Aug. 23, 2005
ATLANTA–With the season opener less than two weeks away, the Georgia Tech football team began its game preparations for their Sept. 3 date at 16th-ranked Auburn, a nationally-televised contest on ESPN that kicks off at 8:45 p.m. ET.
“I thought the concentration was good today,” said Tech head coach Chan Gailey after Tuesday’s practice. “It was a little sluggish early, when it was hot, and that’s something we’ve got to work through because it could be hot for that first game.”
Several Jackets who have been injured returned to practice today, including left guard Matt Rhodes and tight end George Cooper.
Much has been made of Tech’s depth at the tailback position, especially with the addition of Oklahoma transfer Tashard Choice. But certainly no less important is the return of a healthy P.J. Daniels.
“This is the best he’s looked, to me, since the bowl game in Boise,” said Gailey, referring Tech’s 52-10 victory over Tulsa in the Humanitarian Bowl to conclude the 2003 season.
Daniels set an NCAA bowl record with 307 yards rushing and four touchdowns against the Golden Hurricane, capping a season in which he led the ACC in rushing with 1,447 yards and earned first-team all-conference honors. Last season, he was effective when healthy with 714 yards and eight touchdowns, he missed four games and two other halves due to injury.
The senior from Houston, Texas, is a key leader for the Jackets.
“He leads by example, for the most part,” said Gailey. “He goes on the practice field and works hard, he finishes runs, things like that. And then he’ll get a little loud on the field. He’s a little vocal, and I think he’s good at getting emotions up another notch.”
Gailey was asked about Tech’s schedule, which could be the nation’s toughest. The Jackets face five teams ranked in the preseason Top 25, including Top 10 foes Virginia Tech (No. 8 AP/No. 7 coaches’ poll) and Miami (No. 9/8), as well Georgia (No. 13/13), Auburn (No. 16/15) and Virginia (No. 25/23). Four of those five games are on the road as the Jackets play at Auburn, at Virginia Tech, at Miami and at Virginia.
“I hate to use the old cliche, but it’s true,” said Gailey. “You play it one game at a time. You play the first one, and when it’s over, you get ready for the next one. You can’t think about the season. You really don’t get caught up in that. That’s more for fans and media to talk about. Players and coaches don’t ever talk about that.”
–30–
