AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > February > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHelps Jackets to be viewed as cool
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
The rarity of plaudits in February notwithstanding, we need to start with the obvious. These are kids. Maybe they get stronger. Or fatter. Maybe they mature. Or party. Maybe they open a book. Or use it as a doorstop.
This is recruiting. About the only thing with a shorter shelf life than a hot recruit is a pregame coin flip, which excites everybody for about 30 seconds, until your kick returner fumbles at the 12.
But this much can be said about what Georgia Tech did Wednesday: It excited people. That’s progress. Even if signing day is mostly about perception, perception counts for something when you’re trying to build a program and appease a fan base still irritated about the last three games and a blindside, back-door season-ticket upcharge.
Scout.com, one group of dart-throwing semi-pros, rated the Yellow Jackets’ haul of recruits as better than Georgia’s, better than almost all in the ACC, better than all except 13 programs nationally.
The seldom-effusive Chan Gailey responded as you would expect: “You don’t buy into it when you have a low-rated one, and you don’t buy into it when you have a high-rated one.”
No, you don’t. But when the same scouting service rated your previous five classes 51st, 34th, 35th, 48th and 49th — 14th says something. We don’t know what the players will amount to tomorrow. But we know the players today suddenly view this program as dangerously close to cool.
“It just seemed to me like they were changing their ways a little bit,” said Greene County quarterback Josh Nesbitt. “They were using a more mobile quarterback. They had good wide receivers. I just got a good feeling about them. Once you start going to the different schools, you see what they’re all about.”
Nesbitt has speed and a strong arm. Most major programs pursued him. In the end, it came down to an atypical final two choices.
“It was going to be Tech or Florida,” he said. So, he picked Gailey over Urban Meyer, Tech over a school that would go on to win the national title. “Yep,” Nesbitt said, with a laugh. Could he have imagined a few years ago doing that? “No way,” he said. “I would have never thought that would happen.”
Nesbitt committed to Tech in September. He didn’t waver. Other recruits also committed early, and it was difficult to find somebody who ever balked, even when Gailey was interview-hopping in the NFL.
Soon, it became clear Tech’s recruiting success wasn’t really about Gailey — which the coach could take two ways — so much as it was the program. The Jackets had elevated themselves in the eyes of high school seniors. They had become a threat in the ACC, while Miami and Florida State were on the decline. They had just produced Calvin Johnson, who was a staple on Saturday highlight shows and will be among the top few picks in the NFL draft. (Nesbitt: “As a quarterback, you see Calvin Johnson and you think, ‘I want a chance to throw to a guy like that.’ “) Also, they went to bowl games, even if seldom the most glamorous ones.
“Kids are picking Georgia Tech on the total reputation of the school and the program,” said offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, who came to Tech with Gailey in 2002. “Those kids see success.”
Tech has become a player for in-state recruits, signing 12. Also signed: Kell running back Jonathan Dwyer, whose other two final choices were Florida and Georgia.
One theory is there’s a deeper pool of academically qualified athletes now. But it goes beyond that. Because, while we all would like to think athletes select a school for academics, that’s just not the case. Kids want to win. Otherwise, Duke, Northwestern and Stanford would be the darlings of the BCS.
“Obviously we didn’t finish up the way we would have liked,” D’Alessandris said. “But I think just getting into the championship picture this year left an impression on the kids. They saw we were trying to get there and maybe they believed, ‘Now I can help them win it.’ “
Even in February, perception counts for something.
Permalink | Comments (73) | Post your comment | Categories: Jeff Schultz, Tech / ACC
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By shivas
February 7, 2007 07:32 PM | Link to this
You’re right, recruiting is a crap-shoot. However, the odds are much more in your favor when you do sign some of the highest rated kids. Of course there’s always an unexpected blue-chip that no one recruited highly, but that is the exception. Go Jackets!
By Please Get Real
February 7, 2007 07:47 PM | Link to this
okay……………as long as they make grades and beat Georgia, I will consider them a good class.
By Christina
February 7, 2007 08:15 PM | Link to this
It’s great to hear we have a good recruiting class this year! It’s gonna be hard to make up for the loss of Calvin Johnson! So I am excited to see what the 2007 season brings! Hopefully a win against Georgia! That would be mighty nice! :)
Christina
By Jon
February 7, 2007 09:26 PM | Link to this
I think that’s about as positive as you can get about Tech, Jeff. Go take off your Dawggie underoos.
By Fire Jeff Schultz Now!!!
February 7, 2007 09:33 PM | Link to this
Schultz,
North Ave. does not need a feel good story from a liar like you… Stick to bashing MV7 you coward, tick tock, the unemployment line should be calling your name… You’re a fraud!
By AugieDawgie
February 7, 2007 09:47 PM | Link to this
As long as you bees have Chan Gailey as your coach, we’ll be wearing these shirts…I get a new one every year!
http://www.footballfanatics.com/AllProducts/GeorgiaoverGeorgiaTechWhiteBraggingRightsLongSleeveT-shirt
Oh, and I laugh out freakin loud whenever I read you techies saying you’re glad Gailey stayed and you support Gailey, blah, blah! Only a complete IDIOT wouldn’t want to fire such a loser of a coach. Now on the other hand, ALL of us over here DO support Gailey and hope he gets another contract extension!!
ROTFLMAO
By statelinejacket
February 7, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this
Great class. I saw Donley, Nesbitt, Tarrant, Gilbert plus invited walkons(steals!) R.B. Clyburn and Scott Blair(wr and kicker) in person this year or in ‘05. Great athletes! Now lets get a topnotch O. C. for the offensive side of the ball and to coach up the quarterbacks.
By Navigator
February 7, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
Yep, I said earlier that Gailey got a replacement (Nesbitt) for Ball (runs and throws). It could be another four years, I just hope these are better than the last. I also said that the quarterback that started in the Gator bowl (can’t even remember his name now) was a one game quarterback. Now Gailey is proving that to be the case. Nesbitt won’t wait two years, and I’m sure Gailey never said he would have to.
By Techman
February 7, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
I haven’t been this excited since 4 years ago when Tech signed Reggie Ball!
By RealityTech
February 7, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
You got it!! Just a matter of days before Taylor Bennett (that’s his name) transfers to Miami or Boise State! Geez…I feel so sorry for him being so talented, but continually getting shafted by Mr. Insanity, Chan Gailey. The guy sets an ALL-TIME GT Bowl Passing Record in his second start, yet he’ll never start another Tech game, EVER!
Anyone still wonder why Grant Field has fewer and fewer Tech Fans? And we’re supposed to pay MORE for Season Tix now? WTF is that all about anyway?!? (Not that we would’ve bought them anyway with Gailey coaching)
Gailey had enough talent to win 13 games last year, with just a little above average coaching when it counted. It just proves that talent isn’t everything when your coach is doped up on the sidelines every Saturday…Nice recruiting class…Hate to see them get coached into oblivion by an @$$wipe coach.
By Beernutts
February 8, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
RealityTech, are you saying the “51st, 34th, 35th, 48th and 49th” ranked classes were good enough to play for a national championship (which would happen if GT won 13 games)? If so, then that’s some coaching they received to become so talented!!
By Dean George Griffin Wormer
February 8, 2007 01:11 AM | Link to this
These recruits will make us forget our earlier heroes, Ted Davis, Eddie McAshan, Reuben Houston, and the immortal Reggie Ball when they dream up new ways of kicking opponents in the head after the whistle is blown, quit the team the day before our biggest game, sell weed, and lose to Georgia for another five years in a row. Long live a loser: GA TECH!!!
By surfrider
February 8, 2007 01:13 AM | Link to this
Well if Gailey has learned to recruit then that is all the better. This staff has done better than average with the talent on paper coming in overall, and coaching/developing up. The big difference in the future though will be having a passing game that completes more than 55% of of the attempts. We saw in the Gator Bowl what Taylor Bennett is capable of doing. It’s going to be funner to watch with an offense to go with Tenuta’s defense.
By TheVoiceOfReason
February 8, 2007 02:25 AM | Link to this
It’s really quite a waste of time to even reply to this, since only about five people will actually read it, and I should be in bed or studying for my test tomorrow. Yes, friends, I am a student at Ma Tech, and if you are or were not a student you likely don’t know that “Ma Tech” is a little nickname we have for her. I think it’s because she woos us in seductively before she breaks our heart. But, that is not the point.
The reason I write this comment is to educate some of the nonsensical writers of the previous comments as to what Georgia Tech athletics are all about. First, to the UGA fans, I want to extend my congratulations. Even when Tech has its highest rated recruiting class ever, many rating services still have your class ranked higher. And you continue to beat us on the field year in and year out. But I suppose that is to be expected when most of your talent comes from junior colleges, because they didn’t have the grades to go to college right away. Additionally, your athletes get to indulge themselves in the academic rigors that uphold the fine standards of the University of Georgia (witness: Jim Harrick Jr.). But please, do go on about how great the football is at UGA.
And before you make your comments about how Tech is on probation, remember that the sanctions were the result of athletes becoming ineligible for academic reasons, i.e. they were given bad grades, not unmerited good grades.
Second, to the Tech fans who are, well, uninformed, let me help you out. Gailey is not my favorite coach. I’d rather have, oh, say, Urban Meyer, or Nick Saban. But we don’t. And if we didn’t have Gailey, the chances are we wouldn’t have anybody better. The fact is, he is a solid coach with a history of success. With the right pieces, I think he can lead us to an ACC championship.
And I know what you would say. Yes, I watched the championship game. I was in section 114, Row Q, seat 19. And I was yelling “run the ball!” as loud as I could. And yes, I thought we could have won against Notre Dame and Georgia as well. But coaching is only part of the game. It’s up to the players to execute. And the one player who couldn’t execute (who will remain nameless), probably could have been replaced, and the whole season probably could have changed.
But that couldn’t happen. For those of you in love with Taylor Bennett, let me just say that I love him too. He plays hard and he plays with heart. And I think he’s better than Reg…I mean, the nameless guy. But he’s not better than our recruits, and he’s not going to take us to a championship. He just doesn’t have the skill set. And if you want to point to the bowl game record, just look at how many passes went to Calvin. He’s the one who made the plays; Taylor just lofted it up there like anyone could have done. Anyone not named…well, you know.
Finally, to the people who are proud of our team and excited about the new season: I’m excited to. We have seven returning starters on offense, including most of our O-line and the ACC’s leading rusher, and eight returning on defense, including play-maker extraordinaire Philip Wheeler. Clemson, FSU, Miami, and BC will all be down this year, leaving the big challenge as Va. Tech, whom we play at home. We can make it back to the championship game, and you can bet we’ll be ready this time.
Oh, and I’m already making plans to go to South Bend this fall. Jimmy Clausen, meet Michael Johnson.
Go Jackets!
PS- By the way, if you were a season ticket holder, or even bought a ticket to see a game, you’re likely to know that the new donation plan is 80% tax deductible. So it’s more like $100, which even I, a college student, can afford (they upped the fees by about that much, which the undergraduate student government voted unanimously to adopt).
By RealityTech
February 8, 2007 02:59 AM | Link to this
Beernutts, actually this is what I said: Gailey had enough talent to win 13 games last year, with just a little above average coaching when it counted. See how that sounds nothing like what you wrote? Are you drinking or bonging while blogging?
Tech had a 10-0 lead over ND, with a 10-7 halftime lead and lost 14-10. That’s a coaching loss. Tech had a 12-7 lead over GA in the 4th QTR and ended up losing 15-12. That’s a coaching loss. Tech had a 6-3 lead over WAKE in the 4th QTR and ended up losing 9-6. That’s a coaching loss. Tech had an 18 point lead at halftime against WVU and ended up losing 38-35. That’s a coaching loss.
There’s no way to sugarcoat it: Gailey was simply out-coached in each of those 4 losses…Which isn’t difficult to do when you’re stubborn enough to continue playing a 4-yr starting QB who completes 44% of his passes and goes 15-51 (29%) over the GA and WAKE games. Tech WON 9 games, which is a fact. These 4 games would’ve been won if Gailey was above average for just the final QTR of each game. He wasn’t…HE NEVER IS. Instead…He stuck with Ball who threw for 42 yds and 2 INTs against GA and fumbled for a TD, and threw for 129 yds and 2 INTs against WAKE. Despite these atrocious numbers, Gailey still announced Ball as the Gator Bowl starter before Ballicide.
At GA, Tech had the ball with a 1st down (after the personal foul) with 1 or 2 min left (don’t recall exact time…Don’t want to, either)…Reggie then reared back and heaved the ball somewhat in the direction of CJ, but of course it was an INT to end the game (wrong play called, wrong QB to execute it). Against WAKE, Gailey PUNTED on 4th Down with 2 min to play with Tech BEHIND on the scoreboard 9-6…Bye-bye ACC Championship, a true gift to Jim Grobe who was promptly named ACC Coach of the Year. With 5 minutes to play in the Gator Bowl, Gailey sent Bell out for a 54-yd FG attempt after he’d just been quoted in the AJC THAT SAME DAY saying he wouldn’t do anything like that. He was also quoted 3 weeks earlier (after the WAKE game) saying you PUNT instead of try a 54-yd FG from that exact spot on that same field with the same kicker and wet field conditions. Bell’s career long was 48-yds and season long was 47-yds…Of course it fell well short, instead of pinning the offense at their goal line or even showing some balls and letting Bennett go for it on 4th down — I mean, it IS a Bowl Game you know??!!
So THAT’S what I was saying…The short version and the long version. The moral of the story is:
A Team can NEVER achieve higher than the competence of the Head Coach and his tactical ability to push the buttons and pull the levers necessary to WIN those ‘MUST-WIN Games’ in the 4th QTR!
Gailey is simply over-matched in that situation every time…Even if Spongebob Squarepants (with Patrick Star as OC) was on the opposite sideline. Tech teams (coached by Gailey) are OFTEN described as “showing flashes of brilliance”, but then falling apart at season’s end. This is no coincidence since it’s exactly how Gailey coaches in a game…Starts off well, usually getting on a roll, then when everything looks like it’s “in the bag”, Gailey pulls out a paper bag and puts it on his head to coach the final QTR (or final 3-4 games of the year).
I’d like to get excited about this class because it’s very talented. The PROBLEM is: Coach Gailey is NOT talented, and that’s where the excitement ENDS. I’ve seen the movie so many times, I already know how it ends: Ugly, hugely disappointing and with Gailey blaming his players because they “weren’t ready to play today”…
By RealityTech
February 8, 2007 03:51 AM | Link to this
I’ll add one more thing for those who still insist that “Gailey is their Man”: The above is NOT 20/20 hindsight…It’s simply calling stupid coaching what it is: STUPID COACHING. It’s also important to remind everyone we’re talking about a coach who is guaranteed a coaching job at GT through 2010 no matter WHAT he does on the field! He isn’t accountable and he clearly has no allegiance to GT (you simply DON’T go around on a public interviewing tour if you like your job and want to avoid embarrassment to the institution and people (fans) you work for).
20/20 hindsight isn’t necessary when the coach doesn’t pull his QB that passes for 42 yds against the in-state rival he’s already lost to 4 years in a row. Gailey clearly didn’t try to WIN that game. PUNT??!?! on 4th down in a Championship game when you’re behind 9-6 and there’s 2:02 to play? Are you kidding me? High school coaches don’t do something that STUPID if they’re trying to WIN the Championship. Hindsight also isn’t necessary when the coach has already pondered the “long field goal possibility” enough to be quoted TWICE within 3 weeks saying, “HE WOULDN’T DO IT”…Then in the waning moments of a game he once led by 18 points at halftime, HE DOES IT!
Hindsight is never necessary with Chan Gailey. And for those of you who explain away his stubborness, academic embarrassments, coaching incompetence, alienation of the Fans, failure to apologize to fans for anything (most recently the quite public interviews), failure to finish in the Top 25 in 5 years, failure to defeat GA in 5 years, inexplicable comment that he STILL wouldn’t have played Bennett AT ALL during the year AFTER seeing his Gator Bowl performance, and his unique ability to be the one Div 1-A Head Coach who seems to TRY and lose after he’s won 7 games every year by saying, Gailey’s the best we can get at GT…Well, let’s just say that he really IS YOUR MAN!
The TRUTH is: “It doesn’t matter what anyone says…Gailey’s the Head Coach for 4 MORE LONG YEARS”. And if you can’t look at the facts and at least say, “he should be fired”, then you’ll support ANYONE coaching at GT. Gailey is already considered by many (including Sports Illustrated) to be the WORST College Head Coach. I graduated from Tech and I’m a long-time supporter of Tech…But I’m NOT a supporter of Chan Gailey — There is a difference.
I’ll watch the first 7 games of the year and we may even beat ND…But after that, I won’t even read the Sports Page on Sunday. I already know Tech will be 5-2, 6-1, maybe even 7-0…Then Gailey will throw everyone off a cliff just like he always does. But that’s what you get with Chan Gailey…And if you feel like he’s all you deserve, then you should be quite happy with the way next year ends up. Good night all…Study hard!
By Chris
February 8, 2007 07:31 AM | Link to this
All U b*** and whinning fans need to shut-up and quit buying tickets and watching us on T.V. We don’t want you. Chan is our coach and our player are who we have to play. Mistakes happen, bad calls happen, and poor decisions are made, but it is a game and young men are actually playing it and well paid men are coaching it. If your opinion mattered then you would be the A.D. or Head Coach. Be an Athletic Supporter or a Jockstrap, but you can’t be both.
By NorthsideJacket
February 8, 2007 07:33 AM | Link to this
Now I understand, RealityTech. You don’t particulary like Coach Gailey.
By br
February 8, 2007 08:13 AM | Link to this
Who cares how “great” this class is? As long as Chan the Man is running the team, I see nothing but 8-4 and 7-5 seasons with trips to the Emerald Bowl on the horizon! Besides, NO ONE really knows how great a recruiting class is until at least year #2…everything else is just SHOW!
By TechWreck
February 8, 2007 08:22 AM | Link to this
Gailey is already considered by many (including Sports Illustrated) to be the WORST College Head Coach.
No, there’s a single sports writer that seems to have a hard-on for Gailey that calls him one of the worst coaches. Of course, there’s no need to let simple facts get in the way of your vitriolic diatribe.
Grow up.
By BuzzedinGwinnett
February 8, 2007 08:32 AM | Link to this
I guess as long as CMR is coaching at UGA they will never beat Florida, unless the Gators decide to fire a coach the week of the game.
By cadman
February 8, 2007 08:42 AM | Link to this
Voice of Reason?
Your panties are showing! I hate to chastise a fellow Techie but….
someday you will have some perspective and hopefully some wisdom to go along with the brains.
Let me splain somethin to you Lucy. Most of us that you are deriding are alumnus. You see, you need commitment and dedication to be a Tech fan (which are usually the same attributes that got you through your time on the Hill), you need $10 to by a t-shirt at Wal-Mart to be a Ugag fan.
The people that you aim at are most likely Tech grads (many with grad degrees) and certainly do not need a tax consultant who’s rat cap is still turned the wrong way.
Being a Tech grad is like being a Marine vet, you know exactly what each other had to endure to “get out”. If you do eventually “get out” (real Tech men don’t say graduate because it is far from a given), and given some time to mature.. you may understand.
A REAL TECH MAN IS THE MOST COMPETITIVE GUY OR GAL ON THE PLANET! Like politics in this country, we can talk about our school as much as we like… BUT NO ONE FROM THE OUTSIDE BETTER SAY A WORD OR WE DEFEND HER WITH OUR LIVES!
Grow up, you’ll be alright.
By Ryan
February 8, 2007 08:51 AM | Link to this
WHO THINKS JOE HAMILTON WOULD MAKE AN EXCELLENT O.C.?
By Jerry
February 8, 2007 09:01 AM | Link to this
Who is RD Clyburn in the picture of Tech signings?
By Vinnie
February 8, 2007 09:28 AM | Link to this
Would someone please point out that Tech’s academic standards are much lower for an athlete than a regular student. So many people buy into the “intelligent student-athlete” at Tech and it’s simply not the case. They have smart kids like everyone else, but academic standards keeping kids out, no way. Does a 900 SAT score sound like a brain to you? Unless Stephan Marberry is curing the common cold, I’d give it a rest.
By English Prof
February 8, 2007 09:35 AM | Link to this
CADMAN, YOU FLUNK! ALUMNUS IS NOT PLURAL, YOU PATHETIC DOPE. (BY THE WAY, WHEN I SAY DOPE, I’M NOT TALKING ABOUT REUBEN HOUSTON’S FAVORITE SUBJECT OR THE TECK HEAD COACH, ALTHOUGH HE IS A DOPE.)
By tb
February 8, 2007 09:38 AM | Link to this
Hey BuzzedinGwinnett: How about this……As long as Mark Richt is at UGA, Tech will not beat Georgia. See ‘ya for seven in a row in Atlanta.
By jabster
February 8, 2007 09:45 AM | Link to this
Augie—
Keep buying those shirts…the royalties benefit Georgia Tech Athletics.
Not to mention the TECH Shaft Fund contributions that you dog fans will be paying to get season tickets to get tix to the Georgia game. LOL!
By Mayretta_Dawg
February 8, 2007 09:51 AM | Link to this
Why do you Techies give Schultz such a hard time in his columns? I mean, wouldn’t you hate to be the beat writer for Tech? A team who went on a three game skid beginning with Georgia, going from a “good team” to its Emerald Bowl record roots. Personally, I feel sorry for Shultz. I wonder what he’s being punished for… Purusing y’alls blog I find it hilarious that the academic chest pounding continues. Are you trying to say that Tech produces scholar athletes? Have y’all heard Hamilton do a CSS broadcast???!!! It’s going to be interesting to find out how they were able to keep Reggie Ball on the team for almost 4 years, someone who can’t count to 4. I could go on and on about y’alls scholar athletes (Marbury, etc.) but I’ll let the UGA jealousy continue….
By Ramble ON!
February 8, 2007 09:52 AM | Link to this
TheVoiceOfReason and Chris…are truly voices of reasons.
Vinnie…has never taken an Algebra class in his life, much less had to pass two Calculus classes. I’m not even going to bother with the Sciences and Economic classes the students have to take. That would go over your pea brain head. There are no basketweaving and principles of Basketball classes at GT.
By Target Zero
February 8, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
Just beat the sorry Dawg of UGA.
By Mayretta_Dawg
February 8, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
Hey jabster, What’s even more funny about the t-shirt proceeds is that they exceed your sorry ticket sales from the joke by Coke. Who was the genius who decided to raise ticket prices, that is totally contrary to what your guy in marketing is doing with the free hot dogs and coke with purchase of season tickets.
By BleedWhiteandGold
February 8, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
TechWreck: You need to expand your vocabulary. I wish I had a dollar for every time you use the term: vitriolic diatribe in your posts. Were you born with that term tattooed on your forehead?
How about something NEW, OK? Usage ad nauseum…
By jacketnation
February 8, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
This is a GEORGIA TECH recruiting blog. The experts at scout.com has us ranked ahead of UGA. Should be the best class in history, thanks to Giff Smith. After Caleb(low SAT) King flunks out at UGA (unless his tutors take all his tests for him), our class will look even better.
At least one of our new guys wants to major in engineering. Better than all those programs offered tothe ball players at the farmers co-op in Athens.
By jacketnation
February 8, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
All new UGA recruits signed there letter of intent with a crayon. This proved that each student was academically eligible.
Next they will take a tour of the Live Stock Management facilities. Then, they will be treated to plate of hamber helper and some Jello at the school of food science. Then they will go next door to see where nuggets come from at the prestigous UGA school of poultry science.
By Reuben Houston,
February 8, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
Man, I can’t say how hard it is to be both an athlete and a skolar at Tech. I remember when me and Reggie and Kenny was the man. those was the days, dog! Listen my Tech brothers, does anyone want to buy some dope? I got a child support payment that is overdue and I do not want to be inkarcerated. Can you help a Tech brother out? I mean if you was selling weed to pay your ex old lady the I would buy it from you or let you use my cell phone or something.
By RealityTech
February 8, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
Wow TechWreck…Out of ALL of the FACTS contained in my objective evaluation of Gailey’s coaching ineptness, you choose to take one comment out of context and disagree with it presumably because, even though you might not like the rest of what’s said, it’s the TRUTH about Chan Gailey…And he doesn’t CHANGE.
This is what I wrote: Gailey is already considered by many (including Sports Illustrated) to be the WORST College Head Coach. Google this:
“Gailey” worst coach. Results = 59,100…See how that’s “many”? That’s all I said. I’ll do one better. Google this: worst coach ever “gailey”…Results = 45,000, also many.
And Stewart Mandel is employed by Sports Illustrated, writes for Sports Illustrated and posts columns on Sports Illustrated’s website…Only you would know if he has a hard-on for anyone. He named Gailey THE WORST HEAD COACH in 2005, then promised to let him off the hook (after dropping him to #3 in 2006) if he won the Division — Sounds pretty fair to me. The PROBLEM is: He was also suckered into drinking the Gailey Kool-Aid right before another late season collapse, which is a signature move by Chan Gailey.
The FACTS on Gailey don’t lie. When talented players DO come to Tech (and because it’s GEORGIA TECH, not because of Chan Gailey), he fails to develop them and sometimes they even regress (Reggie Ball)…Others sit on the bench wasting away their talent (Taylor Bennett) because Gailey puts ONE PLAYER above everyone else…Another predictable move of Gailey’s.
For the next 4 years he’ll ruin Nesbitt and somehow find a way to blame his players or coaches. Gailey’s a Loser…Not a Top 25 finish in 5 YEARS. Not a GA win in 5 YEARS. His utter disdain for ALL GT FANS (even those of you who worship the ground he walks on) is specifically responsible for the financial woes of Tech Athletics.
Coach Chan Gailey is certainly nothing to brag about. And still Gailey has Tech Fans who kiss his butt every time they get the chance on an AJC Blog…Go figure! I expect MORE from GT Athletics and I won’t contribute another $ to the Institution until Gailey leaves. Shame me if you like…It won’t work. It’s my right. And judging by the empty seats and fan reaction to the season ticket price hike, there are others who agree…
Can Chan and I’ll donate $5,000 to the Tech Fund of your choice, Dan Radakovich…I’m sure others gladly will pony up too in order to buy Gailey a ONE-WAY Ticket out of the ATL. Your ticket sales will go up, your funds will be replenished and your financial house will be in order once again…Because Tech Football will be enjoyable again with Gailey gone.
But you’ll stick with Gailey for 4 years, like he stuck with Reggie Ball for 4 years…And look where you are now: Begging for money to keep your Atletics Program solvent. If Gailey stays…It WON’T get any better! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some trading to do and money to make while watching The Lost Episode of Spongebob with my 3-year old son…Talking too much Gailey makes me nauseous. Yesterday was his high water mark for the year…
By bh
February 8, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
I start dreaming. Can’t wait to see Jackets kick their butts and their mouths shut for a while. What a pretty picture! Go Jackets!
By A. J. Suggs
February 8, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
All I can say was that I was better than Reggie in practice but I knew I would never get to play a down when I would see Reggie and Coach Gailey leave practice holding hands.
By bh
February 8, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
I forgot to mention that I also dream about covering myself in coolwhip and having the Tech defensive ends lick it off. I wonder why it is always the defensive ends?
By Buzz is wiser
February 8, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
A. J. Suggs if my memory serves me correctly you weren’t that great of a quarterback. I think I remember chanting along with the rest of thse student section “A.J. Sucks” but in your defense I guess you and Reggie were a toss up. The incoming quarterbacks nad te ones already on the roster look great and are very talented, I mean there some big guys (6’3, 6’5,6’6, 6’4, 6’2). I know what I saw in Jacksonville as I sat in the rain, frezzing, and the QB play was not textbook. I’m looking foward to seeing who wins out in spring practice it should be a great competition. Does anyone know how good Calvin Booker is, I mean he’s huge (6’4 256) and in college the QB play can change a game. I just graduated and the first thing I’ll buy with my first check is season tickets. I mean I have six months before the first loan payment is due.
By GT80
February 8, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
Northside Jacket, that made me laugh.
RealityTech, I too (along with many many Tech faithful) was extremely disappointed in the way the season ended. CG definitely botched an opportunity for one of the best seasons ever in GT Football. I was hoping that Chan would be offered one of those NFL jobs because I have no doubt he would have jumped for the simple reason that he doesn’t much like dealing with the intense criticism he gets from folks like you (and me at times as well).
Alas CG is still here and will be our coach for some time to come and maybe stability is the best thing for our program. Witness the highly ranked recruting class we just signed.
I will say that if Taylor Bennet does not get the nod at QB next season something is awry.
I know that we will never get a full explanation from Chan about why TB was not inserted for RB when it was obvious that RB was struggling severely. But here is my rational for CG’s decision. Remember that Taylor was a redshirt sophmore who really didn’t take up football until his senior season in HS. This kid had some raw talent when he came to GT but that was about it. Reggie was the solid 4th year starter this season who, you have to admit, was playing pretty well up until he got hurt against Maryland. He was always going to be erratic throwing the ball but he was making better decisions and his running ability gave the O a dimension that was hard for other teams to defense. (I don’t blame the ND loss on Reggie, I blame it on CG and Nix’s chickensh*&t conservative play calling/playing not to lose instead of playing to win mentality). TB’s unknown factor just had CG scared about putting him into big game situations, especially when, with the exception of the Clemson game, RB was able to pull out some wins. Chan knew what he had with Reggie but didn’t know about Taylor, so he stuck with what he knew. Was he right? Of course not. But thats the way it was.
Also, I think the classroom stuff really affected Reggie those last 2 games. He knew he was about to flunk out in his last year in school and his head was completly f’d up. Could Chan read this? Obviously not.
Is Chan the greatest tactitian in the college game? No. Does he have faults? Yes. But he seems to be doing a lot of things right as far as being a HEAD Coach. I see progress in his HC abilities, his willingness to delegate responsibilities and being more of a CEO instead of day to day operations guy. I’m expecting him to continue to make improvements adn expect our team to be in the hunt for the ACC Championship every year. Of course, beating UGA would be nice.
And for all the folks complaining about the new TECH Fund and the added cost for season tickets, remember that this fund replaces the AT fund. For most folks, the contribution to the AT fund to secure your tickets was more than what they will be paying for the TECH Fund.
By Tech Fan '95
February 8, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Any coach that tells his players to lay it all on the line to win the ACC champ game and then punts when the team is down by 3 points and there’s barely 2 minutes to play is just a poosie! What do you tell your players when you walk in the locker room after the game? “Well guys, we almost won”?
Gailey told the press “we didn’t get ready to play.” Great! Blame it on the players when you punted a championship right into Grobe’s hands. Looks to me more like “Gailey didn’t get ready to coach.” Same $hit, different game! I hate Gailey more than he hates tech fans.
By Buzz is wiser
February 8, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
A. J. Suggs if my memory serves me correctly you weren’t that great of a quarterback. I think I remember chanting along with the rest of thse student section “A.J. Sucks” but in your defense I guess you and Reggie were a toss up. The incoming quarterbacks nad te ones already on the roster look great and are very talented, I mean there some big guys (6’3, 6’5,6’6, 6’4, 6’2). I know what I saw in Jacksonville as I sat in the rain, frezzing, and the QB play was not textbook. I’m looking foward to seeing who wins out in spring practice it should be a great competition. Does anyone know how good Calvin Booker is, I mean he’s huge (6’4 256) and in college the QB play can change a game. I just graduated and the first thing I’ll buy with my first check is season tickets. I mean I have six months before the first loan payment is due.
By Techster85
February 8, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
Yea, the sorry thing is between GTAA finances and the pro Chan people, we are going to be stuck with that loser for 5 more years. I hate Chan and I am beginning to hate Rad.
By Pitbull
February 8, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
You Tech folks need to be kinder to that nice Mr. Gailey. I am sure that he just needs some additional time and patience on your part to make the Tech program as successful as he possibly can.
By Techmite
February 8, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
By Please Get Real
February 7, 2007 07:47 PM | Link to this
okay……………as long as they make grades and beat Georgia, I will consider them a good class.
Than they won’t be considered good. One class doesn’t make us that good.
By Al
February 8, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Most of these recruits would not see the field at UF, UT, LSU, Auburn, or UGA for 2 or 3 years.
By RickyD
February 8, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
I like what the guy said in what makes a U(sic)ga fan: $10.00; to buy a T-shirt at the local Walmart!
By Buzz is wiser
February 8, 2007 01:04 PM | Link to this
RickyD If those guys have no chance of playig for the next two to three years, explain to me why they recruited them. Just to fill roster space?
By Buzz is wiser
February 8, 2007 01:05 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry not RickyD but Al
By Sam
February 8, 2007 01:20 PM | Link to this
By RickyD
February 8, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
I like what the guy said in what makes a U(sic)ga fan: $10.00; to buy a T-shirt at the local Walmart!
And the guy saying “welcome to Walmart” at the door is a trade school grad who just lost his job to that Indian guy from Bombay Technical College.
By Al
February 8, 2007 01:22 PM | Link to this
Can you say…or spell redshirt Buzz is wiser? At tech the cupboard is so bare that these guys have to play.
By Sam
February 8, 2007 01:29 PM | Link to this
Jeff how can it ever be cool to be a tech fan? Oh by the way. Have you seen the new paisley pocket protector and that groovey tie dyed calculator belt pouch? Now that is what being a tech man is all about!
By Buzz is wiser
February 8, 2007 01:41 PM | Link to this
15 returning starters, and you only get one redshirt year,where do you get 2 or 3 from. Are you really a Tech fan bacause you should have known that the only real position of lost is QB, if you consider that a loss. So how is the cupboard bare. And by the way there is nothing wrong with red shirting and waiting your turn.
By RDU GT
February 8, 2007 02:04 PM | Link to this
Anyone got the beat on who our new OC will be????
By Old Techster
February 8, 2007 02:09 PM | Link to this
The problem I have with Coach Gailey isn’t that he loses. Everyone loses games here and there. But I watched those final 3 games and I didn’t see a coach who looked like he was doing the things a coach normally would be doing if he were trying to win a game. Not pulling Ball during his latest UGA disaster game and at least giving Bennett a chance. If Bennett had gone in and thrown 5 INTs, I’d say, “Well, at least Gailey tried to do something different to win!” I can’t say that about the UGA game. He just looked like he didn’t care if Tech won or not because he’d still have a job for 4 more years.
He also didn’t go for it on 4th down against WF in the final minute, but did actually punt if you can believe that! He didn’t go for it against WV with 5 minutes to go either. A 54 yarder from a kid who hasn’t kicked more than 50 yards in his career? Those aren’t just coaching mistakes. Those are calls made by a head coach who looks like he couldn’t care less whether his team won or lost. That’s the problem I have with Coach Gailey.
Most high schools would’ve fired him by now. Not because of his record. But because he sends the wrong message to young players when he favors a player more than everyone else on the team (to the detriment of the team.) It’s also not fair to ask fans to buy tickets or players to give 110% if the coach doesn’t feel the moral responsibility to give his all too. I’ve watched the second half of those games over and over and sorry, but I don’t see a coach who even looks like he’s trying to win a game.
The really sad and confusing part is I can’t recall in all my years any other football coach who gave the impression that he wasn’t doing everything in his power and using all of the weapons at his disposal to win a game, even a Div II opponent. It just doesn’t look like he cared one way or the other. For that reason alone I can’t support Coach Gailey any more either. I don’t like seeing mental abuse of players like this coach has inflicted on his.
By Valerie
February 8, 2007 02:19 PM | Link to this
Glad Gailey is back after I talk to him few weeks ago and being from his hometown in Gainesville, we have 2 committed to Tech one from Gainesville High and nearby Dawsonville and noone here is going to Georgia. Good! We got season tickets this year again. This kids know how much education is really important and Tech is a tough school then UGA. see you all at the games.
By GT Fan Jeff
February 8, 2007 02:36 PM | Link to this
Al…
Typical UGA BS on recruiting results. If UGA had signed these guys, they would all be “Five Star” recruits. When GT signs them, then they “would not see the field for 2-3 years” at UGA. You are so transparent on this blog it is pathetic. Go on back to your Dawg blogs and dream about when UGA will ever beat the Gators again,
By Techmite
February 8, 2007 02:39 PM | Link to this
By Buzz is wiser
February 8, 2007 01:41 PM | Link to this
15 returning starters, and you only get one redshirt year,where do you get 2 or 3 from. Are you really a Tech fan bacause you should have known that the only real position of lost is QB, if you consider that a loss. So how is the cupboard bare. And by the way there is nothing wrong with red shirting and waiting your turn.
Because Depth is lacking. That is why these guys will play early. Take Morgan Burnett for example. He would have Kelin Johnson,(sophomore) Quentin Banks,(redshirt freshman) and Rashad Jones(redshirt freshman) ahead of him at Safety. Corner is not an option because of Paul Oliver, Asher Allen, et al at a well stocked position. So yes Buzz is wiser, it could take a guy like Morgan Burnett 2 to 3 years to get substantial playing time. UGA redshirted 18 players from a top 5 recruiting class last year. That is depth, Buzz. And yes, in comparison the cupboard is bare at Tech
By Sam
February 8, 2007 02:45 PM | Link to this
By GT Fan Jeff
February 8, 2007 02:36 PM | Link to this
Al…
Typical UGA BS on recruiting results. If UGA had signed these guys, they would all be “Five Star” recruits. When GT signs them, then they “would not see the field for 2-3 years” at UGA. You are so transparent on this blog it is pathetic. Go on back to your Dawg blogs and dream about when UGA will ever beat the Gators ag
LMAO!! Did I just hear a trade school fan say something about dreaming of beating someone again! That is classic! ROFL!! GT Fan Jeff you would pimp your wife and sell your 1st born to see that dream you have have of beating UGA again come true. You nerds are truly entertaining. Thanks for the laugh moron.
By KenLayedToRest
February 8, 2007 02:54 PM | Link to this
I don’t know what you guys need the most. A new coach or Moses. But even he might get washed away in the sea of red ink you refer to as your athletic department. For a bunch of guys that think you’re really smart, you sure have made a mess over at the joke by the coke.
By DawgBite
February 8, 2007 03:13 PM | Link to this
I am extremely happy for the great class Tech signed this year. Takes one more excuse away.
By Drewcifer
February 8, 2007 03:23 PM | Link to this
You GT alum leave these Dawg “fans” alone! Don’t they always get their fries to you piping hot?
By Ramble ON!
February 8, 2007 03:39 PM | Link to this
With this class, we shall own the fleabags in all MENS sports just like UF, UT, and Vanderbilt do. Especially since the fleabags MVP Reggie Ball is gone.
By ZGOLDATOWN
February 8, 2007 03:54 PM | Link to this
I agree with ya’ll about Chan and Reggie but it is wrong to make fun of Reuben Houstan. Find out his actual involvement in the case and you will see it was very minor. All he did was let somebody use his cell phone to arrange a rather large shipment of a plant that God put on this Earth. He didn’t purchase, sell, or even see 1 gram of those 90 pounds. Granted he should’t of been caught up in that, he also should’t have suffered the way he did, and certainly should’t have to deal with the ridicule that he does. He is a very good cornerback, and I didn’t then and don’t care now if he lets somebody use his cell phone to arrange a shipment of weed. Legalize it,free the prisoners,Can Chan, Go Jackets. Fight, Win, drink, get naked
By Valerie
February 8, 2007 04:29 PM | Link to this
I so exitied to go to gmae this yer an see Techs Gailey who from towne heres and goode guy who no impurtant edukasion is four he playerz. I smartstest pearson in my homestowmes beseedes Chan Gaiely. Hes is smartstest of all of usses. Hes is mine daddda.
Byy byy, frum Valerie Gaiely
By Techster
February 8, 2007 04:38 PM | Link to this
I will buy a free beer for the first Tech fan that can name the date that Georgia Tech last defeated FSU. (Hint: it was before FSU joined the ACC.)
By yellowblood
February 8, 2007 05:20 PM | Link to this
UGA fans today quit yelling about Urban Meyer getting 3 QB’s yesterday when they remembered good ole “sit 3 years, play one” DJ Shockley. Why should they care who plays at FL.? The FL freshmen team could whip UGA’s varsity. Thats why everyone goes to the game drunk. They know they’re going to see a lousy game.
By Ramble ON!
February 8, 2007 05:38 PM | Link to this
Techster does that have anything to do with the price of tea in China?
By Techster
February 8, 2007 06:37 PM | Link to this
Ramble ON! - No it has to do with the price of crap at Georgia Tech.
By Tipsy Fairy
February 8, 2007 09:18 PM | Link to this
Well I’ve sprinkled my fairy dust of discontent at Georgia Tech. Everyone is ticked, and hate that Gailey man. I think I’ll go to Illinois and sprinkle some there. That fruity coach from Florida is getting way too many good players. Bye Bye all you little Techsters.
By GT80
February 8, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
Are there Tech fans posting on UGA blogs or is it just a UGA trait to post on Tech blogs. I never read articles about any UGA sports and then post on the blogs so I don’t really know. Why do these woofin dawgs waste their time? Bunch of morons.