Aug. 17, 2005
ATLANTA–Quarterback Reggie Ball completed nine of 12 passes for 158 yards and three touchdowns, including four completions and two scoring passes to Calvin Johnson, to highlight Georgia Tech’s second preseason scrimmage Wednesday at Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field.
Johnson, Tech’s preseason all-America as a sophomore, covered 134 yards on his four completions, including a 35-yard touchdown catch on the second play of the scrimmage. He also caught a 12-yard scoring pass and had a 55-yard completion that he nearly broke for another score.
Tech head coach Chan Gailey was pleased with the performance on Tech’s other receivers. Junior Chris Dunlap had five catches for 43 yards and one touchdown, while Damarius Bilbo, Pat Clark and James Johnson also had receptions.
“I think D-Bo has come a long way since last year. He’s got himself in great shape. The other guys who are playing–James Johnson, Chris Dunlap and Pat Clark–can contribute in a lot of ways. It’s good to have that many guys that we feel comfortable playing.”
Gailey was asked if he thought there was more depth at the receiver position than last season.
“Not in experience, but we have a lot of good players there,” he said. “Compared to last year, we don’t have as much experience because we had those two seniors (Nate Curry and Levon Thomas), but the talent is pretty good there. And I think those two freshmen (Greg Smith and Martin Frierson) are going to be very good players.)
Ball’s third touchdown pass was a one-yard scoring play to true freshman tight end Colin Peek, who continues to impress.
“Colin’s coming on,” said Gailey of the 6-6, 260-pounder from Jacksonville, Fla. “He’s a great competitor. He’s got a lot to learn, but he’s a great competitor.”
Backup quarterback Taylor Bennett was six-for-16 for 52 yards and one touchdown, a four-yard scoring toss to Dunlap.
Tech’s top two tailbacks, P.J. Daniels and Tashard Choice, saw very limited action to give senior Chris Woods a chance to work with the first team. He rushed six times for 29 yards with one touchdown. Redshirt freshman Loyall Gause added 10 carries for 43 yards and a score.
Ball and Bennett each threw one interception, which were corralled by safeties Chris Reis and Dawan Landry.
Sophomore linebacker Philip Wheeler made some big plays. On one three-play series, he knocked the Ball from Bennett’s hands, then had two straight sacks.
Gailey was asked if was pleased with what his squad has accomplished through 14 practices as the Yellow Jackets prepare for their Sept. 3 opener at Auburn.
“I don’t think you ever accomplish everything you want to accomplish,” said Gailey. “We’ve had so many injuries on the offensive line that we’ve not been able to build any continuity there. We’re moving people in and out, and that’s been tough on us.”
The Jackets final two-a-day is Thursday with workouts at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
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