The Sports Inquirer

Release from Georgia State Athletics

ATLANTA – As the Georgia State football team completed its first full week of practices on the hottest day so far, the special teams units are beginning to get more attention.

Secondary and special teams coach J.D. Williams is excited to see who emerges from the position battle at the returner positions that were filled last season by All-American Albert Wilson, now with the Kansas City Chiefs. With Wilson’s production difficult to be matched by any one person, the Panthers are looking at several candidates, including juniors Avery Sweeting and Donovan Harden.

“There’s good competition back there,” Williams said. “That’s key. Any one of our returners could take it to the house so I’m pleased with that. Right now, I just want to see who’s more consistent and that’s who we’ll put in the game.”

As for coverages, Williams wants to make it easy for the Panthers to learn.

“We try to keep the scheme simple, but effective, and focus mostly on fundamentals. So if they’re blocking and tackling on special teams, then they’re doing the right thing,” Williams noted. “We have a lot of talent with the newcomers, it’s just a matter of getting them in the right places to maximize that potential.”

Williams was also eager to see what returning all-conference punter Matt Hubbard can do on the field this year with what Williams calls “an NFL leg.”

Hubbard, who has a career average of 42.3 yards per kick, said the specialists are focusing on learning the schemes system right now.

“We just started throwing in schemes against a scout team last night so we’ve got some work to do,” Hubbard said. “It wasn’t up to game level yet, but we were blocking so the scheme is right. We just have to learn it all.”

Hubbard praised Williams for his coaching abilities.

“He tries to keep us healthy and make sure we’re all doing the right thing,” Hubbard said. “His protections are always outstanding.”