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Thursday, November 27, 2008
Gladiator vs. Knowshon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Brad Jefferson, the Tech middle linebacker known as Gladiator, appears to be rounding into form just in time. Wednesday, he said he felt “98 percent.”
Jefferson dislocated his left wrist in the season opener and didn’t make an impact until Nov. 8 at North Carolina, when he had six tackles, five solo.
Against Miami, Jefferson stuffed RB Graig Cooper on 3rd and 1, forcing a punt.
“It’s all about watching film and knowing their tendencies and what they like to do on what down and how far it is,” he said. “I made my fit, he was there, and it all worked out.”
Jefferson was more demonstrative after that play that he has been all season.
Coaches say Jefferson, one of Tech’s strongest players, missed so much time that he hasn’t mastered all the defenses. He doesn’t stay on the field on every down. He’s out there when Tech plays its base 4-3, and Kyle Jackson comes in when Tech plays two linebackers and five defensive backs.
Still, Jefferson will be critical to the Jackets’ hopes of containing Knowshon Moreno. Jefferson did not hesitate in calling Moreno (1,244 rushing yards, 15 TDs) the best running back Tech has faced.
“They’re a great team all the way and Knowshon Moreno, you can’t take nothing from him,” Jefferson said. “He runs the ball hard, he finds his holes, they block well. I mean, we’re just going to have to stop ‘em in their tracks.”
He added that he’s “looking forward to me and him introducing ourselves.”
Jefferson, a sophomore listed at 6-2, 227, said a few weeks ago he might not have been “physically capable” of tackling Moreno. Now, he feels he is.
Of course, it won’t come down to Jefferson alone. But there’s no minimizing the importance of a healthy Gladiator.
Tech also gets back DT Vance Walker, which means Elris Anyaibe goes back to his valuable role as the No. 1 backup in the D-line rotation.
On the season, Georgia averages 160.6 rushing yards, while Tech gives up 120.2.
How do you think Tech’s defense will fare against Moreno?
