March 12, 2007
ATLANTA–As the Georgia Tech football team continues spring practice, the Yellow Jackets’ newcomers are adjusting well, says head coach Chan Gailey.
Tech’s new faces include a pair of true freshmen who enrolled this semester in quarterback Steven Threet of Adrian, Mich. and defensive end Derrick Morgan of Coatesville, Pa.
“I’ve been pleased with both of them,” said Gailey. “They both are going to be very good players before it’s overwith.”
Threet, who stands 6-5, 230 pounds, has been taking snaps primarily with the second-team offense.
Morgan, the 6-4, 270-pounder is working with the second defense. Gailey had previoiusly mentioned him as a freshman who could play early.
“The ability is certainly there,” said Gailey. “Whether or not he picks everything up and can learn the speed of the game, and whether or not we need him right away, because that’s probably one of our deepest positions, you don’t know that yet. But could he play early, yes. If he is pressed into duty, it won’t be an issue for him to be able to compete and be successful.”
A third new face in spring practice is junior quarterback Calvin Booker, a transfer from Auburn who joined the team this spring.
“To be honest, he’s been a pleasant surprise,” Gailey said of Booker. “He’s got some maturity about him where he handles the huddle well. A lot of the intangibles are pretty good right now. Some of the tangibles, like snaps and reads and consistency throwing the ball, are where he’s rusty. But the intangible things have looked pretty good so far.”
Spring practice continues with workouts Wednesday and Friday before the Yellow Jackets take off next week while the Institute is on spring break.
