AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 08
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
McManus ailing; raves for Crittenton
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you’re going to lose a starter, the next two games look like a good place. That said, other than starting guard Nate McManus, whose injury remains unknown although he returned to the game some time in the second half after being replaced by Trey Dunmon, I don’t think Tech has any serious issues. As Mike Knobler wrote in the paper today, McManus is questionable. We may learn more today.
That doesn’t mean all starters will play at North Carolina, but they might. Safety Djay Jones (shoulder/arm) entered the game on about the third N.C. State possession in passing situations. I don’t think there was a problem with Avery Roberson or Jamal Lewis playing at safety. My guess is coaches - again - became unhappy with Pat Clark at nickel back, and wanted to move Lewis from safety to that spot in passing situations. That left Roberson and Jones at the safety spots in passing situations. Pat Clark’s had a frustrating season, huh?
Reggie Ball missed the final snap at N.C. State because his foot was kicked or stepped on, Chan Gailey said after the game. I think he’s good to go, inasmuch as he’s been beaten to death the past month and probably could use a week at a spa. I don’t think the foot will keep him from starting, though.
Regarding basketball, coach Paul Hewitt has said many good things about his freshmen, of course, but I was surprised when he raved about Javaris Crittenton, and his conditioning.
“Javaris is probably the best-conditioned player on our ball club, and that’s hard for a freshman. As coaches, we sit around and tell freshmen they have no idea what it’s like to be in tip-top shape,” Hewitt said. “This guy from Day one has literally won every single sprint. The other day we were doing lunges, kind of grueling, and he and Mario West were way out in front. We looked at each other and said, ‘This ain’t no normal freshman here,’ physically. Now, from a mental standpoint, he’s got a lot to learn.”
