AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTech, Blair healthier than U might think
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Early words from Bobby Dodd Stadium: don’t count out Scott Blair. The walk-on freshman kicker from Calhoun appears to be very much in the mix for the right to kickoff.
The Yellow Jackets haven’t done a lot yet in today’s scrimmage, as of 11:45, but they worked kickoffs with incumbent Mohamed Yahiaoui kicking off twice, once with the No. 1 cover unit, and once with the No. 2 unit. Then, Blair did the same thing. Nobody else (don’t know if that means Travis Bell is out of consideration because I know he’s the best at placing the ball where special teams coach Charles Kelly wants it, but he’s third in leg strength).
Bear in mind a new rule moves the ball back to the 30-yard-line for kickoffs this season.
Yahiaoui’s first kick went to the 2- or 3-yard-line, decent hang time, and coverage was good. Jamaal Evans returned it to about the 13.
Yahiaoui’s second kick went to the goal line, but was a line drive, which hurt the No. 2 coverage team. Rashaun Grant returned 42 yards.
Blair’s first kick went 2 yards deep with great air time, a helluva kickoff, and was returned 10 yards to the 8-yard-line — No. 1 kickoff cover team (I can only presume) on the job.
Blair’s second kick went to the 5, good hang time but not like the first though better than Yahiaoui’s second and perhaps even with the first. 13-yard return to the 18-yard line.
Make of that what you will.
Cord Howard is back. I can tell four players who are out: A.J. Smith, Colin Peek, Travis Chambers and I don’t see Correy Earls (who was not going to play today anyway) anywhere.
I’m mildly suprised to see Mike Cox in uniform, although presently RS-Soph. Matt Kamp is working FB with the No. 1 offense. Also, WRs James Johnson (knee) and D.J. Donley are in uniform, and Johnson’s already playing. Don’t know yet about Donley.
Quincy Kelly, who collapsed in practice yesterday, is here, but not participating. Don’t know any more yet about what happened to him.
First offense working its first possession against No. 2 defense. Tashard has had several very nice runs already. This may be his only possession.
Looking for a tip during this commercial timeout. Anybody got ANY suggestions on how to make a dog shed less? Seriously. We’ve had a Kelpie for about seven months. Great dog, somewhat rare in the U.S. (an Australian herding dog), but he sheds like nobody’s business. Lacquer? We brush him pretty regularly, but still …
Back to it …
Third-and-8 from the defense’s 18 … Bennett has to sidestep in the pocket, and Jake Blackwood breaks up Bennett’s pass over the middle for Johnson. Field goal unit on. His 35-yarder is good.
Brad Sellers working No. 1 TE.
Donley’s out there with the No. 2 offense.
Gonna go.
By the way, former Tech TE George Cooper, who caught a touchdown last night in the Falcons’ win at Buffalo, is on the sideline.
Matt
Comments
By gtwins
August 18, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
Matt, How are we looking? Any more action?
By Jamal
August 18, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Yep, I saw that Blair kid from Calhoun kick in the state semi-final playoffs. He has got a cannon of a leg. He seemed automatic from 40-50 yrds in warmups. There was not a single return in the game I watched. Good luck kid.
By Matt Winkeljohn
August 18, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this
Jonathan Dwyer had a nice 20-yard run earlier, but he recently has lost two fumbles, each in the red zone.
Early in the scrimmage, the No. 1 defense completely dominated, but it has evened out some.
Mike Cox just made a rare appearance in goal-line, and he’s hurt now, down on his knees near the sideline. Odd, though, no trainers are with him.
Freshman cornerback Mario Butler’s had a nice day. Two serious pass breakups that I recall.
Pat Clark, on the other hand, has been called once for interference in the end zone, and was beaten for a score another time.
By tanner
August 18, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this
Matt, how much better does TB appear to be than Booker. From what you’ve seen so far could you compare Bond and Nix?
By jacketnation
August 18, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
Is Nebitt throwing any better? Did he throw today?
By sandsstorm
August 18, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
I was there for a bit today too - its so hot - I bet it sucks for Matt and everyone out there.
I was not impressed with Bennet today, maybe just an off day -
I’m not sure if #18 is Nesbitt, if it is, he’s huge. Had a nice arm, but not very accurate today -
Did I mention it was hot as hell?
I was pretty impressed with Dwyer -
Just my impressions
By K-Dogg
August 18, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
18 is backup QB Calvin Booker…By Jackson
August 18, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
I went by the other day, as well. Bennett was not very impressive AT ALL. Dwyer and Donley were, on the other hand. I think those 2 will be instant impact players. I worry about Bennett as our starter…looks like we might be relying heaavily on our running game.
By JustMe
August 18, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this
I certainly don’t mind relying on running at all. But, we do have to establish an efficient passing game.
I am surprised to hear that Bennett wasn’t looking good, considering his bowl performance. Maybe he is working out kinks for the season?
Matt, have the passing plays been noticably different this year? Ball was vertically challenged and so the passing plays were to help him (more passes to the sidelines). Have you noticed more passing plays down the middle, maybe even getting the TE more into the mix?
If we can establish the short 5-yard pass over the middle this year, that would be huge!
By Davey
August 18, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
Matt and Mikeme and my brother and dad sat right next to you during the scrimmage. I was taking pics and my brother was taking notes. My bro rights for score atlanta and was interviewing Taylor Bennett after the scrimmage. I just thought it was cool that we were so close to each other.
By John
August 19, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
Davey, You are a typical Tech Girlyman. What a dork. Why don’t you invite Matt to a Tickle Pile if you like being close to another guy?