Tech

By Jeff L

September 10, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Jaybo…Well until Nesbitt gets the hang of it….

By stinGTime

September 10, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Taylor

or Jaybo

By BuzzGT

September 10, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

By Old GT Nut

September 10, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

GT is gonna C-R-U-S-H VT on Saturday. VT offense will be dismal, and VT defense wont be able to stop GT. Its gonna be OVER by halftime, and VT may not even score.

By the way, here’s my favorite GT vs VT youtube video.

As Kirk Herbstreet says: “This is a dreeeeaaaaammmmm.”

http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=KbTRRXfd Qng

By Falcon Heat

September 10, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Larry: Paul Johnson seems to have mastered the act of exceeding low expectations so far in 2008. With Va Tech is disarray so far this year, GT should be able to play quite aggressive with nothing to lose at Lane Stadium on Saturday right? or wrong?

By wes

September 10, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

At first glance, Cooper Taylor doesn’t really pass the eye test. he’s SOOOO skinny!

However, you have to realize that he’s a true freshman and a tall one at that…6-4”.

Hard to believe he already has 9 tackles. He will be even better in the years to come once he puts on some lb’s.

Look our for COOPER TAYLOR!!!

By Ramblin Wrecker

September 10, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

I’d say Tyler Melton will have the biggest impact, unless Nesbitt gets hurt somewhere down the line. Melton is the only starter among the true freshmen, and he starts at two positions: WR & punt returner. I like Taylor and Reid, both have shown they can make a difference on defense, and I think eventually they’ll both be 3 year starters here at GT.

By Phildo

September 10, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

On the field, Taylor Cooper. Otherwise, the best “Freshman” so far is definitely Paul Johnson.

By son_sir

September 10, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Would love to redshirt ‘em all, but these kids will be seasoned vets in no time, with a lot of years left in them. The future is looking bright. A win Saturday would really be a shot of confidence for the coming weeks. I’d love to have those young LB’s playing also, but want them healthy for later. Would love to see the O and a D both clicking on all cylinders by mid season.
BEAT VT !!

By Tech Man

September 10, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Cooper Taylor is a BAMF

By SlickWillie

September 10, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Let them play. Maybe in the coming years we can utilize the redshirt. The future looks even better. Perfect practice makes perfect.

By buzzwax

September 10, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

This link is better…GT Wins!

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2LsjZHsvpY)

By buzzwax

September 10, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Like this link better…second try…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2LsjZHsvpY

By David

September 10, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Jaybo…until Josh gets the hang of it???? Are you kidding me? Josh’s playmaking ability is the only reason we won that game.

By CarolinaJacket

September 10, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

One good news is that other than the dline, most of these guys will be back for a couple of years. Now, if Johnson can bring in a strong recruitment class he may be able to redshirt most if not all of them. Then things start really getting better. Get out there and sign some more blue chippers.

By North Ave Pimp

September 10, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

I think JOSH NESBITT has the hang of it, did you not see his decision making last game ? Jaybo needs alot of work. REID looks good and Coop as well, But like someone said already MELTON seems to play more.

By WaCoJacket

September 10, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Top true freshmen to make impact: 1. Tyler Melton (he starts and plays important roles) 2. Cooper Taylor (we know he can tackle, but can he cover).
3. Reid (covers like glue & will grab several interceptions before the year is over) 4. Blair (R-Fr if he doesn’t start hitting FGs, we’re done)

By CW

September 10, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

I agree with David. Jaybo is a nice backup who already has the hang of the option, but why would you disrespect our starting QB when he just carried the team to a conference win on the road?

My #1 vote is Cooper Taylor. I listened to the BC game Saturday and kept wondering who the hell Cooper Taylor was because Wes Durham sure was calling his name a ton. Melton #2.

Also, I think Tech very definitely has a good chance to win the game in Blacksburg Saturday, but I think some of the posts here are more than just a tad optimistic. Frank Beamer coached teams at VT are rarely in disarray and almost never come completely unglued at home. This team has clearly not played up to expectations and their backs are up against the wall. I’m not saying Tech can’t beat them if they continue to play well and minimize mistakes, but to think we’re going in to Lane Stadium and beat them up is nuts. They will put incredible pressure on our struggling kicking game and will do their best to stop our offense as well.

By Larry Hartstein

September 10, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

George — Agree w/ you wholeheartedly. There were at least two 3rd-and-long situations where things broke down and Nesbitt somehow escaped and got the first down…..Of course he was much faster than BC, won’t have quite that speed edge this week…. His passing hasn’t been that accurate, but I think that is coming…

By Larry Hartstein

September 10, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

David — Agree w/ you wholeheartedly. There were at least two 3rd-and-long situations where things broke down and Nesbitt somehow escaped and got the first down…..Of course he was much faster than BC, won’t have quite that speed edge this week…. His passing hasn’t been that accurate, but I think that is coming…

By PB

September 10, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Not really sure who will have the greatest impact. If all goes well, it will either be Melton or Taylor… if it’s Jaybo, my optimism is reduced. Nothing personal against Jaybo but I have seen enough to know the Jackets are a different team with #9.

Larry, a late welcome aboard.

By Sharecropper

September 10, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

I keep reading about being short on scholarships, etc., but with very little information coming from the AJC reporters, who must assume we are all aware of whatever the problem is. So a challenge to the AJC: why is Tech short, and when will that end, thus when should Tech expect to have a full roster? Talk about parachuting into the middle of a story.

By Old GT Nut

September 10, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Just so you know…

Last night, ESPNU TV crew picked their “Slaughter of the Week” game.

They picked GT to slaughter VT in Blacksburg.

Yep…just as I have been saying.

By GT

September 10, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

People has got some speed for a back. This offense is good for putting a back in space and a speedy back like People can be by you before you can react.

By THE BANDIT

September 10, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Nesbitt is doing a good job and it is his job. I would however get the backup QB some snaps every week. This offense can get a QB injured on any given play and I would want my #2 guy as ready as possible.

By GT_THWG

September 10, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

COOP! He may be skinny, but he’s got a nose for the ball and doesn’t make many mistakes. Coops the guy I like, but I also feel that Melton will have the bigger impact. If he could only learn to block like BeBe…

By Regan

September 10, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Playing Early is a two edge sword. I helps get recruits because they will get a chance to play quick but, i hurts slowly building depth. In this instant gratification world kids want it now and that competes with the coach’s job of building a program. When you only have 3-5 years with a kid because of grades and the draft some will play early and often that is college sports. Basketball is even worse. Play who needs to play and save who can get better while sitting and waiting.

By GT45

September 10, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

I know alot of coaches like to redshirt, but if we keep winning with these guys, doesn’t that take a little air out of that theory? I say, if they’re good enough, play’em! If you get overstocked, well, that will be a good problem to have. That was no accident what Johnson said about playing starters. That was a motivational comment aimed at those not giving it all-on purpose! This man knows how to get the best out of his guys. Go Jackets-

By Born2Buzz

September 10, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Larry, David, George, I agree with you.

This is Nesbitt’s team, he proved it last Saturday. Jaybo will be a back-up and not see playing time unless the games are out of hand or Nesbitt gets a ding.

I like Cooper T, like CW said, I kept seeing him make plays and didn’t have any idea he was a frosh.

The fact that we have all of these Sophs and Fresh playing bodes well for years to come. The fact that we have stud upperclass DL’s bodes well for this season.

A win Sat. in Blacksburg will set us up for a special season. Let’s do it!

By Wramblin' Rack

September 10, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

I was at this game and saw it w/ my very own eyes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXRqyjzyBRg&feature=related

By cooter

September 10, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Born2buzz, you think you know more than coach Johnson who has said more than once that “Jaybo has earned playing time and will play this year.” That does not sound exactly like mop up duty to me. I think he plays a couple of series against VT.

By 1Jacket7

September 10, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Everyone is right about their choices. Which leads me to say, that all of the freshman playing are vital to our success. Tyler Melton, we need another big play threat like BeBe to really put the pressure on Defenses. Grow up fast young man. Coop T, adds what we have been missing for years. That extra DB around the ball in pass and run situations. This give the DL additional time to get to the QB and it puts a defender in the way of a RB to slow the development of the play, ie. screens, draws to minimize the big plays. Peeples, will help solidify the back field and add an extra problem for defenses to defend. Did we forget Cox. What a great athlete that has sure hands and toughness to provide great blocks and 3rd down pass conversions. Sylvestor, at LB will be a beast in another year. And he will join the other beast, Jefferson, Barnes, Griffin, Jackson, etc, etc. Now if we only can get #5 to step up.

By yellowblood

September 10, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Nesbitt looked great and the best thing about him is that he attends our Tickle Piles, both student and alumni!

By cewbee

September 10, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Yellowblood leave us alone, please! To say that you are an ignorant savage would be a compliment. THWG!

By CarolinaJacket

September 10, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

1Jacket7, Maybe Corey Earles will step up and display some of that great potential that he has.

By Not a beeliever - yet

September 10, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Pressing true freshmen into service is a sign of weakness that will catch up with us later in the year, that is, a lack of depth. Part of that is attributable to Gailey and his weak recruiting classes (except for the last year), part is due to the defections of players and prospects due to the change of HC.

The good news is that the BC win gave us a shot (not a lock) at a bowl game. From what we’ve seen so far, we have a good shot at wins over UVA, Miss State, Duke, UNC, and Gardner-Webb. That gets us the 7 wins needed to be bowl eligible this year (it takes 7 this year because of the 2 D-1AA teams we play). Only GW and Duke are prohibitive locks. UVA, MSU, or UNC could jump up and bite us if we let down or if our depth and injuries become a problem.

I say that we will be lucky to win one of the remaining games. Miami looked tough against an excellent UF team. FSU is on the rebound. We will be big underdogs against Clempson, VT and UGA.

Beat VT and I might start believing. We’ve still got a long season ahead of us.

By 1Jacket7

September 10, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

Corey Earls could be that person. The jury is still out on him also Carolina Jacket. Not a beeliver, young freshman stepping up early benefits you later in the season and it does not hurt you. The reason for them playing is usually injuries. So when the older injured players return they will have more experienced young guys behind they that can contribute quality minutes. Believe me when I say. You don’t know what type a team you are playing until you actually play them. You don’t know how there Chemistry is and what there match up will be against us. On paper is what everyone speaks to. But that is why we play the game. We can win every game we play this year. We just need to improve week to week and stay healthy.

By GM

September 10, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

yellowblood: do you have anything else in your arsenal of jokes? It was funny for the first couple of weeks, but months later? Try throwing it in just once every couple of weeks to surprise us unexpectedly, instead of multiple times on every blog. I’m sure it would be so effective then, and we’d all be laughing our butts off.

By Not a beeliever - yet

September 10, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

1Jacket7, read the comments again. I didn’t say that playing true freshman was bad. I said that pressing them into service (i.e., having to play them) is a sign of a lack of depth, which IS a problem. I don’t think that even Coach Johnson would deny that depth is a potential problem for this team. We’ve already been challenged by injuries at linebacker.

Ideally, for most underclassmen, you work them into the system. Occasionally for a specially talented one (say like Calvin Johnson) you play them right away and hope you can hang onto them.

I think CPJ will have plenty of depth in a couple of years. I just think that all of this enthusiasm is a bit premature.

By mowreck

September 10, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

I like WR Tyler Melton to make the most impact as a freshman, because he is only starter, plus will get a lots of touches. Jaybo won’t play much as long as Josh is playing as well as he has. He made lots of mistakes last week but still stayed in the game. Cooper is sharing his position so got two guys playing there splitting time. Doesn’t really matter tho because CPJ is gonna make this a TEAM made to win, not get individual awards.

By TechCrybaby

September 10, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

It will be tough for freshmen, but at the end, GEORGIA TECH 31, VIRGINIA TECH 20

By GT Rich

September 10, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

1st > Cooper Taylor reminds me of Chris Reis. Good range, not because of super speed, but because of instincts. 2nd > Reid will be playing a lot and will have his chances to make more plays due to the D-line’s pressure. #3 > Melton has showed good hands in practice, but can he block? Bebe was great blocking downfield for Nesbitt and Dwyer, but I never noticed Melton contributing to the same degree, plus he splits time with many other WRs.

By RAMBLE ON!!!

September 11, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

I agree with those who say Cooper, Jaybo won’t see enough playing time.

Nesbitt will carry the team, he’s a beast. I don’t think his passing was as bad as Larry does…and he didn’t run out of bounds like most QB’s would have after getting the late first down!!!

Smart coaching and QB’ing!!!!!!!!!

By Dawg19

September 11, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

First, this post has nothing to do with the topic. I clicked over here to see if the Buzz blogs were infested with fans from other schools like the UGA blogs are. I expected to see some of the Georgia faithful over here possibly spouting off at the mouth about Tech, but I instead find it totally devoid of any ill will. Only Tech bloggers on a Tech blog.

What I do see are Tech bloggers that I frequently see on the UGA blogs. Actually I see more comments from the Tech bloggers on the UGA page than I see here.

My question is this: Is it nice to be able to discuss topics in a civil way among your own fans or does it get lonely not to see the vitrol from other schools who are jealous of your success?

As a ‘Dawg fan, I of course hate Tech with a passion, but I will be very quick to say congratulations on your fast start. I think you will have a good conference test vs. VT but I do believe that you will win. I actually hope you win every game coming up to the game with your hated in-state rival and that the game between UGA and Tech gets more publicity than the UGA vs ASU/ALA/UT/LSU/UF games get. I want nothing more than Clean Old Fashioned Hate to mean something again. So keep playing well Tech. We will see you in November.

By USNA73

September 11, 2008 6:21 AM | Link to this

Let’s just say that there is a lot more sweating and anxiety going on about this next game in Blacksburg than there is in Atlanta.

By austen

September 11, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

can we please go to Blacksburg and not only come away with the upset but demand back the GT jersey that Glennon kept after last yr’s game.

By NYJacket

September 11, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

Young players with exceptional skill can play.

But, young players will make mental mistakes.

When you move from HS to Div I, the mental part of the game becomes more important.

So, while our young guys will make some big plays, they will also make some mistakes.

Fortunately, we now have a coaching staff that really coaches.