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Saturday, August 2, 2008
‘Johnson football’ ready to take over
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
One word describes Paul Johnson: Imperturbable.
Same today. Same tomorrow. Pick your day. Sort of descriptive of impassive mountain folk, of which he is one. Born and raised in Newland, N.C. When he decided his life was in football, he went back to his roots to start, Avery County High School in Newland, assistant to the coach he had played for. Rock bottom. Never played a down in college. At Avery County his education began, and by the time he reached his present state at Georgia Tech, his influence has been felt from the Pacific to the Atlantic.
So it was at Rose Bowl field this weekend, where Bobby Dodd once presided for years. Dodd did much of his coaching from a tower, rarely missing a beat, entertaining press guests there, those who dared attempt the climb. Johnson works at ground level, and in no way distinguishes himself from his staff. No “Coach” across his chest, same garb as all, down there in the mix.
We intruders know all this because, this year, guests are allowed at practice. Even the press. No fear of enemy espionage, epecially considering that few of us would recognize one play from another, a fact that escaped Chan Gailey. It was a pleasant afternoon, following a day in which all were sent scurrying for tented cover when a thunderous storm struck Thursday. It was a symphonic scene, sound and movement seemingly synchronized, blue and white-shirted bodies against a green turf background. Interrupted by an occasional signal from the tower to move on to the next drill. More a beep than a growl, as in Dodd’s day.
Naturally, it is quite essential that concentration for the mission ahead should never be far from mind. On one wall was the printed phrase, “Prepare Like Champions.” On the bar across each tackling sled was the critical admonition ever on the Yellow Jacket mind: “Beat Georgia,” something that hasn’t been done since the year 2000, when George O’Leary coached here. And, one might add, something that has become a mission by this time. Right now, “Beat Jacksonville State” might be appropriate, for the Alabama school becomes a more formidable opponent since the disgraced LSU quarterback, Ryan Perrilloux, has transferred his game there.
The Bulldogs, though, are forever on the mind of Jackets, even more so since the USA Today poll had been published. It was a coaches’ vote, and the Bulldogs were saddled up as the likely national champions. Georgia Tech barely made the top 50, which in itself is rather strong, considering that Johnson is installing his triple-option offense, totally new to this squad, one that has won national championships at Georgia Southern and the Commander-in-Chief’s Cup at Navy — and beaten Notre Dame for the first time since the Studebaker rolled the highways.
It’ll take awhile, as could be seen in the spring game, when fumbles outnumbered pass completions. Not all is happiness among the West Stand patrons, having to do with the team’s garb. Headgear color has been changed to something akin to pastel green, or as some brand it, “swamp water green.” Georgia Tech colors have been, and will always be, Old Gold and White, and the old guard is fiercely defensive of that standard. Jerseys have been redesigned, but given an acceptable grade. It’s the helmets that cause dyspepsia. Fact is, in time “Johnson football” will take over, and all issues will be dissolved.
By the way, did anybody ask Paul how he voted in the coaches’ poll?
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