Aug. 10, 2005
ATLANTA–Practicing in pads for the first time, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets seemed to enjoy the overcast skies, cooler temperature and occasional drizzle that greeted them Wednesday at Rose Bowl Field.
“It was a lot more lively than I expected, but I think that had a lot to do with the weather,” said Tech head coach Chan Gailey, whose Jackets begin two-a-days Thursday with workouts scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. “It kept their energy a lot higher for a lot longer since it was so much cooler.”
The first day in full pads also produced the first good look at the running game as the Jackets work with four tailbacks. Returning starter P.J. Daniels is backed up by three other talented runners in sophomore transfer Tashard Choice, senior Chris Woods and sophomore Rashaun Grant.
“It was okay for the first day,” said Gailey. “I think having fresh backs in there almost every snap makes a big difference. There’s a lot of bounce in their step and good competition at the position. That creates a lot of quickness on the field, and when people get locked up, we’ve got backs that can bounce outside and go. We’ve got to run the ball more and better, though; I know that.”
One freshman who appears on track to play this season is tight end Colin Peek of the Bolles School in Jacksonville, Fla. While juniors Michael Matthews and George Cooper battle for the starting job, the 6-6, 260-pound Peek looks to nail down the third spot.
“For a true freshman, he’s jumped in there pretty good,” said Gailey. “He’s got a lot of learning to do, but his talent level is showing at times and that’s been a positive.”
Another freshman making an impact is defensive end Michael Johnson of Plantersville, Ala., who has been working on the second unit behind Eric Henderson.
“I can see on film that he’s getting more comfortable every day,” said Gailey of the 6-7, 230-pounder.
PRESEASON PRACTICE SCHEDULE Subject to Change, Open to the public and media until further notice 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.
