AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFootball alums — where they are now
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There were more alumni watching Georgia Tech’s football pro day on Thursday than there were seniors participating in it.
Here are updates on some who were there:
—Calvin Johnson: Heading into his second season with the Detroit Lions.
—Reggie Ball: Also with the Lions, he will be in workouts in Detroit next week. He’s expecting to earn a Tech degree in the spring or summer of 2009.
—Damarius Bilbo: Played quarterback in Thursday’s workouts and showed off a strong arm. If anything, his accuracy might have been better since the last time I saw him throw, when he was a Yellow Jacket. The Cowboys moved him to safety before releasing him last fall. “I’m trying to show people I’m a quarterback and a receiver,” Bilbo said. “I don’t care if it’s Canadian [Football League], AFL, I just want to play quarterback.” Bilbo also flashed the sense of humor that endeared him to so many people at Tech. Johnson, who brought a football to the workout, was looking for it with the intensity of a man who’d lost his wallet. “How much does an NFL ball cost, $90?” Bilbo asked the man who signed a six-year contract with more than $27 million guaranteed. “You can buy 1 billion, 2 million.”
—Mansfield Wrotto: That switch to offensive line for his senior season paid off with a fourth-round selection by the Seattle Seahawks, who moved him from tackle to guard. He didn’t play in 2007 but did stay on the team. “I’ve proven I could be a solid backup, which was my goal,” Wrotto said. “Now, I want to prove I can compete for a position.”
—Dennis Davis: He was set to play cornerback in the new All-American Football League, but the league on Thursday announced it has postponed its inaugural season until 2009. “I’m in shape ready to go where I need to go,” Davis said, and he looked as ready as he sounded.
—George Cooper: He has re-signed with the Atlanta Falcons. He’s still close to Michael Matthews, who competed with him for the starting tight end spot at Tech and went on to play for the New York Giants. “I talk to him every day,” Cooper said.
—Joe Anoai: A free agent, he is looking to get a chance with the right team. “It would be nice to be in a 4-3,” Anoai said.
—Eric Henderson: The 2006 free agent signee is still with the Cincinnati Bengals and eager to play after missing the 2007 season with a wrist injury.
—Curtis Modkins: The former Tech running backs coach took some ribbing from players on Thursday for showing up in red, that UGA color, but Modkins just laughed it off. He was dressed from shoes to cap in Kansas City Chiefs attire and said it’s easy to get over the color scheme when he looks at the numbers on his paycheck.
By the way, I told Adamm Oliver I would help spread the word about his Web site, on which current and former Tech football players have appeared to answer questions and share news and views. www.meethemachine.com is well worth a visit.
Permalink | Comments (16) | Post your comment | Categories: Football
Comments
By RAMBLE ON!
March 13, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
What about Chris Reis?
Last time I saw him he was playing for the Saints?
By BlackJacket
March 13, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Any news of prep for Spring Practice? I hope you guys really bring it with the coverage this year. I’m excited about the future.
By GT
March 13, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Glad to see Johnson including these guys.
By yellowblood
March 13, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
Saw Wrotto at a recent Tickle Pile. Looked to be in great shape although I never got across the room to talk.
By Mike Knobler
March 13, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
BlackJacket
As you probably know, spring practice starts a week from Monday. I’m going to write something next week about Tech’s pre-spring conditioning program. Also, look for other coverage online next week.
RAMBLE ON!
I didn’t see Chris there today. Chris played for the Saints last season and made 13 tackles.
By mowreck
March 13, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Being an older Jacket Fan, I would like to see a blog on where some of the older players are: Such as Lenny Snow, and my favorite Brent Cunningham, etc.
By mowreck
March 13, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
P.S. The website www.meethemachine.com has been moved it says on Yahoo.
By Ted
March 13, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Keep the info comin’ Mike. We’re thirsty! I can’t wait to hear about the attitude & intensity of the players during spring. It will also be interesting to see who steps up @ QB, P, & K. I look forward to the conditioning write-up.
By Tims Daddy
March 13, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
If the only thing positive for GT fans to talk about is back ups or scout team players that are playing in the semi,arena or national football league, that equals just one word. PATHETIC!
By TDone
March 13, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Tim’s Daddy,
Who are you and why are you here?
The AJC beat writer for Tech wrote th article for the expressed intent and purpose of bringing Tech fans news and information about former players.
But I guess you were too sick, lame, and lazy to realize that.
You people never cease to amaze me.
By CW
March 13, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Ah… a football oasis in the desert of basketball season.
Can’t wait for the start of football.
By AfroDawg
March 13, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
What the &^#$!, REGGIE BALL’s still playing foot ball????????
By DOGS R B***
March 14, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
please die yellowblood.
By GTFanSinceBirth
March 14, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
The link to Oliver’s website is wrong: here’s the correct link: meetthemachine.com
By Hate them dawgs
March 14, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
I believe the website is actually:
www.meetthemachine.com
By Less Concerned Jacket
March 14, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Great stuff. Hey, bought 6 tix in the Jacket’s nest today. Great deal @ $150 per. All of us 6 feet plus, 200 pounds plus. Dadgum visiting fans are going to think they are in Philly from now on. Can’t wait till next year when the puppies come back to town.
Baseball teams looking great at #11. Hoops should be better next year. Let’s pack Bobby Dodd for the spring game. Go Tech!!