Aug. 8, 2005
ATLANTA–After two days of practicing with no pads at all, Georgia Tech moved a step closer to full speed with Monday’s workout in shoulder pads.
NCAA rules call for a five-day acclimatization period to begin the preseason, with two practices in shorts and then two in shoulder pads before the first full pads practice, which is Wednesday. The first day of two-a-days is Thursday. Georgia Tech opens the season Sept. 3 at Auburn, ranked 15th in the preseason coaches’ poll.
For the second straight day, practice was affected by the weather, with the last few minutes called off due to lightning.
When asked for his very early appraisal of the rebuilt offensive line, Gailey was optimistic.
“Maybe better than I thought they would be at this point,” said Gailey. “But that being said, I was not putting very high expectations on them this early.”
Still, Gailey is pleased with the potential of this young group. The starting five is headlined by senior right tackle Brad Honeycutt, a starter at guard the last two years, and also includes three sophomores in guards Nate McManus and Matt Rhodes and center Kevin Tuminello, as well as redshirt freshman Andrew Gardner at left tackle.
“The promising thing is that this is the most athletic group we’ve had – run, jump, change direction, that kind of stuff,” said Gailey. “It probably is the least amount of experience we’ve walked into a season with. That’s a concern, so it could go either way. It’s harder for a young guy to start on the offensive line than it is anywhere else, except quarterback, in my mind.” The second unit is equally youthful with senior Salih Besirevic and redshirt freshman A.J. Smith at the tackles, sophomore LeShawn Newberry and redshirt freshman Jacob Lonowski at the guards, and sophomore Eddy Parker at center.”
PRESEASON PRACTICE SCHEDULESubject to Change, Open to the public and media until further noticeTuesday, Aug. 9 4:30 p.m.Wednesday, Aug. 10 4:30 p.m.Thursday, Aug. 11 9:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.Friday, Aug. 12 4:15 p.m.Saturday, Aug. 13 9:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.Monday, Aug. 15 4:15 p.m.Tuesday, Aug. 16 9:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.
