Aug. 19, 2005
ATLANTA–With depth a concern at certain positions, Georgia Tech head coach Chan Gailey expects that several true freshmen will contribute this fall, including defensive end Michael Johnson.
“Athletically, we thought he would able to contribute right away,” said Gailey of the 6-7, 225-pounder from Plantersville, Ala. “Whether a guy is able to pick things up quickly, you don’t know. We got great reports this summer from the strength and conditioning coaches that he was a hard worker, so that was encouraging to us. And then he’s come on the field and competed very well.
“When a guy has that kind of talent, if he competes and is willing to work, he can move up quickly.”
Another young defensive end showing promise is sophomore Darrell Robertson.
“He can do a lot of things because he runs so well,” said Gailey. “He can rush the passer, and he’s getting better at playing the run. He’s not as big and strong and physical yet, but neither was Gerris (Wilkinson) that year he had to play end. You learn technique-wise how to get leverage.”
Freshman tight end Colin Peek is also expected to be a significant contributor at a position that lacks depth. Other first-year players who could play at least on special teams include cornerbacks Tony Clark and Jahi Word-Daniels and linebacker Taalib Tucker.
“You’re trying to get those guys to learn the speed of the game, and one way they can do that is by playing special teams,” said Gailey. “Guys like Darrell Robertson, Gary Guyton and Jamal Lewis last year all learned the speed of the game in their freshmen year and it’s helped them in their second year now that they’re playing on defense. I think it’s a great way for guys to break in and get some game experience.”
Tech returns all-ACC placekicker Travis Bell as well as starting punter Ben Arndt, but the competition is on-going for the return specialists.
“Pat Clark is in the lead right now as the punt returner,” said Gailey. “Right now we’re still looking at who are going to be the guys on kickoff return. It’s between Tashard Choice, Chris Woods and Kenny Scott, and maybe James Johnson.”
Georgia Tech, which opens the season Sept. 3 at Auburn, continues preseason drills with a practice Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. in preparation for Saturday’s final preseason scrimmage.
Friday’s workout and Saturday’s scrimmage, scheduled for 11:15 a.m. at Bobby Dodd Stadium, are the final two sessions open to the public. Fans attending Saturday’s scrimmage should enter via Gate 9 on Techwood Drive and sit in the lower east stands.
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