Aug. 16, 2003
Georgia Tech sophomore Damarius Bilbo is adjusting to his new position after moving from quarterback to receiver.
“He made some big plays out there today, and I don’t see any reason why he can’t be a very good receiver,” said Tech head coach Chan Gailey following Saturday’s practice, in which Bilbo caught several passes in the seven-on-seven and team segments.
“It’s going to take some time, but he can probably make the transition quicker than others. Running full speed and then catching the football isn’t something that just happens, but the thought processes are there from his experience as a quarterback.”
Bilbo, who is easily Tech’s biggest receiver at 6-3 and 225 pounds, has reiterated his intention to remain at Georgia Tech and contribute as a receiver, where the Yellow Jackets are seeking depth behind starters Jonathan Smith and Nate Curry.
With several defensive linemen out with various injuries, Tech has been limited in its ability to scrimmage in practice.
“We’ve had to really alter our practice, but our guys are going out and really trying to get things done, which is good,” said Gailey. “I’m hoping [to get those players back] if not the first of next week, then by the middle of next week.”
The Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll was released Saturday. Half of Tech’s regular-season schedule–six games– will be against teams ranked 18th or higher. The Yellow Jackets face No. 6 Auburn, No. 11 Georgia, No. 16 Maryland and No. 17 NC State at home while taking on No. 13 Florida State and No. 18 Virginia on the road.
The same six opponents are also ranked in the ESPN/USA Today coaches’ poll, which was released two weeks ago, with Auburn at No. 6, Georgia No. 9, Florida State No. 12, Maryland No. 13, NC State No. 14 and Virginia No. 17. Tech received nine votes in that poll but none from the AP.
The Yellow Jackets, who open the season on Thursday, Aug. 28 at Brigham Young, will have a short walk-through on Sunday, then resume practice Monday evening. Fall semester classes also begin Monday.
PLEASE NOTE: Georgia Tech’s practices are now closed to the public.
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