We've covered the offensive side of the ball and the special teams, now let’s take a look at the pre-spring depth chart for the Georgia State defense. This unit may have the biggest opportunity for improvement as the much-maligned defensive line was gashed in 2010. In the last four games vs. FCS opponents alone, the GSU defense gave up an average of 195 yards on the ground. GSU adds three defensive lineman to the rotation and will have the benefit of an additional offseason to gain much needed size and strength.
Strongside Defensive End
Senior Christo Bilukidi
Freshman Roderick Thompson
RS Sophmore Austin Wiley
Freshman McClain Head
Nose Guard
Senior Khirey Karriem
Senior Dion Perry
Sophomore Terrance Woodard
RS Sophomore Eduardo Curry
Weakside Defensive End
Senior Kalan Jenkins
RS Sophomore Demetrious Shorter
*Projected Starters in Bold
Analysis
While all three returning starters along the defensive line are seniors, only Bilukidi is a lock. The 6’5, 285-lb. man-child from Ottawa, Ontario, was a force last season registering 38.5 tackles, seven TFL, five sacks and two forced fumbles. Jenkins is a converted tight end and needs to put on quality weight. He will be pushed by Shorter and incoming freshmen Thompson and Head. Walk on Austin Wiley played well in spots but will likely slide down the depth chart with the two talented freshman entering the rotation.
The biggest battle for playing time may come at the point of attack at noseguard. Karriem returns and was very active but is undersized at 270 lbs. Woodard at 320 lbs. may have the body to be your prototypical Nose. Curry returns from a season-ending foot injury suffered in the preseason and will be called upon for rotation depth as he entered last year’s fall camp at 300 lbs. Who steps in and takes the nose guard spot will determine how effective the Panthers are at stopping the run and freeing up their talented linebacking corps to roam free.