April 23, 2011
Paul Johnson press conference
ATLANTA – Redshirt freshman quarterback Synjyn Days rushed for 112 yards and accounted for two touchdowns, leading the Gold past the White, 21-7, in Georgia Tech’s annual T-Day Game here Saturday.
Days gave the Gold a 7-0 lead in the first quarter when he connected with sophomore B.J. Bostic on an 11-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. He also scored the only touchdown of the second half, a one-yard TD plunge in the third quarter.
The Gold scored touchdowns on its first two possessions – both coming after the White turned the ball over with fumbles. After Days’ TD pass to Bostic, junior Richard Watson scored just 50 seconds later on a 15-yard run.
White pulled to within 14-7 in the second quarter when junior quarterback Tevin Washington, who directed the first-team offense, scored on a 15-yard run.
Five turnovers – three interceptions thrown by Washington and two lost fumbles – were costly for the White.
“The best thing about the game is that we got out healthy,” head coach Paul Johnson said. “I don’t think we had anyone who had a serious injury and that’s what you worry about through the spring game.
“I think the spring was productive. I think we got some things accomplished. We have a long way to go. While we have a lot to work on, I’m encouraged.”
The Gold team rushed for 229 yards and had 324 yards of total offense. Days’ 112 rushing yards came on 24 carries, and he completed 2-of-7 passes for 46 yards. Watson carried six time for 48 yards, David Simms seven carries for 27 yards and speedy redshirt freshman Tony Zenon had two carries for 22 yards.
The White team was led by B-back Preston Lyons, who rushed 11 times for 50 yards.
Redshirt freshman inside linebacker Quayshawn Nealy of the Gold team had eight tackles, including a sack, a fumble recovery and two pass break-ups. Sophomore Emmanuel Dieke had eight tackles for the White team.
Izaan Cross, Isaiah Johnson, Rashaad Reid and Lance Richardson all recorded interceptions.
The Yellow Jackets played five kickers on Saturday, combining for three successful PATs and three missed field goal attempts. Two of those missed attempts were from 47 yards or longer, however.
A number of former Yellow Jackets now playing in the NFL were on the sidelines, including Morgan Burnett, Jonathan Dwyer, Cord Howard, Derrick Morgan and Philip Wheeler.
Defensive Coordinator Al Groh
