Quote:BEN MOORE / JANUARY 7, 2013 / NO COMMENTS / POSTED IN FEATURED, FOOTBALL
Georgia State football has yet to start its fourth season of football and already the program has NFL alumni. Former defensive tackle Christo Bilukidi was drafted in last April, signed a 3 year, $2.2 million deal and played in 13 games for the Raiders this past season. Linebacker Jake Mausau has been re-signed by the New York Giants after making their training camps roster last Fall before an injury derailed him. The individual talent that has passed through the team has been impressive and more players are seeking their opportunity on the next level from Georgia State.

One of those talented players is defensive back D’Mario Gunn who came to Georgia State from Luella High School in Henry County (by way of Georgia Military College). I have had the privilege to know Gunn since he was on campus and he truly has been one of my favorite Panthers. A quiet, reserved guy off the field and a play making corner turned safety on the field. Last week Gunn, texted me to let me know he had signed with Worldwide Career Management and would be headed to Chicago to train with other defensive backs from bigger schools in preparation for the NFL Draft.

I had a chance to sit down with “Phatt” and talk about his time at Georgia State, how much Christo and Jake inspired him to play on the next level and who to look for in the Panthers secondary this Spring.

PantherTalk So tell me about your trip to Chicago and who you’ll be up there training with?

D’Mario Gunn: I know [former Florida State CB/KR] Greg Reid, App State corner Demetrius McCray and a guy from the University of Florida. I’m just ready to get up there and compete.

PantherTalk: Look back over the last two years, what pops out to you?

DG31: Man…[pauses] only winning one game [in 2012], I think things could have been different. I would not trade any of it though. I had a chance to play for Coach Bill Curry, play with a great group of guys. No matter what, I’ll still be a Georgia State Panther, no matter what.

PantherTalk: How tough was last year? Was there one thing you could see that didn’t work in 2012?

DG31: Real tough. We just didn’t play with confidence or swagger. It’s not all on the players or the coaches. Guys just have to have the mindset and be prepared to be successful.

PantherTalk: Give me a couple highlights for you personally at Georgia State.

DG31: The Murray State game my Junior year, I had two interceptions that game. Against ODU this past season, had an interception that I returned 70 yards. Just the way I was able to finish my career, I really felt like I was playing well in the last three games.

PantherTalk: Demazio Skelton and you were the kind of elder stateman [and lone Senior starters exhausting their eligibility in 2012] last year. What can you tell me about the young guys who will step in this Spring?

DG31: First, I’ve seen the coaching staff has some nice commits already. Highly ranked guys and guys that turned down bigger programs. But I told the younger guys, even if you are not picked to beat an Alabama or Oregon, go out there and compete because that’s going to attract better players in the future.

As far as the young guys, look out for [RS Freshman CB] Myles Morris, he’s a great athlete, has great ball skills and will be an impact player at corner. Kail Singleton helped me too with the playbook when I got here, he’s a leader and will be the guy to step in at safety. Another guy to watch is [fellow Luella HS grad and Safety] Jamaal May, he was injured last year but he can play and provide an impact. [RS Freshman] LaDarion Young is another guy who came in with a big build and can be an impact guy [Gunn said Young arrived at the same weight that Gunn and Skelton were playing at after two years in the JUCO ranks].

PantherTalk: You talked about commits. You were a December graduate coming from Georgia Military, what other schools were coming for you and why did you come here?

DG31: Northern Illinois, Ohio, Toledo, South Alabama, Troy. I just felt really close to Georgia State. [Former running backs coach Todd] Coach Perry just really wanted me her and my family could come see me play. Playing our home games at the Georgia Dome was just an opportunity I could not pass up.

PantherTalk: Just how much confidence does it give you to see what Christo has done with the Raiders and with Jake signing back with the Giants in the NFL?

DG31: It gives me a lot of confidence. They have both helped me here. Christo always told me to work hard and do what was required. I’m happy for him and the opportunity he had in Oakland. Jake is just a cream of the crop guy. He definitely deserves it. I’m really, really happy for him too.

PantherTalk: Have you had a chance to meet Coach Trent Miles and the new staff yet?

DG31: I haven’t and I hate that I have not met them yet. With finals and everything, I was so busy but I definitely will get back when I have some time and go talk to them.

Special thanks to one of my all-time favorite Panthers D’Mario Gunn for joining us today and we wish him nothing but the best in Chicago as he prepares for the NFL Draft!