March 29, 2003
The Georgia Tech offense turned in its best performance of the spring as the Yellow Jackets scrimmaged for almost two hours Saturday morning at Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field.
“I thought we improved on the offensive side of the ball today,” said Tech head coach Chan Gailey, whose squad has completed eight of their 15 spring practices.
Sophomore quarterback Damarius Bilbo received the bulk of the snaps and responded with his most effective outing of the spring, completing 13 of 21 passes for 136 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown pass to Jonathan Smith.
“I thought Damarius Bilbo executed some things very well today,” said Gailey. “We’ve really talked with him about being a consistent quarterback, not making the bad plays. If he can avoid the bad plays, he’ll create enough good ones with his natural talent. The other quarterbacks did some good things, too, completing passes and moving us down the field.”
Smith was the most productive receiver with five catches for 68 yards, including the touchdown. Redshirt freshman Xavier McGuire caught two passes for 27 yards, and junior Nate Curry added two catches for 29 yards.
“I thought our receivers caught the ball very well today and made some really nice plays,” said Gailey.
Sophomore P.J. Daniels, who has been Tech’s top tailback this spring, was held out of the scrimmage with a minor injury. Senior Jermaine Hatch, whose career has been hampered by injuries, stepped up with 71 yards on 12 carries. Sophomore Ajenavi Eziemefe had a three-yard touchdown run.
“Jermaine Hatch ran the ball well today,” said Gailey. “He was able to bounce it outside a couple of times. We still have to understand when to go for the homerun and when to turn it upfield and get four yards. Don’t end up with a minus-one when you could have four. We’re still working on that.”
Redshirt freshman Michael Matthews, who moved this week from defensive end to fullback, continues to show positive signs, catches two passes for 22 yards.
Tech did some live kicking during the scrimmage and went three-for-four on field goals. Senior Dan Burnett, the likely starter, hit from 35 yards, redshirt freshman David Jordan from 37 yards and walk-on Christian Schroeder made a 27-yarder. The only miss was a 51-yard attempt by Jordan.
“I thought overall it was a positive day,” said Gailey. “There were some positives today, maybe moreso than other days.”
Tech returns to practice next Wednesday.
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