April 16, 2002
Georgia Tech’s Springfest spring game, scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Marist School, will be a homecoming for four Yellow Jackets who hail from the suburban Atlanta high school.
The Yellow Jackets worked out Tuesday at Rose Bowl Field and have one final practice scheduled for Friday afternoon before the spring game Saturday.
Seniors Kelley Rhino (Smyrna, Ga.), Hugh Reilly (Roswell, Ga.) and Will Heller (Alpharetta, Ga.) and sophomore Andrew Economos (Atlanta, Ga.) all attended Marist, the site of Tech’s spring game this year due to the expansion of Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field.
Rhino, a 5-7, 179-pound cornerback and all-Atlantic Coast Conference punt return specialist, has enjoyed an excellent spring as he battles for playing time in the secondary to go along with his special teams duties. Last fall, he set Tech and ACC records with 515 yards. This fall, he takes aim at the Tech career record of 749 yards, held by his father, Randy Rhino.
“Kelley makes plays every day,” said Tech head coach Chan Gailey. “I think sometimes guys get slotted that they can only do one thing, but he’s stepping up and showing that maybe he can help us in ways other than just as a returner. If he continues to make plays, then you continue to find ways to get him in the game.”
Defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta echoed that sentiment, saying “I love coaching Kelley Rhino.”
Reilly is an all-conference candidate on the offensive line as he moves this spring to center from guard. The 6-4, 285-pound junior started every game at right guard last fall.
Heller is battling junior John Paul Foschi (Glen Head, N.Y.) for the starting tight end slot, although both should see plenty of action. Heller, 6-6 and 250 pounds, caught six passes for 76 yards and one touchdown last fall.
Economos, a walk-on, is a candidate to be Tech’s long-snapper, where the Yellow Jackets must replace three-year starter Alex Tetterton.
Admission to Saturday’s Springfest is free, although there will be a $3 charge for parking.
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