ATLANTA (August 18) — After a breakout season in 1998, Georgia Tech split end Dez White can expect to draw plenty of attention this season, but the Yellow Jackets have more weapons to complement him, especially sophomore Kelly Campbell (Atlanta, Ga.) and redshirt freshman Kerry Watkins (LaPlace, La.).
White, a junior all-America and Biletnikoff Award candidate from Orange Park, Fla., caught nearly 30 percent of Tech’s pass completions last fall. He set a school record with 973 receiving yards on 46 catches with nine touchdowns, tying the Tech mark.
“I really do think we’ve helped ourselves at that position,” said Tech head coach George O’Leary following Wednesday’s morning workout at Rose Bowl Field.
“Kerry Watkins and Kelly Campbell are getting more vertical push, and that’s going to open up the field for a lot of different things to take place. That’s real plus, and we’ve got other guys pushing those two.”
Though slightly built at 5-11 and 170 pounds, Campbell is the fastest player on the Tech squad. He showed promise as a true freshman last fall with 11 catches for 131 yards, highlighted by a 55-yard touchdown catch in the Jackets’ dramatic win over Georgia.
Watkins, a highly regarded prepster who was redshirted last fall, adds another a big-play threat. Along with deep speed, the 5-11, 186-pounder has shown the ability to make things happen after he catches the ball.
The Jackets also have junior Jon Muyres (Stone Mountain, Ga.), coming off a redshirt year due to a foot injury in 1998, and junior Brett Basquin (LaBelle, Fla.), a surehanded backup who also serves as Tech’s holder. True freshman Will Glover (Tampa, Fla.) is also in the mix.
“That’s a position where there is some good competition, and guys are working hard to get where they have to get,” said O’Leary.
REMINDER: Georgia Tech’s annual Fan Photo Day is Saturday, Aug. 21. Beginning at 3 p.m., fans are invited to Bobby Dodd Stadium to “Pick Your Seat” as all remaining season ticket locations will be marked and available for sale. At 4 p.m., Tech players and coaches will be available for photos and autographs in the Richards Festival concourse area under the West Stands. Admission is free. For more information, contact Georgia Tech Sports Marketing at 404-894-4400.
