April 2, 2002
ATLANTA– – The Georgia Tech defense returns nine starters but has a completely new coaching staff and scheme, and after five sessions, head coach Chan Gailey is pleased with the unit’s progress.
The Jackets returned to practice Tuesday after taking off four days for the Easter holiday.
“I think defensively we’ve made very good strides to this point,” said Gailey, who lured former North Carolina and Ohio State defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta to run the Tech defense.
“They’re getting a great grasp of the defense and what we expect, and I think the leadership is showing. We’re technically not where we need to be in some fundamental areas, but we’re getting a grasp of the defense, which is good.
“There’s not a giant difference [from last year’s defense]. There’s just some small things: a few coverage and front looks that are different, a few techniques.”
The most experienced position on the Tech defense is linebacker, where the Jackets return three starters with all-star potential in senior Recardo Wimbush (Blakely, Ga.) and juniors Daryl Smith (Albany, Ga.) and Keyaron Fox (Atlanta, Ga.).
Looking to bolster the depth behind those three, Gailey mentioned the play of senior middle linebacker Matthew Etheridge (Macon, Ga.). Sophomore Tabugbo Anyansi (Austell, Ga.) practiced for the first time Tuesday after missing the first four sessions with a hamstring injury.
“We’re hunting depth right now,” he said. “Matt Etheridge has shown some good things thus far this spring.”
Other players looking for playing at linebacker behind the starting three include junior Anthony Lawston (Baltimore, Md.) and redshirt freshman Gerris Bowers-Wilkinson (Oakland, Calif.).
Tech’s quarterback derby continues between juniors Andy Hall (Cheraw, S.C.), and A.J. Suggs (Powder Springs, Ga.) and redshirt freshman Damarius Bilbo (Moss Point, Miss.) with Gailey calling the competition to close to call at this point. After Wednesday’s sixth spring practice, each will have had two days to start with the first team.
Tech continues spring drills this week with workouts scheduled for Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
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