AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCord’s here, Clark’s not
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Blogmania is dead. At least for now, because time is an issue and I think the previous entry overwhelmed to the point where readers couldn’t sift through all of it. At least I hope that’s why response numbers were so modest.
Good and peculiar news from the Rose Bowl: Cord Howard is here. Pat Clark is not.
Howard, the reserve RT considered to be in competition with A.J. Smith for the starting job (although Howard missed spring practice and Smith has been pretty solid this month) was absent yesterday, and Gailey said afterward he was tending to academic issues.
Today, he showed up an hour late, but in uniform as Tech is going in full pads for the first time. He was late day one, too, when Chan said he was tending to academic matters.
From what information I gather, no players have been DQ’ed for academics, but two or three are in limbo for the time being, including Cord. Don’t know if that means appeals are under way, if they’re being allowed to make up work they missed while sick, re-take a test, NO IDEA.
And I don’t know who they are, at least not yet, other than Cord.
I’m told no starters are in this tenuous academic position. I know nothing about Clark’s absence. With him gone, the No. 2 corners are RS-Fr. Dominque Reese yet again, and for the first time, true freshman Mario Butler. CB is not a spot where Tech can be losing people. CB Jahi Word-Daniels has two interceptions in full team drills
We’ll try to report more later. Mike Knobler is doing a story on Troy Garside moving from kicker to special teams to cornerback (neat story), and tomorrow’s notebook.
I’m blogging, working on a story for Thursday about how to improve sorry kickoff coverage, then readying myself for my son’s football practice tonight (and the league draft this weekend).
No big hitting yet, as 11-on-11 work has just begun. First note from that: Jacob Lonowski working at right tackle with the first unit (he has been chiefly No. 2 RG). Hmmm.
Cord is now working No. 2 RT, David Brown No. 2 RG.
DE Michael Johnson has been a little more involved in drill work, but is not in 11-on-11s.
Peek is still wearing the boot on his right leg.
No other obvious injuries.
Comments
By Matt Winkeljohn
August 7, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
It does not appear that reserve QB Byron Ingram is here,either.
Matt
By Matt Winkeljohn
August 7, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Lonowski was working at No. 1 RT because A.J. Smith suffered some sort of injury to his upper body, apparently right arm or shoulder. Cord at No. 2.
Hmmm.
Matt
By ME
August 7, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Matt, How is the linebacker depth working out? Seeing any change in time of individuals working with 1st/2nd teams?
By columbusjacket
August 7, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
Looking forward to the info on kick coverage. That was, by far, our weakest point last year. Any true frosh. that could make an imapact on returns or coverage? (M. Burnett?) Thanks for the great work… keep it coming.
By rayj311
August 7, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
Does Michael Johnson look bigger this year at 250?
Speaking of Garside, how/what has he been doing out there?
By RED
August 7, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
What about TE? Who is #1 right now? How are they looking? Is Grant and Choice still in the same backfield?
By buzzman
August 7, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
Has that walk-on kicker still been impressing? You think he has any chance of starting this year?
By Josh
August 7, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the info Matt.
Is Mike Cox taking part in practices?
By Atljacket
August 7, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
Hi Mike, I really appreciate your blog.
How has Tongo looked? Does he seem to be at full speed. Does Vance Walker look like a solid replace for Joe A? Does M Rhodes look heavier than 275?
Who do you see as the KOR or PR?
By Matt Winkeljohn
August 7, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
A.J. Smith will be out at least a week, Chan said, with arm or shoulder injury.
Haven’t watched Tongo; he’s running with the 3s.
Mike Cox is participating fully.
No noticeable changes in LB depth chart yet.
Kickoff position is open, and coaches say with the new rule moving kickoffs back 5 yards to the 30, hang time and spot-kicking (accuracy) become more important. Yes, freshman walk-on Scott Blair of Calhoun is in the mix for that job, I’m told.
Austin Barrick has been the TE in Peek’s absence. Young, raw, better blocker than receiver, something of a reverse of Peek.
Minus Pat Clark (“excused” Gailey said), Tony Clark practiced in the nickel back spot today for the first time. Clark for Clark, but we don’t know why the first Clark was excused.
Walker has been impressive the very few times I’ve been watching. Rhodes definitely weighs more than 275. I’ll try to remember to ask him how much he weighs.
Matt Wieters still hasn’t signed with the Orioles, and per new MLB rules, if he doesn’t sign by next Wednesday, he can return to play at Tech for his senior year.
That’d be significant. I’m checking on that more, and on all drafted but unsigned players, including high school prospects.
Might be a few days though.
Later,
Matt
By shivas
August 7, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
Has Nesbitt settled down? Who’s most impressive receiver?
By Upper East
August 7, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Hopefully Cord and Byron can stay on top of their school work. We can’t afford to lose Clark. We are too thin and inexperienced @ CB. Please keep us updated on AJ. Should we be worried about MJ and Peek or will they be ready for ND? How has Travis Bell looked on FG’s? We need a solid yr. from him.
Thanks Matt & Mike.
By Justin
August 7, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Matt,
Who, out of the freshman, do you see getting significant playing time this year?
Also, can you tell who is standing out as a kick returner?
Thanks.
By GTGreg
August 7, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Hmm… error from the AJC website… I guess I’ll try again. Any updates on the rs battle between Roddy and Dwyer? You mentioned that Willie White looked pretty raw on his routes… any new developments or feedback on him? Thanks again, it’s really nice to be able to follow practice from out of state.
By Wrekker
August 7, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
I haven’t heard anything about the freshman LB’s. Kyle Jackson in particular, how is he performing. Also is Quincy Kelley getting to run the ball?
By Darren in the Springs
August 7, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Thanks Matt for the updates. This is about the only way I get up to date Tech news in Colorado. Cant wait for 1 Sep and see how everyone performs.
By hiveredtech
August 7, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
How is Claytor doing out there?
By TechIsGayl-ey
August 7, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
I know where Pat Clark is: At the bottom of a Tickle Pile! I hear he’s trapped under Nicky Claytor and his rotund Mama. They may never find him again!
By Jade
August 7, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
Thank you for the updates! One of the biggest problems with Tech in the past has been the lack of depth. How are we looking this year? More than in the past?
By gator the dog catcher
August 7, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
The original Tickle Pile
By Chris
August 7, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
Still curious about the kick return and punt return positions. Will it be Rashaun, Jamal Evans, or possibly Roddy Jones? Roddy put up some pretty nice numbers at the combine in the 40 and the short-shuttle when we were recruiting him and the running back position seems like a log-jam, so it would kinda make sense to use his shiftiness and speed for the return game.
By Joe
August 7, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
It’s amusing to see TechIsGayl-ey, a admitted expert on where to find “LITE IN THE LOAFERS” “girlymen”, attempt to get a reaction from his incessant tickle pile posts. However, when pressed, he still can’t explain why his starting QB was photographed spooning w/his backup. TechIsGayl-ey seems to have an obsession with men on men contact. Fortunately, we at GT are here to talk football and not condemn TechIsGayl-ey for his alternative lifestyle.
By TechIsGayl-ey
August 7, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
I think it’s awesome that a “gay” quarterback walked down the field with the game on the line and scored on Tech’s “vaunted” defense. You nerds just don’t get it do you? It’s just like bringing up the Vanderbilt loss. Sure we lost to Vandy but…Tech lost to the team that lost to Vandy. Kind of like calling Stafford “gay.” Does that mean that a gay quarterback beat Tech? I love it! He could be a necrophiliac for all I care, so long as he keeps beating the Tech Terrorists!
By martian
August 7, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
Can anything be done about these poor mutt fans who seem to be obsessed with Tech blogs? By the way Gator, like that “original tickle pile” starring Mr. ugay qb himself, maybe that is where these mutts picked up the phrase, and why they are so obsessed with it!
By TechIsGay-ley
August 7, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
Talk to me when Tech has a NCAA recognized national championship that’s not women’s tennis. Because, afterall, that’s the only NCAA recognized title that Tech possesses. EVER. Those “4 national championships” you claim? An outright lie. But, then again, Techies have to lie to cover up for their shortcomings. God, that’s really pathetic.
By martian
August 7, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
Hey UGAYl=ey, gays, such as your spooner qb, have done very well on the athletic field and we agree he played well last year. Kudos to him. Just didn’t know he was a necrophiliac too! Thanks for the info. By the way, did they kick u off the ugay blog for hitting on the qb?
By Joe
August 7, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
TechIsGay-ley- Quit being lazy by cutting and reposting your ramblings from yesterday. Instead, why not go out (or perhaps in your case, come out) to Midtown and spend some time w/your alternative lifestyle friends. As for a ‘gay’ QB beating GT, Reggie Ball was many things (a good QB not being one of them) but he wasn’t ‘gay’. Still waiting for clarification as to why your QB spooned his backup.
By Matt Winkeljohn
August 7, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
It’s too early to say anything substantive on kickoff and punt returns. At this point, it’s just a bunch of players catching punts, no returns.
No change in LB depth chart in the first two units. As for freshmen LBs, all in with the 3s, although there was an unusual freshman-only (or almost only) extra 15 minutes or so of practice today after the main. Almost all coaches were involved. Looked like something you see at bowl practices.
No, Quincy Kelly is not running the ball, at least not in full team drills.
DE Derrick Morgan is the only true freshman I can say right now has a good shot at playing (I’m not talking about special teams right now), and he’s probably the No. 4 DE behind Robertson, Oliver, and Johnson and may be tied with Robert Hall or behind him.
S Morgan Burnett is far along for a true freshman, but there are three senior safeties in front of him.
I’ll update freshmen tomorrow, working off the list I blogged last Wednesday with some moving up and some moving down.
Matt
By nwjacket
August 7, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Hey mutt- You need to be resting up for work. Third shift is soon. Oh yeah keep cleaning that 1980 coke bottle, that is the only one like it you will have.
By Davey
August 7, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
In some pics I have seen it looked like Big Bob Hall has gotten bigger. Is this true? Is he over the 250 range?
Thanks for all the work you do Matt.
By GTGreg
August 7, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Yes, thanks for the info Matt and Mike. PA is a long way away from Rose Bowl Field.
By UGA
August 7, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
What’s the overall series record between UGA and GT? And also what is the current streak for the Dawgs? Have fun talking s** nerds…since that is the only think y’all do best because you certainly don’t bring this badass attitude to the field. See you in November.
By UGA
August 7, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
What’s the overall series record between UGA and GT? And also what is the current streak for the Dawgs? Have fun talking s** nerds…since that is the only thing y’all do best because you certainly don’t bring this badass attitude to the field. See you in November. Oh and you can save lame criminal comebacks…because I already know its the best you can come up with.
By UGA
August 7, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
What’s the overall series record between UGA and GT? And also what is the current streak for the Dawgs? Have fun talking s** nerds…since that is the only thing y’all do best because you certainly don’t bring this badass attitude to the field. See you in November. Oh and you can save the lame criminal comebacks…because I already know its the best you can come up with.
By statelinejacket
August 7, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
Can someone filter out the retards from the east? Seriously Matt and Mike , thanx for all the info and your educated input of it. How does the conditioning of the team look? Any standouts in that area?
By GTGreg
August 7, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
Nobody wants to talk about or hear about UGA football here. This is about GT spring practice. You UGA fans are like telemarketers.
By BarrelORum
August 7, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this
Figures the UGAyer doesn’t know how to hit the “Post” button only once.
I’ll concede the series record, but could you update me on how many National Champions UGA has compared to GT in football?
I’ll help you out since you probably don’t know your history very well. UGA has two National Championships, and GT has FOUR.
But your Gymnastics team has a National Championship so that is always something to cheer for.
By Mike
August 7, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
Lord help the mutt fans, for they know not how ignorant they are…..
By dawgs
August 7, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this
Well now you know how we feel when you jerk offs write on our blogs. Have fun in your mom’s basement greg.
By GTGreg
August 7, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
Oops. Fall practice. Open mouth, insert foot.
By UGA
August 7, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
Mike, how many is it buddy? You can have your 4 national titles…but the I’m talking about the series record. Which means we own your sorry asses.
By GTGreg
August 7, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
Ah, there is nothing like a moronic assumption to brighten one’s day… thanks for the well wishing though “dawgs.”
By shivas
August 7, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
Leave these Dawg Bloggers alone. It’s the most intelligent conversation they ever get. Most of these mutt grads need 20 years to get to a salary level of a GT 1st year grad, so let’s lay-off. Futeball is their entire life even though they only have 1 NC 27 years ago. After we After we go MV-7 on their bee-hinds this year they will have to dig those ditches realizing their inferiority in both life and the gridiron. Go Dawgs.
By Mike
August 7, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
GT fans, resist the urge and DO NOT respond to non-tech fans. Lets keep this blog to finding out what is going on at practice and not about trash talking to uga fans about nonsense, there are plenty other boards around for that. Just DO NOT respond.
By ND
August 7, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
Georgia Tech: Win one for the “Tickler”.
By Oracle
August 7, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
I bet the “tickle pile” line just kills ‘em down at the trailer park.
I heard it caused ‘ol Bubba down at the laundromat to pee himself on three different occasions last week. The other time he just spit his dentures.
By Owen
August 8, 2007 7:04 AM | Link to this
Georgia Tech-College Football’s Girlymen
Win one for the “TICKLER”
By Clark
August 8, 2007 7:24 AM | Link to this
Keep us updated on Nesbitt. Is he doing any work with the 1st team? Let us know.
By Dawg Spooner
August 8, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
Stafford is a necrophiliac? cool!
By jc
August 8, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Matt… Who looks like the backup to Taylor if he can’t get the job done? I’ve heard impressive things about the transfer from Auburn.
By ctuy son
August 8, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
Has any one heard results from the Tickle Pile investigation being conducted by the Presidents Office in conjunction with the Fulton County Health Dept.
By Uga Fan
August 8, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
Actually if we counted National Championships like Tech does we have FIVE. UGA won National Championships in ‘27, ‘42, ‘46, ‘68 and ‘80 but we count only consensus championships, ‘42 and ‘80. By the way Tech was not the AP National Champs in 1990 by far the most important poll.