AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGet your re-ranked Tech freshman here!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OK, as I said a week ago, here are re-rankings of TRUE freshmen in terms of their chances of playing this season, which is another way of saying these are the freshmen I think least likely to red-shirt. This takes into consideration what I’ve seen in six practices and combines it with roster depth parameters as I see them. This is not coach-based; with a couple exceptions nobody is telling me up from down here. This is the Matt-meter so there’s a dumb factor involved.
1 DE Derrick Morgan (1a)
Only early enrollee left, listed No. 3 behind Adamm Oliver and Michael Johnson (who’s been limited so far) on one side (Robertson and Hall 1-2 on other side). Johnson will play a ton for a “backup,” as all Tech fans know, when Oliver will move inside in many situations. Morgan has been repping at No. 2 LDE during Johnson’s down time. I see Tech taking five DEs and four DTs into battle, with Oliver playing even more inside than the No. 4 DT. Hasn’t been a standout, but not getting blown out for sure.
2 QB Josh Nesbitt (1b)
He’s no less athletic than suspected, but he hasn’t thrown the ball well, and he’s playing too fast for his own good. Not unexpected, probably, but not helping himself yet. There’s time. Plus, Calvin Booker has been steady at No. 2. Still very much a candidate to be used in specific situations, ala Florida’s Tim Tebow.
3 S Morgan Burnett (3)
May be the best cover safety on the team other than All-ACC pick Jamal Lewis. Still learning the ropes, though, which is that much more important while playing inside. Clearly a talent. Somewhere I read the suggestion that if he red-shirts this year, he’s going to leave Tech as a four-year starter at FS. No way. This guy’s not going to be on campus five autumns. Are you nuts?
4 RB Jonathan Dwyer (5)
Not at a need position THIS YEAR, but Tashard Choice and Rashaun Grant are seniors with sophomore Jamaal Evans trailing them. Dwyer’s been impressive. Biggest thing he has working against him is depth. Could emerge in return game, which really hasn’t been worked on much if at all.
5 WR D.J. Donley (8)
Mistakenly listed as a DB last week. He’s about the No. 6 WR now, maybe No. 7. His size (6-4) helps, and though he’s freshman raw (too rough a word really) at the finer points like route-running and the like, I have a hunch he’s going to be in the mix in special teams. Gailey gave him props after Weds. a.m. practice.
6 K Scott Blair (NR)
Walk-on from Calhoun is said to be in the mix for the right to kickoff. I’ve seen some absolute howitzers come off that foot. And a couple skulled iron shots, too.
7 CB Mario Butler (NR)
I have to assume coaches would rather not be in a position to be asking for much from a freshman CB, but their choices are becoming limited. Butler moved to No. 2 CB on his side Tuesday when senior Pat Clark was excused from practice. Clark was present at Weds. a.m. practice, but hardly did any work. He doesn’t appear to be injured, and Gailey was oddly vague in describing Clark’s status. If Clark returns, Butler’s stock drops. Tech’s most precarious position: cornerback.
8 RB Roddy Jones (NR)
Biggest positive difference between what I expected and what I’ve seen among freshmen. Still think he’s a realistic bet to red-shirt, but as his value on special teams has not yet been determined, I’m moving him up until I have a reason to move him down. I can’t see great logic in having none of the top five running backs red-shirt.
9 LT Clyde Yandell (NR)
We’re getting into longshot territory fast, but Yandell moved up and worked with the No. 2 OL for a while when injuries and absences began to be a problem at RT. He moved up briefly to No. 2 LT as Jason Hill moved over to No. 2 RT rather than freshman Nick Claytor moving up there. He was very much in it again Weds. a.m., and when asked Gailey said he’s ahead of all the young guys. “He’s not in the mix yet,” Gailey said, “but we’re trying to determine if he could be.”
10 DE Jason Peters (6)
Hasn’t really done anything terribly wrong that I’ve seen, but there is so much depth at DE and Jason did not enroll early, like Derrick Morgan.
11 LB Kyle Jackson (7)
There’s been no notable movement among the LBs behind the first- and second-teamers. Guys like Fr. LBs Jackson, Brad Jefferson and Albert Rocker are hard to read until special teams start sorting out in another 10 days or so. Probably all face a steep climb to play this season, as I’ve been told special teamers figure to be dominated by returning players and some who red-shirted last season like Anthony Barnes and Dominique Reese, maybe Martin Frierson et al. Then again, maybe you want at least one of these three linebackers to start his clock ticking?
12 OL Nick Claytor (4)
See above. Claytor has slimmed down, allegedly into the 290-pound range from somewhere around 320, although when I saw him today I said, “I saw somewhere that you were down to 288,” he laughed, shook his head and rolled his eyes (the only freshman we’re allowed to talk to is Morgan). I think the chief goal for him this season/school year is to tear down and rebuild his body. I could be over-simplifying, or wrong altogether. The return of Jacob Lonowski originally did him no favors, although the injury this week to A.J. Smith and the tenuous academic status of Cord Howard don’t hurt. Still, a verifiable longshot.
13 Willie White (10)
Also mistakenly listed as a DB last week. Unless he factors in the return game, or there are several injuries, Willie’s a red-shirt, as are DL Logan Walls (a lock), Joseph Gilbert, Jerrard Tarrant, Michael Peterson and probably Rocker. Jefferson I haven’t seen much of yet. He’s kind of tall, but can he play CB? Nevermind.
I’ll update them again next Wednesday after practice.
Comments
By Mtn Wasp
August 8, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
Wow Matt, Great article. Despite the obvious talent of the new class, there are surprisingly few that will push the top two at any given position. That indicates to me pretty strong returning talent on the squad to keep some of these kids off the field.
By Mike Knobler
August 8, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
Matt has done another solid job here. Meanwhile, I’ve updated this morning’s blog with a couple more details and answers to some of your questions. There will be more on A.J. Smith, Pat Clark, Byron Ingram, Clyde Yandell and Joe Gaston in the practice report we’ll post online about 7 p.m. or so (after the day’s second practice).
By DinkyB37
August 8, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
Matt, this daily update is GREAT!
Two questions: 1) is there a “vibe” of enthusiasm this year beyond what you’ve observed in the past? Why?
2) please put the kicking game under your microscope and let us know what scheme and personnel issues get on the table… . Recent years, we surrender field position by the acre and any hopes for a breakout year in ‘07 are dependent on kickoff coverage/punt & KO return becoming assets rather than liabilities which Tenuta’s D must offset. Any news which encourages?
Thanks again for a great job.
DinkyB37
By GTfan
August 8, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
I’ve been hearing good things about walk-on receiver R.B. Clyburn. What is your assesment of him in regard to your freshmen rankings?
By jc
August 8, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Matt…If Bennett is injured, how well would Booker be as a replacement? I hear he is a triple threat type of athlete. Also, with the inconsistent play of our corners (mainly Word-Daniels) last year, what’s the possibility the DB’s won’t be redshirted to shore up that position?
By 33j
August 8, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
It was me who posted about Burnett being a 4 year starter. I never suggested he would RS; I said IF he did (which he wouldn’t) he would be a 4 year starter. As is, he will be a 3 year starter. Re-read my whole post on the Hive under a sunday practice report heading.
By 33jacket
August 8, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Here, I will even give you the link
http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=140#S=140&F=2938&T=801403
By 33jacket
August 8, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
Answer a question about clyburn.
I personally thought he was playing better than any of the freshman WR when I saw him. Definitely even with Donley, and maybe better as of that day.
I think Donley has more going fwd potential he hasn’t tapped into yet.
By Matt Winkeljohn
August 8, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Clyburn, who measured 6-6, 208 pounds the other day according to his father, is quite the attention grabber. I didn’t rank him because there’s little chance, save about three or four injuries, that he’s going to do anything but redshirt.
The rankings are about the true freshman with a chance to avoid red-shirting. Clyburn’s chances of avoiding the red-shirt are very, very slim. Not because he hasn’t made some impressions, but because Tech has good numbers there.
I read before the entire post about Morgan Burnett. I understood it implicitly, including the parenthetical about how he won’t red-shirt. That doesn’t change my points. He’s clearly one of the best freshmen, and he’s not going to be on campus more than four years. Please don’t take the comment personally. It wasn’t an attack.
As for Booker … he’s trimmed down from when he left Auburn, and he is something of a dual threat. Not nearly as athletic in space as Nesbitt, but throwing the ball much better and understanding the offense better. He’s the clear No. 2 right now in my eyes, although there are more than three weeks of summer left. He rolled out in goal-line today, and score a touchdown. S Jake Blackwood drilled him, but too late.
And Booker didn’t go down, by the way. Big kid.
Don’t miss Knobler’s post-afternoon practice notes and blog updates. Lot of info today.
I, by the way, am confounded about the Pat Clark situation.
By dgbbgt
August 8, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
I love this column. Great job
By Fglt blast
August 8, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
In view of the pending investigation do you think we will be able to keep these guys away from Tickle Piles?
By BuzzfanŽ
August 8, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Great stuff, Matt! I haven’t been able to make it down for a practice, yet, but these blogs are a great fill-in!
By GTGreg
August 8, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the updates and info Matt and Mike. It’s great to hear that walk-ons are contributing.
By 33jacket
August 8, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
before you call someone nuts, you should at least understand or correctly read their post. Also expect people to take stuff a little personally when you rhetorically ask “are you nuts?”
Your post clearly suggests I said he would be on campus 5 years, which if you read my post it clearly states he won’t RS and will start as soon as possible. The point I was trying to make is he is good enough to be a 4 year starter. Thats fine if you mis-understood or interpreted it. We both agree he won’t RS and will start next year.
By Larry Munson's Gin Blossom
August 8, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
Very nice job on these updates.
Keep it up!
By addicted
August 8, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
Fantastic stuff Matt (and you too Mike). Really been interesting reading all your comments and posts. Keep up the good work!
By rocket
August 8, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
Matt, I’ve been to a couple of practices and am facinated by the Roddy/Dwyer competition. I think it’s fair to say that Roddy has been considered as “the other back” in this year’s class, but he looks just as good at what he does as Dwyer looks. What do you see the as the major differences between the two? I see you still give Dwyer the nod at making this year’s team, and feel Roddy will redshirt. Also, how do you compare them to Jamal Evans?
I knew your 1st rankings were off with regards to Claytor. It’s always tough for the big guys…especially if they come in out of shape. They’ve relied on their ‘bigness’ in high school, and for the first time are looking eye-to-eye at an opponent. Yandell, however, came into camp in shape, and it’s showing on the field.
From what I saw, Nesbitt is the most raw QB right now; D.J. is gonna be a real good one; and the frosh LBs are getting very little opportunity to show their stuff.
By GoldbyBirth
August 8, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
Nice informative article Matt. Also Mike, thanks for the heads up on the blog update tonight.
By Ramble On!
August 8, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Matt, what’s up with Pat Clark? Sounds like he’s in the doghouse.
By Matt Winkeljohn
August 8, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Mike may have more later on Pat Clark. I’m at a loss. Chan just said they were holding him out now. Wouldn’t say academic, discipline, no further details.
He was in uniform, though.
33jacket,
Stop on the Morgan Burnett note. I read it clearly … If he redshirts (which he won’t) … etc. If you want to split hairs, if you’re convinced he ain’t redshirting, why start a thought, “If he red-shirts … “?
It’s all good. I wasn’t dumping on anyone, didn’t mention any names, didn’t even recall a name. Guy’s good. Let’s leave it at that. No lasting harm done to you or me. I understand your irritation.
By gte578e
August 8, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
Matt,
Lovin’ the articles man. What I think is really great though is how you’re responding to questions. Unfortunately for me, I’m gonna be moving to Japan in about 6 weeks and your columns are gonna keep me connected to Tech (I hope) for three years. That means a lot man!
By not disappointed
August 8, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
Not a bad job. Go Jackets. Mike Knobler your a cool dude! TinyandReba Go Jackets!
By Ben S.
August 8, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
Sounds like a pretty good class for you Tech fans to look forward to. I think Dwyer is going to be a great back and D. Morgan wil be very solid. I think Burnette is a future All-ACC. I would have loved for him to sign with UGA, but I wish him the best. I saw this Blair kid kick at Calhoun High School a few times, and he has a cannon of a leg. He made from 40-50 yrds look easy. Anyways, best of luck to you Tech fans this year…just not in late November.
By David in Athens, Al
August 8, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
Matt, Who is our 1st/2nd team OL? thanks
By Matt Winkeljohn
August 8, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
David, it’s in flux.
For now, from left to right:
First team: LT Gardner, LG Rhodes, C Tuminello, RG McManus, RT Smith (injured) or Lonowski
Second team: LT Yandell, LG Voss/Dunmon, C Dunmon/Voss, RG D. Brown, RT Howard or Claytor (if academics KO Howard)
When A.J. Smith comes back, that probably bumps Lonowski to No. 2 RG in place of Brown, and leaves Howard/Claytor. Or, who knows, maybe A.J. loses the spot if others play well in his absence. Coaches say that doesn’t happen, but sometimes I wonder.
Also, Jason Hill is still a second-team consideration at a tackle spot.
By statelinejacket
August 9, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
Matt, Clyburn took Jarrad Tarrant to school in the 4th quarter of the Cartersville-Carrollton game last year. Any good natured smack talk between the two during drills ? Not harmful stuff, just good natured give and take about the game . (P.S. Tarrant had an excellent game up to the latter stages of the 4th quarter).
By statelinejacket
August 9, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
Matt, Clyburn took Jarrad Tarrant to school in the 4th quarter of the Cartersville-Carrollton game last year. Any good natured smack talk between the two during drills ? Not harmful stuff, just good natured give and take about the game . (P.S. Tarrant had an excellent game up to the latter stages of the 4th quarter).
By GT_Southside (summer '78)
August 9, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
I was booster club president at Burnett’s High School the past 2 years and was Commissioner of Youth Football Program that he (and Cap) grew up in. Unless he is injured he will not be at GT for five falls.
By Killiangsu
August 13, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
Matt
I’m hearing the Byron Ingram has left the team (reported on SI.com). Any truth to this rumor and if so why did he leave?