April 4, 2003
With the Georgia Tech defense seeking replacements for three graduated starters in the secondary, head football coach Chan Gailey has been pleased with the progress that the unit has made through 10 practices.
“I’m very impressed with what the secondary is doing right now,” said Gailey after Friday’s workout at Rose Bowl Field. “They’ve made great strides in a short period of time.”
The only returning starter in the secondary is senior cornerback Jonathan Cox, while Tech graduated all-ACC free safety Jeremy Muyres, as well as three-year starters Marvious Hester at cornerback and Cory Collins at strong safety, plus backup cornerback Kelley Rhino.
Cox is a steady player who started every game last fall and made 51 tackles, plus eight pass breakups and a fumble recovery. Joining him at cornerback is sophomore Reuben Houston, who gained valuable experience last season as Tech’s nickel back and was named to the ACC All-Freshman by The Sporting News. He recorded 33 tackles, two sacks, one interception, a fumble recovery, four caused fumbles and three pass breakups.
Working at the safety positions are junior James Butler, who had 19 tackles and a pass breakup as a backup in 2002, and sophomore Dawan Landry, a former quarterback who played on special teams last season. Sophomore Chris Reis and junior Nathan Burton provide solid backups at safety.
“Landry and Butler are playing pretty well right now,” said Gailey. “Reuben has gotten better this spring, and Jonathan is a very solid player – was last year, will be this year.”
Several former Tech players visited practice Friday, ranging from former defensive back Mike Travis, a member of the Rambling Wreck’s 1985 Black Watch defense, to Rodney Wilkerson, Michael Smith and Carlos Smith from the early 1990s, to 1999 Heisman Trophy runnerup Joe Hamilton. Tech will hold its annual Lettermen’s Golf Tournament Saturday following practice.
The Yellow Jackets will scrimmage Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field. Fans attending Saturday’s practice are reminded that they must enter Bobby Dodd Stadium via Gate 8 on Techwood Drive and sit in the lower East stands.
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