Aug. 13, 2005
ATLANTA–Tailback P.J. Daniels rushed for 111 yards and three touchdowns, including a 70-yard jaunt on his first play, to highlight Georgia Tech’s first preseason scrimmage Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Tech endured about an hour-long rain and lightning delay but managed to get in the entire scrimmage except for some punting and kickoffs.
“I thought the running backs run the ball really well,” said Tech head coach Chan Gailey. “I think it was that more than the line blowing open holes. Our backs are going to have to do some special things.”
In addition to Daniels, sophomore transfer Tashard Choice carried eight times for 49 yards and one touchdown, and senior Chris Woods added 32 yards and a touchdown.
“That’s three guys who can carry the ball pretty well for us,” said Gailey.
Tech was able to run the ball effectively despite the absence of both starting guards due to injuries. Both Matt Rhodes and Nate McManus are expected to be ready for the start of the season but were replaced in the scrimmage by sophomore LeShawn Newberry and redshirt freshman Jacob Lonowski.
“I thought we did some good things on offense, even when they went against the [number] one defense,” said Gailey. We ran the ball surprisingly well on our defense, which normally plays the run very well. But the defense came up with some big plays, which is good.”
The Tech defense limited snaps for several starters, including defensive end Eric Henderson, tackle Joe Anoai and safety Dawan Landry.
“We limited snaps for a few people out here because this is the time to look at the young guys. If you’re going to get that done, now is the time.”
In the passing game, a couple of true freshmen were pleasant surprises as wide receiver Greg Smith caught seven balls for 95 yards, and quarterback Jonathan Garner completed five of nine passes for 62 yards.
Starting quarterback Reggie Ball threw for 61 yards and one touchdown while rushing for another score, and backup Taylor Bennett passed for 91 yards and two touchdowns. Redshirt freshman Kyle Manley added 76 yards passing.
Smith, the local product from Atlanta’s Douglass High School, was the leading receiver, followed by senior Damarius Bilbo, who hauled in two touchdowns and had four catches for 39 yards. Redshirt freshman James Johnson also caught a touchdown pass, and tight end Mike Matthews added three catches for 48 yards.
The Jackets will take Sunday off before resuming practice Monday at 4:30 p.m.
