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Friday, October 3, 2008
3 impact players
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Beyond obvious choices like QB Jaybo Shaw, B-back Jonathan Dwyer and DE Michael Johnson, I’m picking these three Jackets to make a big impact on Saturday’s game against Duke.
DE Derrick Morgan: Michael Johnson is coming off a monster game (blocked FG, sack, 2 pass breakups, several big hits on QBs), and Duke coach David Cutcliffe just said he doesn’t think “there’s anybody that compares to him in the country.”
So we can expect Duke to double-team Johnson as much as possible. (Miss. St. often tried to block him one-on-one, and paid dearly). That will give Morgan, a sophomore who is tied for third in the ACC with three sacks, plenty of opportunities on the opposite side. Duke throws the ball 37 times per game, more than anyone Tech has faced.
A-back Greg Smith: Smith had his best game against Miss. St., running 3 times for 62 yards, including a 45-yard TD. Here’s what CPJ said about him afterward:
“He had a couple nice runs and I actually saw him stick his head in there and block a couple of guys, so that was good. Greg’s got a ton of ability. He’s got a lot of ability and we expect a lot of him.”
Sounds like if Smith continues to block well, he’ll get on the field more and get more touches.
S Morgan Burnett: He’s such a ball hawk (not to mention a sure tackler) and, as noted above, Duke is averaging 37 passes per game. Burnett has three picks this season, and he’s gotten his hands on a couple more.
Those are my choices. Who are yours, and why?
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