakers who accounted for some major production.
Who: Nick Arbuckle, Donovan Harden, Joel Ruiz, Wil Lutz, Nyiakki Height, Kristian Collins, Avery Sweeting, Clay Chastain, David Huey, Jonathan Lytle, Kelepi Folau, Marcus Caffrey, Steve Wolgamott and Taylor Evans.
Biggest Loss: QB Nick Arbuckle owns practically every Georgia State not to mention a number of SunBelt records with a career 7651 yards and 51 touchdowns in just the last two seasons alone. His level of production on the field is well documented, but what may be missed the most doesn’t show up on any stat sheet – his leadership.
By the Numbers: Collectively this group accounted for nearly 11,000 total yards 71 touchdowns and almost 16,000 yards on special teams.
DEFENSE
On the other side of the ball, the Panthers have some big shoes to fill losing 9 players on defense.
Who: Joseph Peterson, Tarris Batiste, Bruce Dukes, Derrick Cannon, Nate Paxton, Nate Simon, Dartez Jacobs, Andrew Everett, and Melvin King
Biggest Loss: Joseph Peterson was amongst the top 20 in FBS and second in the conference in tackles recording 9.7 per game. He also holds the school record with 116 tackles, 9 for a loss, and 2 sacks. However, like his counterpart on the offense, Peterson was a leader for the Panthers defense.
This group set the standards and probably deserve to be referred to as “The Cornerstones” of “The Foundation” for what should be a very bright future for Georgia State football.
Woody Bass is a staff writer for Peach State College Sport and can be found on Twitter at .
