March 26, 2008
ATLANTA, Ga. — For the Georgia Tech players, both spring practices including practice No. 2 here today at Rose Bowl Fields, have been similar to cramming for a final exam. There is a lot of learning done in a two-hour session. Only, there’s no Starbucks, just Gatorade.
The players are learning new schemes and the coaching staff, two-thirds of it new this season, are learning what the players can do.
One of the smallest guys on the field made an impression on head coach Paul Johnson at today’s practice, a two-hour session in shorts and helmets.
“I thought Jamaal Evans did some good things today,” Johnson said of the 5-8 junior A-back. “I noticed him doing a couple good things today.
“Practice was better and at a faster pace today, but we certainly have a long way to go.”
One of the players learning the most is redshirt freshman Willie White, a receiver last season who is now trying his hand at safety. The Yellow Jackets returned the nucleus from the receiving corps, but have holes to fill in the secondary with the loss of starters Jamal Lewis, Djay Jones and Avery Roberson. White is hoping to fill one of those spots.
The move to defense did not require any arm-twisting. White, in fact, has been wanting to move to the secondary all along.
“I’ve always loved defense,” White said. “I’ve kind of been hinting all along, so I welcome the move. Now, I’m just ready to play.”
Georgia Tech resumes practice Friday afternoon. The Spring Game is set for April 19th at 1 p.m. in Bobby Dodd Stadium.
