Aug. 22, 2008
ATLANTA – After a film session and a one-hour practice, Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson gave his players Saturday and Sunday off, leading up to Thursday night’s season opener against Jacksonville State.
So, is the Yellow Jacket head coach, who has brought a new level of discipline to the program, gone soft on us? Not exactly. Tech has been practicing – twice per day on six occasions – since July 29th and Johnson feels it’s a good time to let the players get their legs back and for bumps and bruises to heal.
Of the 22 starting positions, Johnson and staff are set on 19 or 20.
“I’ve got a pretty good idea of who will start everywhere but on the offensive line,” Johnson said. “We will have to see who is healthy at left guard and right tackle.”
Senior David Brown has been the likely starter at right tackle most of preseason camp. A recent injury, however, has kept him on the sidelines while sophomore Austin Barrick has been taking the snaps. Either senior A.J. Smith or junior Cord Howard, both battling nagging injuries, will start at left guard.
Georgia Tech will resume practice Monday afternoon.
TRIVIA QUESTION (answer below)
What current Georgia Tech player is the son of a former Yellow Jacket quarterback who started for Tech in 1982?
THEY’VE FACED SOME TALENTED GUYS
We asked the Yellow Jackets to name the most talented player they have ever faced – either in high school or in college. There are plenty of former and current Tech players on the list – Philip Wheeler, Calvin Johnson, Tashard Choice and Michael Johnson. Former Virginia standout Chris Long made an impact on three Yellow Jackets last season. Below is a complete list of the results:
Question: Who is the most talented player you have ever faced?Philip Wheeler Clyde YandellMario Williams Mohamed YahiaouiCalvin Johnson Jahi Word-DanielsSteve Slaton Vance WalkerCaleb King Luke SniderXavier Adibi (VT - separated my shoulder) Andrew SmithChris Long A.J. SmithCalvin Johnson Dominique ReeseJeff Francoeur Michael RayD.J. Augustine Tyler MeltonLe Kevin Smith James LiipfertGerris Wilkinson Matt KampThomas Brown Roddy JonesMatt Ryan Michael JohnsonCalvin Johnson DeRon JasperTashard Choice Kyle JacksonChris Long Cord HowardMichael Johnson Jim HenryMatt Ryan Sedric GriffinTorian Smith Joseph GilbertCalvin Johnson Martin FriersonPhilip Wheeler Zach FisherBrandon Meriweather Tyler EvansCameron Heyward Bryce DykesChris Long Jonathan DwyerCalvin Johnson Tyler DavisPhilip Wheeler Jason DavisDevin Hester Tony ClarkThomas Brown Travis ChambersDemaryius Thomas Morgan BurnettKen Darby David BrownDarren McFadden Calvin BookerJosh Nesbitt Scott BlairC.J. Spiller Sean BedfordPhillip Wheeler Austin BarrickCalvin Johnson Tyler BarrettCalvin Johnson and Matt Ryan Anthony BarnesReggie McNeil Elris AnyaibeMansfield Wrotto Ben Anderson
ANSWER TO TRIVIA QUESTION
Freshman safety Cooper Taylor. His father, Jim Bob Taylor, lettered at Georgia Tech in 1981 and 1982. He played for the Baltimore Colts in 1983.
