Georgia State head coach Shawn Elliott announced Tuesday that junior college transfer Dan Ellington will be the starting quarterback for the season opener.

“He’s going to take the field the first snap, so we’ll see how he does,” Elliott said. “He’s had a good camp. He comes out and gives us the tools to do a lot of things, and we think he’s going to lead us well.”

Ellington committed to the Panthers in December 2017, playing for Itawamba Community College prior to his commitment to the Panthers.

During the Panthers’ spring game in April, Ellington went 21-for-24 for 249 yards with four touchdown passes.

“He’s got a really even-keeled demeanor,” Elliott said. “Nothing gets too high, too low for him, and I like that. He exudes confidence when he’s in the huddle. You know, one bad play doesn’t dictate the rest of his game.”

The Panthers open the season Thursday, Aug. 30, against Kennesaw State.