AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USClark returns to safety
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tony Clark is working out with the safeties today in Georgia Tech’s second spring practice. He used to be a defensive back, of course, but he had been moved to linebacker under the Chan Gailey administration. Paul Johnson’s stated policy is to let players begin the spring where they’d like to play and then move them if and when he decides they need to be at another position. It will be interesting to see how long Clark stays at safety, where he is working with the No. 2s.
The secondary, at the moment: Jahi Word-Daniels and Mario Butler at cornerback, Morgan Burnett and Dominique Reese at safety. Backups at corner: Michael Peterson and Jerrard Tarrant (who was a safety). Backups at safety: Clark and Jake Blackwood.
Other observations: defensive tackle Vance Walker is here and in uniform but not participating in the drills. Defensive tackle Darryl Richard isn’t here. I’ll ask about both after practice. That left a No. 1 defensive front of Michael Johnson and Derrick Morgan at end and Elris Anyaibe and Ben Anderson at tackle.
Tech practiced punts at the beginning of practice. Roddy Jones, Tyler Evans, Tyler Melton and Jerrard Tarrant were getting a look at the return position. I think Jones has promise in the role, as long as he can prove he can field punts consistently without dropping them. Paul Johnson values ball security first and foremost. Evans is a proven commodity in that respect.
Permalink | Comments (16) | Post your comment | Categories: Football
Comments
By surfrider
March 26, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
Had time to watch some of the practice today and liked what saw from both players and coaches, particularly considering it’s only the second day. The option running along with play action / regular passing seems to be good at this point in time. Particularly like the lofting of some passes showing touch by the QB’s. I think all three QB’s we can compete with at this early date. The coaching is hands on and excellent from what I can tell at this early point in time. Also the flexibility seems good as there are many options, no pun attended at wr’s and slots. Still no pads which is a different ball game but a good crowd on hand to watch the practice.
By Mike Knobler
March 26, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Two post-practice updates:
Darryl Richard had a class conflict. Vance Walker had a minor injury.
Also, Friday is the first practice in pads, and Saturday’s scrimmage is at 9 a.m.
Tech coach Paul Johnson said things went better Wednesday than they did Monday, as expected, and he singled out Jamaal Evans as having had a good practice. Johnson also said Josh Nesbitt made a step forward, but he said it will be a couple of weeks at least before there’s any kind of pecking order at quarterback.
By charles
March 26, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
I thought Willie White was getting a shot at safety as well?
By BlackJacket
March 26, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
I was there and Josh Nesbitt took a HUGE step forward. If I’m not mistaken, he took the 2nd half of practice with the 1st group. His passing is looking really sharp.
Leaves a big question… WHY WASN’T BOOKER or NESBITT getting passing reps when Taylor Bennett was throwing passes out of bounds, skipping passes, or just errant.
By wes
March 26, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
BlackJacket, do not talk about last year…please!
By yellowblood
March 27, 2008 7:00 AM | Link to this
I like what I’m hearing from practice. If Paul continues with the strict discipline and rewards with Tickle Piles I think we are going to be quite good.
By Middle America
March 27, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Fee fi foe fum, I smell the (yella)blood of a Georgia alum.
What no UGA report on which player got arrested today to read about?
Who let the dawgs out? Clarke Co Sheriff, that’s who.
By Ramblin Wrecker
March 27, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Glad to hear CPJ is open to anything that will make the Jackets better, including position switches. Make them compete. I like it.
I’m anxious to see who rises to the top as the leader of this team. With Choice gone, and a new QB to step in I wonder if there is someone ready to step up and say “follow me”. They are young at the key skill spots on offense, and are replacing lots of starters on defense. I hope CPJ is looking for those guys and encourages them to step up.
By Coach Paul Johnson
March 27, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Well, Hayull yeah we’re IM-provin. I’m just a fat ugly redneck, but I can tayul you dat much!! Only gone be a mattr of ti-yum before we’re givin’ them Demon Deacons a run fore theyure $$$!! Go Jackets!!!
By CharlieFoxtrot
March 27, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
big surprise. ryan perriloux is no longer suspended and hopes to practice soon.
By Paddy
March 27, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
LSU QB Ryan P. is back at practice??? They must have a 4 “I made a big mistake ” minimum on that team. I guess the Harvard transfer was not working out well. Suspention should last about the first 6 min of the first quarter of the first game.
By CharlieFoxtrot
March 27, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
It doesn’t really bother me that LSU has decided that winning football games is their number one priority. I mean, if being a national championship contender means raking in a lot of money, then why not? The thing that will really annoy me is the stories that we’ll be subjected to about how young Mr. Perriloux has learned from his youthful indiscretions(so people aren’t turned off from college football and continue to keep ratings high). Of course, the spring before he is drafted, I can guarantee we’ll hear some story about how he was arrested for something stupid again. I wish college coaches and the media were a little more cynical about this and would just explain that it’s all about the money. Almost everything in the world is, so why wouldn’t this be, especially since it’s not like he’s a starving child from Africa who really needs charity?
By thks4nut
March 27, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
sounds like everything is going good at gt just hope they keep it up when it,s really counts.
By GT
March 27, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
We doing anything to get more bodies into camp, walk-ons, transfers?
By StingerSplash
March 27, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Watch the way the new staff handles QB reps. Unlike the NFL style where the No. 1 guy gets 75 percent and usually around 90-95 percent of the snaps, PJ likes to make sure his No. 2 and No. 3 QB are ready to play, so they get plenty of reps in practice.
By WPinAZ
March 28, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
I haven’t heard any word on ‘07 DE recruit Jason Peters? Anyone got an update on him? He’s supposed to be a stud. Hope he didn’t transfer. Also, any more news on DJ Donley possibly coming back to Tech? I read he may transfer to South Carolina?