AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 31 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USForget pads, break out the boats!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Somebody throw me a towel!
Holy schneikees. It rained like it was never going to stop here.
Tech just resumed practice a few minutes ago after a 47-minute delay, and it WAS NOT the rain that prompted coach Paul Johnson to send players and coaches for cover. The Jackets, in fact, worked the first 12 or 13 minutes in a steady downpour.
But lightning sent everybody for cover, and it was not exactly cozy under the “shed” off the southeast corner of the practice fields. Standing room only.
If I heard Johnson correctly, they’re picking up where they left off rather than shortening practice, but I was a long way from him when he was yelling instructions to players.
On a couple side notes … DB Mario Edwards, who transferred from Virginia Tech, is practicing. Whether he plays or not this season rather than sitting out one year depends. Interesting developments there. Check the notebook later for details. EDIT: see details in post below.
The new helmet color is … what is it? I described it as darker gold, but my description did not go over well with everyone during out rain delay. So I’ll just say it’s different, deeper. I’m told the new pants will be the same color. Aug. 19 is the date for uni rollout.
With that, I’m going to go scout around some.
I’ll tune back in later.
Matt
Comments
By CarolinaJacket
July 31, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Just help work on the new offense — and keep them healthy. We are not deep and can’t afford to lose anyone.
By Craig
July 31, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
We need some play by play analysis!
By Glenn
July 31, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Matt, Big rumor flying around is that Roderick Sweeting just committed to GA Tech. Any truth to it?
By Jimmy
July 31, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
How many reps is Jaybo Shaw getting w/ the 1st team as opposed to the 2nd?? This offense is the same he ran at Flowery Branch. From the reports i’ve read so far he’s looking pretty good on the practice field.
By RAMBLE ON!!!
July 31, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
We hardly got any rain in Brookhaven.
By GT80
July 31, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Getting excited about the season. Keep bringing the reports.
And Matt, I think when you say “Buzz” will be attending some function, you don’t need to add “the mascot”. If someone doesn’t know Buzz is our mascot they probably aren’t reading the article.
But thanks for the updates.
By GT
July 31, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Why do people always correct Matt?
By Cremins
July 31, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
GT - people don’t always correct Matt. They just correct him most of the time.
By Go Jackets
July 31, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Where is this notebook you speak of?
By Matt Winkeljohn
July 31, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
Yes, Sweeting committed today.
The notebook will be posted on-line later.
Here, though, is the Mario Edwards note that will be in it:
Sophomore free safety Mario Edwards, who transferred to the Jackets from Virginia Tech, is practicing. The NCAA has approved his application to bypass sitting out a year before he can play because the former Westlake High standout returned to Atlanta to be near his ailing father, William.
Now, it’s up the ACC, specifically the faculty representatives at the 12 schools, to decide now if he can play this fall or not. “He has lung disease,” Edwards said of his father. “He was diagnosed [last fall], and he’s been battling it ever since.”
The faculty representatives, who serve as ombudsmen for their schools, have to vote unanimously in Edwards’ favor for him to play this fall.
Edwards hopes to be eligible much as former running back Tashard Choice was when he transferred from Oklahoma in 2005 to be near his ailing mother.
“I was probably more nervous about the NCAA part,” he said. “If they accepted it, I don’t see any reason why the ACC shouldn’t except. You got to pray every day, and hope.”
Can you believe that vote has to be unanimous?
BTW, they’re going to “shells” tomorrow, full pads Sunday or Monday.
I have not noticed Jaybo Shaw working with the first team, although there are times when a mix of first-teamers work with reserves. It will be easier to answer that perhaps by the middle of next week, particularly in 11-on-11 work in pads.
Good grief, did it rain hard.
Matt
By DBC
August 1, 2008 2:04 AM | Link to this
I see where Rivals.com has us ranked #73! I’m excited as hell. Looks like we will exceed expectations! Go Jackets!
By m
August 1, 2008 6:36 AM | Link to this
Matt, you failed to mention the most positive thing about this practice. That Chan Gailey is NOWHERE to be found. Hallleeeedamlooooyah…the worst coach in the history of the NCAA is long gone. Thank God and Greyhound that he is gone….FOREVER!!!
By Mike
August 1, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Thanks Matt.
By GTBrown
August 1, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Wanted Paul Johnson at GT for years. Great fit, and he will win big at Tech. And thank God Chan Gailey is gone after sucking the life out of the fanbase for 6 years. Good riddance you old coot!!
By James
August 1, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
How is the kicking game looking since both the starters there are gone. Espn blog was saying that Blair will take the punting job, but the place kicking and kickoffs are still up for grabs
By KC Kid
August 1, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
M,
Now if we could just get you on a Greyhound, to a place where there’s no internet access.
Enough already. Let it go. You’ll feel better and your family won’t hate your guts anymore.
By Carolina Jacket
August 1, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Any of you well hung studs needs a ride to Jackets games this upcoming season, leave your names and e mail addresseson the site, and I will intervew all comers!