Eight Panthers Named Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference

Georgia State football is poised for another strong season after eight Panthers were named to the 2023 Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference team.

The Panthers were led by first-team selections Malik Sumter, Antavious Lane, and Blake Carroll. Sumter, a fifth-year senior center, is a three-time All-Sun Belt selection and was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy last season. Lane, a senior safety, is a two-time All-Sun Belt selection and was a key member of Georgia State's top-ranked scoring defense in 2022. Carroll, a senior linebacker, is a two-time All-Sun Belt selection and was a team captain last season.

In addition to Sumter, Lane, and Carroll, five other Panthers were named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt second team:

• Running back Tucker Gregg
• Offensive linemen Travis Glover and Pat Bartlett
• Tight end Aubry Payne
• Defensive lineman Thomas Gore

Georgia State is coming off a 7-5 season in 2022, including a 5-3 record in Sun Belt play. The Panthers were picked to finish third in the Sun Belt East Division in the preseason coaches' poll.

With eight players named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt team, Georgia State is one of the most represented teams in the conference. The Panthers are poised for another strong season in 2023, and they will be looking to make a run at the Sun Belt championship.

Here is a closer look at the eight Panthers who were named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt team:

• Malik Sumter is a fifth-year senior center who has started 42 career games for the Panthers. He is a three-time All-Sun Belt selection and was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy last season. Sumter is a powerful blocker who is also a very good pass protector.
• Antavious Lane is a senior safety who has started 38 career games for the Panthers. He is a two-time All-Sun Belt selection and was a key member of Georgia State's top-ranked scoring defense in 2022. Lane is a physical hitter who is also a good tackler.
• Blake Carroll is a senior linebacker who has started 37 career games for the Panthers. He is a two-time All-Sun Belt selection and was a team captain last season. Carroll is a versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside. He is also a good pass rusher.
• Tucker Gregg is a senior running back who has rushed for 2,387 yards and 21 touchdowns in his career. He is a powerful runner who is also a good receiver out of the backfield.
• Travis Glover is a senior offensive guard who has started 33 career games for the Panthers. He is a two-time All-Sun Belt selection and is a very good run blocker.
• Pat Bartlett is a senior offensive guard who has started 30 career games for the Panthers. He is a two-time All-Sun Belt selection and is a very good pass blocker.
• Aubry Payne is a senior tight end who has caught 69 passes for 820 yards and 7 touchdowns in his career. He is a big-bodied tight end who is a good receiver and a good blocker.
• Thomas Gore is a senior defensive lineman who has started 31 career games for the Panthers. He has 17 career sacks and 52 tackles for loss. Gore is a disruptive force who can get to the quarterback and also stuff the run.

These eight Panthers are all key contributors to the Georgia State football team. They are all talented players who have the potential to make a big impact in 2023. With these players leading the way, the Panthers are poised for another strong season.