AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > August > 09
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Hey, these guys are better
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Surprise! Georgia Tech looked as if it had been practicing. And Jaybo Shaw sure doesn’t look like a freshman.
When the Yellow Jackets scrimmaged Saturday morning for the first time since summer practice began (not counting some fairly live situational stuff in practice), there was a big difference between the spring scrimmages.
Ball security was much, much less an issue. Exchanges were more crisp all the way around, and … the first defense was still pretty good slowing the first offense.
I think you can forget the possibility of Jaybo Shaw redshirting. He completed 3 of 6 passes — a 37-yard touchdown to WR R.B. Clyburn, a 59-yarder to WR Quentin Sims and a 52-yarder to A-back Embry Peeples. Shaw ran for two scores, too.
For the record, those are all freshmen. And every play was, as coach Paul Johnson noted afterward, against the No. 2 (or 2.5 in some instances) defense.
Still, Shaw knows what he’s doing.
B-back Anthony Allen rushed for 105 yards on 17 carries. He won’t be able to play until next season after transferring from Louisville, but the starting B-back is no bum. Jonathan Dwyer went 70 yards on the second play, although he faced tough sledding other than that.
Johnson said the No. 1 passing game is so bad in part because the No. 1 line can’t pass protect against the No. 1 defense. That’s good news for the defense. Not so good for the offense.
Mario Edwards continued to work No. 1 nickel safety with Morgan Burnett, Dominque Reese sliding up into the slot. Boy, there is no depth at cornerback unless somebody grows up in a hurry, but knowing Edwards can play this fall sure helps Dave Wommack and Charles Kelly slide folks around a little more.
QB Tevin Washington made some plays with his feet, and a well-timed pitch for a touchdown. He’ll redshirt, though.
I see the QB lineup like this now: Nesbitt, Shaw, Dykes, Booker (may be used situationally, however, when the Jackets trail late as I believe he’s the most proficient passer by a sizable margin), Washington (redshirt), Henry (anybody see him at A-back, when he tried to throw a block? Not pretty).
Scott Blair is the PK. Mark it down. Johnson said as much.
More later.
Matt
