6 Position Battles to Watch in Fall Camp

By: Mac Brown, @SSN_GSU

As promised, the fifth stop of our countdown has arrived. Just like last week, this list isn’t in ascending or descending order, but rather a comprehensive list. This time around the countdown will go over six position battles to pay attention to during Fall Camp. There’s some of the more obvious ones like starting quarterback and running back and then there’s some of the more unsung positions. These six battles, if won by the “right” guy, could be some of the biggest determining factors on how this season turns out for the Panthers. It’s always nice to have a talented roster, but the trade-off is scenarios GSU finds itself in. The coaches will have their work put out for them just as much as the players when it comes to making a decision. But ultimately, it will be won or lost by one of the players mentioned below. To start things off…

1.  QB1 Battle

The Panthers found themselves in the same situation this time last season when it came to the QB position. They were attempting to replace a guy who had essentially been the starter for three full seasons and filled up the stat sheets during that time. Replacing Darren Grainger was going to be no easy task and last season proved exactly that. In the three seasons with Grainger behind the helm, the Panthers averaged 2,260 passing yards per season, 19 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Grainger also added an average of 710 rushing yards and just over 6 touchdowns a season. He also helped lead the Panthers to an average of 6.3 wins per season. Last season, the Panthers saw the starting role split between two guys, Zach Gibson and Christian Veilleux. For the 2024 season, they combined for slightly higher numbers than Grainger, throwing for just over 3,000 yards and a couple more touchdowns. However, neither QB topped 100 rushing yards for the season, they threw over double the interceptions Grainger did with 13, and the Panthers only won 3 games. What it seems the Panthers gave up in dual-threat abilities and efficiency for slightly loftier passing numbers was hardly a fair trade. Going into 2025, the QB position is still undetermined, but there’s reason to have more hope than last year. Here are the guys up for the role:

Player: Chrisitan Veilleux

Years at GSU: Second Season

Previous School(s): Penn State 2021-2022, Pitt 2023

Measurements: 6’5, 209lbs

Career Statistics: 3.508 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, 19 interceptions, 55.5% Completion Percentage, 6.9 yards per attempt, 95 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown

Starting Probability: 50%

Player: Cameran Brown

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): West Georgia 2022-2023, Texas Tech 2024

Measurements: 6’3, 238lbs

Career Statistics: 925 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 53.75% Completion Percentage, 11.1 yards per attempt, 561 rushing yards, 6 rushing touchdowns

Starting Probability: 40%

Player: PJ Hatter

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): Texas State 2023-2024

Measurements: 6’0, 188lbs

Career Statistics: No career passing stats as of now, 45 rushing yards, no touchdowns

Starting Probability: 10%

Veilleux has tenure with the coaching staff and has the most experience at the position at the FBS level. He still has the talent as well. Because of this, he will likely be named the starter when the Panthers head to Oxford next month. But Brown can certainly play well enough in Fall Camp to earn the starting job come Week 1. It really will come down to the style of play first year Offensive Coordinator, Hue Jackson, will want at his QB position. If he wants a more traditional, pro-style pocket passer, Veilleux will likely get the nod. If he wants a dual-threat guy with “something to prove”, he may go in the direction of Brown or Hatter. Based on GSU’s history too, the latter just may be the final choice.

Brown ended up getting the most snaps during the Spring Game in April and arguably played the best out of all the QBs. He has much more experience than Hatter and his running ability could be what wins him the job. Veilleux likely still gets the nod due to the aforementioned reasons but the chances of Brown pulling a Grainger and taking over for a potential winless GSU a few weeks into the season certainly aren’t zero. Whoever the QB may be, as long as they win, no one in the Panther Family will care how they do it.

2.  RB1 Battle

The second most important position in college football: the running back. If you’ve grown up in the South, or anywhere in this country for that matter, you probably understand the importance of a college football running back. Whether it’s legends like Walker, Jackson, or Smith or legends in the making like Gurley, Henry, and most recently Jeanty. College football running backs captivate audiences like almost no other athlete. These guys become Paul Bunyanesque in their short time on campus. Georgia State is not unfamiliar with this phenomenon either. With guys like Marcus Carroll and Tucker Gregg in recent years and players like Tra Barnett and Destin Coates in years past, the “legendary” running back has found a home in Atlanta. Even in a three-win season last year, the Panthers still saw flashes of greatness from Freddie Brock. Brock averaged 5.4 yards per carry and added 8 touchdowns on just 151 rushes. For reference, Carroll had 274 carries in 2023. The Panthers may want to spread the love around a little more in the backfield than they did in 2023, but having a solidified rusher (or two) could bode extremely well for them. Simply put, GSU doesn’t shy away from the running back position and with the talent on the roster for the 2025 season, that won’t be changing. Here’s a look at the potential rushers:

Player: Branson Robinson

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): Georgia 2022-2024

Measurements: 5’10, 211lbs

Career Statistics: 403 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns, 4.3 yards per attempt, 7 receptions, 0 receiving touchdowns

Starting Probability: 27.5%

Player: Djay Braswell

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): South Carolina 2023-2024

Measurements: 5’11, 215lbs

Career Statistics: Braswell only has 12 career carries at the collegiate level

Starting Probability: 27.5%

Player: Rashad Amos

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): South Carolina 2020-2022, Miami (OH) 2023, Ole Miss 2024

Measurements: 6’0, 220lbs

Career Statistics: 1256 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns, 5.3 yards per attempt, 9 receptions, 0 receiving touchdowns

Starting Probability: 20%

Player: Jordon Simmons

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): Michigan State 2020-2023, Akron 2024

Measurements: 5’11, 200lbs

Career Statistics: 1184 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns, 4.8 yards per attempt, 32 receptions, 239 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown

Starting Probability: 20%

Player: Ladanian Martin

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): J L Mann High School 2021-2025

Measurements: 5’10, 180bs

Career Statistics: 1167 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns, 9.1 yards per attempt, 10 receptions, 140 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown in his senior year in 2024

Starting Probability: 5%

Robinson’s level of talent combined with his familiarity with Coach Dell McGee, puts him at the top of the list as of now. Amos is right there with him though as the most productive back at the FBS level in the bunch. Simmons is returning home to Atlanta and looking to end his collegiate career on a high note. Braswell is looking to prove that he is the talented running back in which scouts touted him as years ago. He also saw the most action in the Spring Game last April. All four guys were four-star prospects coming out of high school and should be able to continue that production for GSU. The highly talented freshman, Martin, will be waiting in the wings if they’re unable.

Having any one of them become the lead back and help this team return to Bowl Season is completely in the realm of possibility. If Running Backs Coach Enrique Davis can establish a productive and agreeable hierarchy, this could very well be the most explosive group on the team, if not the entire conference. All signs point to a dominant run game for the Panthers in 2025 and these guys will be the reason why.

3.  WR2 Battle

WR1 for the Panthers is tightly held by the man, the myth, the legend, Ted Hurst. Who will be the team’s second leading receiver though? Will it be another TE like last year? Perhaps one of the above-mentioned running backs breaks through? Ideally, this title would fall onto the team’s second receiver on the depth chart. WR2 for the Panthers in 2025 could look and be done in several different ways. The WR room has guys of all body types and skills, and it will be up to the coaches to maximize that. Who might that be for the 2025 season? Here are the players that could win that title:

Player: Javon Robinson

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): Grambling State 2023-2024

Measurements: 5’7, 155lbs

Career Statistics: 73 receptions, 875 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns, 11.9 yards per reception, 654 return yards, 1 punt return for touchdown

Starting Probability: 30%

Player: DJ Riles

Years at GSU: Second Season

Previous School(s): Middle Tennessee State 2022-2023

Measurements: 5’11, 195lbs

*Career Statistics: 28 receptions, 249 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 8.9 yards per reception, 295 return yards

*Only one full season at WR; was listed as QB on MTSU roster

Starting Probability: 30%

Player: Leo Blackburn

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): Georgia Tech 2021-2024

Measurements: 6’4, 220lbs

Career Statistics: 6 receptions, 105 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns, 17.5 yards per reception

Starting Probability: 25%

Player: Jaylin Marshall

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): Shorter 2022-2024

Measurements: 5’11, 160lbs

Career Statistics: 58 receptions, 719 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns, 12.4 yards per reception, 178 return yards

Starting Probability: 10%

Player: Ahmed Souare

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): Loganville High School 2021-2025

Measurements: 6’0, 200lbs

Career Statistics: 75 receptions, 1387 receiving yards, 18 touchdowns, 18.5 yards per reception, 72 return yards

Starting Probability: 5%

Robinson had a huge performance in April in the Spring Game and scored one of the two touchdowns on the day when he took a screen pass for six. Due to Robinson’s size and likelihood of utilization in the return game, he may not end up being the second leading receiver come season end. Nonetheless, he’s going to have the ball in his hands in 2025. A lot.

Riles returns for his second season in Atlanta and was good for fifth on the team with 494 all-purpose yards in 2024. He also had a good showing in the Spring Game and with his familiarity with the program, is primed for a bigger 2025. Riles and Robinson will likely be utilized in the same way: use their speed and shiftiness in the return game and use their size and skills at the slot receiver position. Both could be used enough to the point where both of their numbers are solid.

Blackburn is another big body receiver like Hurst. Blackburn is in fact one inch taller and 35 pounds heavier than Hurst and even played TE in high school. He played so well that he was rated the #18 tight end in the nation before signing with the Yellow Jackets. Due to a slew of injuries, Blackburn was never really able to get his footing at Tech. He’s now made the 3-mile trip south to GSU and changed positions. Blackburn has a ton of potential and could be poised for a breakout season in 2025.

Marshall was productive during his time at Shorter, especially his last season there. During the 2024 season, Marshall more than doubled his yardage from the season prior and added three touchdowns as well. Additionally, he saw his average yardage per game increase from 18.4 to 45.9. He may not be asked on much during the 2025 campaign, but he should be able to deliver when he is. Depending on how the depth chart shakes out, seeing Marshall towards the top of it come the end of November wouldn’t be the least bit shocking.

Souare is an incoming freshman and has a ton of experience and talent ahead of him on the depth chart. That doesn’t mean he isn’t loaded with talent himself though. Souare had a good game in April for the Panthers and had a prolific high school career. If asked, he should be ready to answer the call. Although the most ideal season probably doesn’t include much of Souare, he’s bound to still show some flashes of greatness.

4.  OLB1 Battle

Last season, this position group was led by the highly skilled senior, Kevin Swint. Swint is now graduated and looking to make an NFL squad for the upcoming season. He leaves behind not only a hole in production, but an even more importantly, a hole in leadership. Replacing everything Swint brough to the table for the Panthers will be one of the tougher tasks for the defense this Fall. The presumed replacement, and a player who had a huge Spring Game, Cam Williams, is no longer listed on the 2025 roster. It’s quickly turned into a dire situation for the Panthers. The four OLBs listed on the current roster are all four incredibly talented, but none played for the Panthers last year. So, who will be the guy who comes out on top and continues to be a wreaking force off the edge for the Panthers like guys like Swint, Jamil Muhammad, and Jordan Strachan?

Player: Zavier Carter

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): LSU 2021-2022, UNLV 2023, UCF 2024

Measurements: 6’4, 225lbs

*Career Statistics: 23 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles

*Did not see action at UCF

Starting Probability: 45%

Player: Marlin Dean

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): Georgia 2021, Butler Community College 2022-2023, Utah State 2024

Measurements: 6’5, 245lbs

Career Statistics: 31 tackles, 9 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles

Starting Probability: 45%

Player: Kelan Butler

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): Jefferson High School 2021-2025

Measurements: 6’3, 235lbs

Career Statistics: 163 tackles, 12 sacks, 25.5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 7 pass deflections

Starting Probability: 5%

Player: Zion Lawson

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): Maynard Jackson High School 2021-2025

Measurements: 6’2, 240lbs

Career Statistics: 46 tackles, 2 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception

Starting Probability: 5%

As is said above, this battle really is between two guys and due to the nature of their position, both will likely be starters. So admittedly, not much of a “battle” when it comes to playing time but more so a battle when it comes to a better statistical season. So, who will win that “battle”?

If it’s based off previous scouting and level of play during high school, Carter easily takes the cake. Carter was the 15^th ranked outside linebacker by 247Sports coming out of high school. Carter was in the 2021 signing class by the LSU Tigers that included Brian Thomas and Garrett Nussmeier and was the composite 3^rd ranked class in the nation. He hasn’t been able to find his way at the collegiate level yet but the raw ability is there for Carter in boatloads. If Coach Jeremy Hawkins can reach the untapped potential of Carter that other coaches at his previous stops haven’t been able to, GSU could be looking at an All-Conference player and more.

Dean was highly touted coming out of high school as well but not to quite the level as Carter. After a redshirt season in Athens and some dominant seasons at the junior level, Dean found himself in the Mountain West and had a serviceable 2024 season. Moving back “home” and a nice haircut can do wonders for a man though. He’s poised for a big year and the chances of him and Carter feasting are growing by the day. If Dean can play anything like he does on NCAA Football 26 for the Panthers, he’ll have a huge year and be a hopeful piece in a revamped Panthers front-seven.

Butler and Lawson are both incredibly talented freshmen who will undoubtedly play bigger and bigger roles as their time at GSU marches on. They’ll certainly play some spot situations for the defense and if they play like they did at the previous level, they should capitalize on those moments. But similarly to previous players mentioned on this list, if the 2025 season is to go ideally for the Panthers, it probably does mean that these two don’t see a considerable amount of playing time. However, with defensive rotations and the violent nature of the sport, hearing the names of Butler and Lawson will be a familiar sound for the Panther Family this Fall.

5.  CB1 Battle

Last year’s starters on both ends are now no longer on the roster. Gavin Pringle joins Swint in graduating and attempting to make an NFL squad this season. Izaiah Guy hit the transfer portal and will now be playing in Tampa for the University of South Florida Bulls. There’s not a single guy on the roster for 2025 who saw considerable playing time for the Panthers in 2024. Historically, this may mean the cornerback position would be one of weakness for GSU. But in the day of the transfer portal, GSU was able to reload this position quickly. CB1 will be tasked with one of the tougher asks in all of football by taking on the opposing team’s WR1 week in and week out. One of the below guys will likely be the one to earn that title:

Player: Isaiah Dunson

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): Miami (FL) 2020-2022, Baylor 2023-2024

Measurements: 6’1, 197lbs

*Career Statistics: 18 tackles, 1 pass deflection, 1 tackle for loss, 0 interceptions

*Did not see action in 2024

Starting Probability: 30%

Player: Tyler Scott

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): Auburn 2023-2024

Measurements: 6’1, 199lbs

Career Statistics: Saw limited action in 4 games in 2023, Missed entire 2024 after ACL surgery

Starting Probability: 30%

Player: Sam McCall

Years at GSU: Second Season

Previous School(s): Florida State 2022, Texas A&M 2023

Measurements: 5’11, 190lbs

Career Statistics: 12 tackles, 2 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, 0 interceptions

Starting Probability: 30%

Player: Chams Diagne

Years at GSU: Third Season

Previous School(s): Independence Community College 2023

Measurements: 6’4, 207lbs

Career Statistics: 11 tackles, 0 interceptions

Starting Probability: 10%

Dunson was rated the #21 cornerback in the nation in 247Sports Composite Rankings coming out of Tucker High School in 2020. He’s played at a top-level Power 5 program and probably possesses the highest ceiling of any player mentioned above. However, he’s struggled with staying healthy and thus staying on the field. Dunson has shown in the past he can run with the best of them and as long as his body holds up, there’s no reason to think he can’t do exactly that for the Panthers.

Scott was a top 40 prospect in the state of Georgia for the 2023 class. He helped the Pebblebrook Falcons reach the Class 7A state playoffs in back-to-back season and was named 2021 All-Region. Scott’s high level of play earned him a roster spot on another high-end Power 5 program in Auburn. Like Dunson though, Scott has struggled with injuries as he missed the entire 2024 season due to an ACL surgery. If Scott’s body can stay clean, it’s likely he can return to the level of play we saw the last time he was in the Peach State.

McCall is yet another guy who was highly touted coming out of high school earning a 4-star rating and signing with yet another top-level Power 5 program in Florida State. He was barely used on defense but did return 8 kickoffs for 142 yards and was even able to force a fumble against Syracuse. After one season in Tallahassee, McCall hit the portal and landed in College Station, TX. He played 11 games for the Aggies and recorded five takedowns in a loss to Ole Miss. He then again hit the portal and returned to the Southeast by signing with GSU. He only made one appearance last season but should be primed to have a much bigger role this year. McCall is the youngest of 12 siblings, so earning his keep in nothing new for him. And with the talent in the CB room, he’ll have to do just that.

Diagne is entering his third season with the Panthers and has elite size. He too will have to work his way up the depth chart to be considered the CB1 by the end of the season. But with the skillsets Diagne has combined with his familiarity with the program, it most certainly could be done. Due to the style of the position, all four of these guys will likely see the field a good bit. So, whether it’s CB1 or not, Diagne and others will need to be ready to answer the call.

6.  Punter/Long Snapper Battles

Think there could be a list about Fall Camp position battles that doesn’t include the specialists? Think again. The starting placekicker for the Panthers in 2025 should be the same guy who did it in 2024, Liam Rickman. Rickman is on pace to be the school’s all-time leading scorer by the end of his career. He’s got it locked up. But who will be snapping him the ball to ensure a successful attempt every time? Who will be specializing in kicking balls with him this season? These burning questions just might be answered below:

Long Snapper: Michael Fitzmeyer

Years at GSU: Fourth Season

Previous School(s): None

Measurements: 5’11, 215lbs

Career Statistics: Long snapped in all 12 games for the Panthers in 2024

Starting Probability: 80%

Long Snapper: Joe Laterza

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): TCU 2021-2024

Measurements: 6’5, 210lbs

Career Statistics: Saw limited action in four seasons at TCU

Starting Probability: 20%

Punter: Reed Chandley

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): Houston Christian 2024

Measurements: 6’0, 175lbs

Career Statistics: Career-long punt of 73 yards

Starting Probability: 50%

Punter: Bo Gaines

Years at GSU: First Season

Previous School(s): Stetson 2023-2024

Measurements: 5’11, 188lbs

Career Statistics: 1977 punt yards, career-long punt of 72 yards

Starting Probability: 50%

Fitzmeyer should earn the starting nod over Laterza to be the long snapper for the Panthers in 2025. He successfully did it last year and has surely only improved his craft. His understanding of what the coaches want and what his team needs will help him win the role. It’s worth mentioning though that Laterza has elite size and is a former WR. Maybe some trickery is in play in spot situations for Laterza.

Chandley and Gaines will probably be one of the final “Fall Camp Battles” the coaches make a decision on. Not necessarily because of how close it will be, even though it should be. But rather because punting is not something most coaches want to think about. It’s not something you necessarily want to be doing. But when you do have to, it’s important to have a guy back there that you don’t have to worry about. A bad or blocked punt can instantly swing the momentum and potentially lose a game for a team. Whether it’s Gaines or Chandley, one of these two will look to ease the pressure and turn punting into something the coaches “don’t even have to worry about”.