It has been a tumultuous week for the Georgia State football team, but every day is a new day. The Panthers have picked up two big-time transfers from the SEC. According to sources, former Kentucky running back Donald Russell and tight end Alex Smith have joined the program and will be immediately eligible to participate in fall practice.

Russell is a 5-foot-11, 209-pound balanced running back out of Dwyer High in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He began 2010 as the Wildcat backup RB but slid down the depth chart behind true freshman Raymond Sanders and was granted his release in January. Donald has very good speed and is a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield. He has 77 career rushes for 430 yards and three touchdowns. Donald will have two years of eligibility remaining for the Panthers.

Smith is a 6-foot-5, 251-pound former Rivals.com 4-star recruit out of Lakota West High in Cincinnati, Ohio. Smith was rated as the No. 11 tight end prospect according to Rivals and was dismissed by the Wildcats in April after violating team rules. He comes with a strong reputation as a blocker but has improving hands. He will have four years of eligibility remaining for the Panthers after taking a redshirt in 2010.

The pair will join former UCONN defensive end AJ Portee as fall practice begins on August 4.