AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2009 > February > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USKyle Jackson tidbits, Andrew Gardner combine update
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I talked to linebacker Kyle Jackson Wednesday for a Q&A that will run in the paper whenever we can find space for it. Apparently, space is pretty tight these days in our pages because we’re not selling a ton of ads (that might sound counterintuitive, in that you might think more ads would mean less space for stories, but that’s how it works. the more ads you sell, the more pages you can print, to speak very broadly.) If anyone out there wants to buy a big display ad to run in the sports section, shoot me an e-mail. (kidding) (sort of)
But before I get to some tidbits from the Q&A (sort of pre-leftovers, along with some stuff that will probably also go in the article), I talked to Andrew Gardner’s agent this evening. You may remember I wrote about Gardner rehabbing his shoulder to get ready for the draft.
Gardner’s agent, former Falcon Lester Archambeau, said that Gardner will not participate in drills at the combine. It sounds like he could have done them (40-yard dash, jumps and agility drills) if he absolutely had to, but they concluded it was wiser for him to wait for Tech’s pro day March 9 to give his best effort. By that point, he should be able to do all of the drills except for the bench press. Gardner flew up to Indianapolis Wednesday and will have his physical Thursday.
This is hardly a disaster. The drills are only one part of the combine. Players also undergo a battery of physicals and meet with coaches, scouts and GMs. Anyone who wants to see Gardner work out can do so at the pro day.
“I think people will be surprised when they put the clock on him,” he said.
Archambeau said Dr. James Andrews, the surgeon to the stars who operated on Gardner, said that he’ll be ready to play by the time teams go to mini-camp after the draft.
Anyway, just passing along some information. If I find out more about Tech’s other combine participants - Michael Johnson, Darryl Richard, Vance Walker and Jahi Word-Daniels - I will let you know.
Anyway, on to Kyle Jackson.
1) He is trying to add 2 to 7 pounds of muscle in the offseason. He felt he was a little underweight (he’s now 228) this past season and got pushed around more than he would have liked. He said he’s been eating “a lot of seconds and thirds” at the training table.
2) He’s been going over film from each game last season, analyzing his and the defense’s mistakes. He said he can improve next season just with experience and from studying film. He said another player who has been spending a lot of time watching film is quarterback Jaybo Shaw.
3) “Our biggest goal (for the offseason) is accountability and maturity as a team. We want to grow up as a team this year. … We felt like the difference between us and LSU beyond the physical experience was the maturation between the other team and us. Those guys had been there and they knew what they needed to do to get a win. We’re trying to get to that point.”
4) He likes the schedule, particularly the back-to-back Thursday night games at the start of the season. “It’s good, I feel like, to get those challenges early on, face that adversity and you see where your team’s going to be.” He also said that, if he could pick Tech’s 12th game for 2010-11, he’d get a home and home with Hawaii. Smart kid.
5) It pained him to say it, but if he were the Detroit Lions, he’d take Matthew Stafford.
6) He’s among the many touting freshman defensive tackle T.J. Barnes. During practice, when Jackson was resting, “I’d take a peek down to the offensive side and I’d just see him causing problems. And then I’d hear stories from all the o-linemen about how great T.J.’s going to be.”
7) He is hoping to get his undergrad management degree and MBA in five years, same as Darryl Richard. He said he took 16 credits in the fall (and is doing so again this term). That is impressive. He’d get the bachelor’s in 3.5 years (with summer school) and then the MBA I guess in either a year or year and a half. Richard got his MBA this past December, so it took him 4.5 years.
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By ccrider
February 19, 2009 2:24 AM | Link to this
Kyle, Let me just be one of many who thank you for your effort in recruiting other players, representing Georgia Tech in a mature and honorable way, working to make yourself a better player and playing with passion and abandon. I feel if CPJ can recruit more players like you, Tech will be the ACC champs soon and a top 10 team. Go Wolverines and Yellow Jackets!
By Tokyo jacket
February 19, 2009 6:35 AM | Link to this
I hope we get more like Kyle…A-player for sure!
By yellowblood
February 19, 2009 7:44 AM | Link to this
Another lost opportunity for release. The basketball team stinks and the Tickle Piles fizzle. How much longer must we endure. THWG!!!
By Billy
February 19, 2009 8:17 AM | Link to this
You ought to thank him for being a dedicated student. That’s what really counts.
By Jaded Jacket
February 19, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this
Kyle’s not only an up in coming linebacker but he’s a very smart dude as well. I like smart football players.
By RAMBLE ON!!!
February 19, 2009 9:39 AM | Link to this
Kyle is a beast, a smart beast!
By yellowblood
February 19, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this
Guys…let’s have a tickle pile…hehee…
Oh hey..listen, as you guys probably know I’m a UGA fan. I love the Dawgs. Ever since November 29th when I saw UGA give up 409 rushing yards to Tech it’s sorta hurt me. Deep in my heart. So I’ve been on you guys blog talking smack to make myself feel better. It hasn’t worked. The tickle pile thing…i’ll admitt…it’s played out. But I can’t come up with new material!!! It’s tough being an amatuer. I just wish I could think of something funny or mean to say to Tech fans. But I cant…I just can’t…my team LOST to Tech. I mean, what do I have to talk trash about. Losing teams don’t talk trash do they? I think I’m breaking down here guys…I gotta go….The nightmares are back…
RODDY JONES…NOT AGAIN…TACKLE HIM!…WHY!?!? WHY?!?!
By Huh?
February 19, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this
“Losing teams don’t talk trash do they?”
Generally no, but since this rule apparently didn’t apply to Tech fans for 7 years I see no reason why it should apply to Georgia fans now.
Sounds like Kyle is tired of getting trucked by SEC offensive lines and running backs. After giving up 80 points and over 800 yards of offense in Tech’s final two games he knows he’s got his work cut out for him. I don’t think Tech had seen running backs like Knowshon Moreno and Charles Scott in ACC play. At any rate, I wish Kyle well. Sounds like a good kid and he’s got his head in the right place. If only his fans would follow suit…
By UGASUX
February 19, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this
Hey Huh? and Yellowblood…aren’t you late for your Walmart jobs? Go play on your blog.
By Hey Slim
February 19, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this
I guess uga didn’t see the likes of Dwyer or R. Jones in the SEC then. Again, are you lost little girl?? 45-42, yep, still happened.
By Huh? - Why are you here?
February 19, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this
Really really strange that you guys are STILL on here months after the game in November. Are you a tech fan? If not…why do you troll Tech message boards all day. Kinda sad lil’ guy. Talkin trash make you feel better? Sort of therapy for you huh? I get it. As far as SEC running backs..gimmie a break….Do you remember what Roddy Jones and Jonathan Dwyer did UGA? Seems like those were some of the best RB’s you faced. They both put up 400 yards on your defense. How are us Tech fans supposed to “follow suit” when all we see are cocky trash talking Dawg fans on our blog all day even though they LOST. Should we just be quiet and let them rip us? Have some class bro. Go to YOUR blog and talk about YOUR team. Quit focusing on Tech so much. Game’s over. It was over months ago. I’m beginning to think yall are Tech fans you’re on here so much. I don’t go the the georgia blog because I’m not a fan and I hate georgia. Makes sense right? I didn’t go there and talk trash after we won….there’s no need to. So why are you here? Is there something we can do for you? Should we tell you your team is better? Would that help validate things for you? I got it…we’ll do the whole…”uga beat lsu and lsu beat tech therefore uga beat tech”…does that help? We could go the “fluke” route…like it never happened. Anything I can do to make you feel a little less anxiety about Tech THIS YEAR so I can get you off our board to focus on your OWN team. Cause right now…It’s getting kinda sad …really it is.
By Knowshon meet ground...Ground this is Knowshon
February 19, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO5iGBEaGHQ
hey you guys…i hear he jumped over a Central Michigan player one time….yep that’s right…Central Michigan…the toughest athletes around….how did he do it??????!?!
why did he leave us?!?!?!
By ggodsey
February 19, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this
Girls are bad…computers are cool
By GA Tech Insider
February 19, 2009 2:14 PM | Link to this
Why can’t all of you children grow up? This article is about two things:
One young man, whose rehabbing from an injury, and is getting ready for the NFL Draft, and
Another young man whose interested in excelling in the classroom and on the football field.
Where is it that you immature brats can come off with the petty insults when the article is only about these two topics? This isn’t about recruiting or anything else lame that you should be able to bicker about.
If you can’t have respect for these two young men for their accomplishments, then there’s no hope for any of you.
By Huh?
February 19, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this
“Really really strange that you guys are STILL on here months after the game in November.”
Why is it strange? We owned your souls for 7 years and that didn’t stop Techies from popping off at the mouth. What is strange is how Tech fans think the rules don’t apply to them. That is strange. If they don’t apply to you they don’t apply to us either. One victory in eight years doesn’t entitle you to anything. Get used to it.
By LMAO @ Huh?
February 19, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this
HAHA, Huh? is PATHETIC BWAHAHAHAHA!!
Get used to it guys!!!! Im going to be over here, gettin my nose rubbed in 45-42 until next November!!!! Im going to torment you NERDS about BEATING the preseason national CHUMPS!!!! You guys hurt my feelings so much, so im NEVER going to leave the GT blogs :(
GET USED TO IT!!!
LOL Thanks for the laugh. I pity you kid. Just can’t get over 45-42!!!! Oh no, everyone better get used to it! LMAO
By "Huh" is really upset...HAHAHAHA!
February 19, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this
Look at him fellas….he spends so much time thinking and talking about TECH! I love it. I’m so glad you’re on our blog dude….It just makes us know we’re IN YOUR HEAD. We’ve bothered you enough that you need to come over here every day and read about Tech. And say your ridiculous remarks to make yourself feel better. Face it…we’ve got to you a little bit. Keep bringing up the past lil’ kid. That’s too funny. Falcons went to the superbowl a while back…did you see me telling that to the Cardinal fans after they beat us THIS YEAR? Freakin moron. Sports is all about living in the present. The here and now. Here and now you lost your rivalry game yet you still talk trash day in and day out. You drag yourself over to the TECH BLOG. Keep coming back dude…keep saying “UGA rocks” or whatever it is you say. It only makes you look that much more desperate and sad. AND WE LOVE IT! Thanks for coming to our blog and staying away from that gayass Dawg Blog. We know you love it here. WWhy else would we see your “huh” name every day on tthe TECH BLOG. HAHAHAHAHA!
How bout this buddy…
IF WE TELL YOU UGA IS THE BESTEST TEAM IN THE WHOLE WORLD AND THEY BEAT EVERYONE THEY PLAY? THEN WILL YOU FEEL BETTER? THEN WILL YOU GO TALK ON THE DAWG BLOG AND TELL EVERYONE HOW GREAT Y’ALL ARE?
By Huh? just got owned
February 19, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this
Hey “Huh?”
Good luck and Go Dawgs!
By RAMBLE ON!!!
February 19, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this
What is really funny are the fleabags blaming the actual baseball bat for the greatest choke in the history of the NCAA on their current blog.
I knew they had an excuse for everything, but this takes it to another level.
By Huh?
February 19, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this
“Here and now you lost your rivalry game yet you still talk trash day in and day out.”
Yep, I sure do. I think Georgia Tech has an absolutely laughable football program and their fans are even more laughable. I’m just being honest. What do you want from me? I’m not a liar. I’m not going to sit here and act like 9-4 is some great outstanding record that warrants a ring. I’m not going to act like Georgia Tech is an elite program because they finished 2nd in the ACC Coastal and went to the Chicken Bowl. I’m not going to bow down and kiss your pocket calculator because you beat Georgia for the first time in 8 years. That wouldn’t be honest. I will leave all the lies up to Tech fans.
By Hey Huh?
February 19, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this
That’s awesome buddy. We’re all real proud of you for you opinions. That’s just what they are though little guy. And you’re outnumbered here. Great Job! You get a gold star for being on our blog 24/7 talking about TECH and neglecting your own team! Whether your ripping on us or not at least we can say for certain….
YOU ARE A GEORGIA TECH BLOGGER
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
By Huh?
February 19, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this
Ok…quit it. You’re getting a little personal now. Man, I hate you nerds. Y’all make me so mad. Look, maybe I do focus on Tech a bit too much lately. But I just hate you nerds. When I wake up in the morning I come straight to the tech blog. Before I got to bed I’m come straight to the Tech Blog. It’s just what I do. You can’t fault me for that. I know my team lost but we’re still better than you and to validate that and myself I need to be here every day. One day I’ll feel better…I’m sure of it…Just cry for me nerds…or cry with me
GO DAWGS!
2009 Champs!!!
By Huh?
February 19, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this
Do I get a ring?
By LMAO
February 19, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this
Huh?- you should just leave. You really are embarassing yourself now.
By Dog Doo
February 19, 2009 4:17 PM | Link to this
There are no backs in the SEC as good as Dwyer. Staffy & “Take me out coach” couldn’t carry his jock if they double-teamed it.
By I'll say it all for you "huh"
February 19, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this
Tech made rings cause they beat UGA. Tech sux. UGA is the best team in the history of college football. All Tech fans are nerds. Tech students have tickle piles. Tech fans are full of apathy. UGA is the greatest thing since sliced bread. UGA could beat any NFL team. UGA owns the series. UGA beat tech the year before last. Tech has only won 1 in 8 years. You bleed red and black. You love UGA even though you didn’t go to school there. You are awesome. We are not. The Tech program is not good. The Tech program bothers you. You are better than TECH at everything. You are the best at life. UGA beat life and is now immortal. All UGA fans will live forever. You would like all things Tech to die in pain and agony. And most importantly….UGA didn’t win this year but they did in your dreams and that’s what counts.
OK phewww…now, I’ve just said everything for you. I’ve cleared it all up bud. It’s out there for everyone to see. That’s everything you have said or would say forever…so guess what…now there is no more need for your to talk. Everything that would come out of that stupid mouth of yours is listed above. We get it. We know how you feel. I promise. You’ve stated you’re feelings several times. YOU LIKE GEORGIA. We get it. Shouldn’t you express that to other Georgia fans? There’s no need to express it here any longer. You win. UGA wins. Tech loses. Great work my friend. You’ve got the magic touch big guy. Learning is FUN!!!!
By Huh?
February 19, 2009 4:59 PM | Link to this
“There are no backs in the SEC as good as Dwyer. Staffy & “Take me out coach” couldn’t carry his jock if they double-teamed it.”
There are plenty. Dwyer is a system back that would be riding the pine at Georgia or any other elite football program. Any running back in Johnson’s system will rack up yardage, it doesn’t mean they are more talented than backs in more traditional offenses that actually throw the ball every now and then. Lets see if Dwyer drafted in the 1st round of the NFL draft like “take me out coach.” I bet he’s not and I bet Tech fans cry like little girls about it too.
By GET USED TO IT!!!
February 19, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this
Im Huh? and IM SO MAD at you stupid NERDS! GET USED to me being here!! Im such a BLOGGING TERROR!!! You losers HURT MY FEELINGS when you beat my overrated mutts AT HOME on DOOLEY DAY!! SO im going to be over here, TERRORIZING the GT blogs about how much BETTER I AM!!!! EVEN though im a complete douche loser :(
By Absurd
February 19, 2009 7:35 PM | Link to this
Dear Ken Sugiura:
Are you reading all of these posts on here?? This has just gotten out of hand, really.
Though I understand the general ‘reason-for-being’ for these blogs (more readers & posts = more people looking at ads = more revenue for AJC) … the general content of posts on these blogs has regressed to a level not suitable for sewer rats. Come on … really … can’t the AJC monitor the posts on here more closely to AT LEAST ensure the discussion remains somewhat mature and on-topic?
If you think about it, these blog posts are being placed on what is essentially the AJC’s bulletin board! Does the AJC really want a first-time visitor (for example) to come on here and form an impression of the AJC based on the garbage posted above??
Respectfully Yours, a loyal GT Fan.
By UGASUX
February 20, 2009 7:49 AM | Link to this
I agree with Absurd. The problem is that as long as UGA fans like Huh? are allowed to post, all you will get is irrelevant garbage.
By Sorry"Absurd"
February 20, 2009 9:41 AM | Link to this
Dwyer was a 5 star running back out of Kell High School. He gained just as much YPC under Gailey’s Pro Style offense. He made your team look like High Schoolers trying to tackle him. I’m not sure what more you need to see from him to know that he is legit. C’mon, don’t rip on talent just because you don’t like Tech. Be a grown up little guy. Sheesh.
By Driver8
February 21, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this
Listen up Huh,…..I guess your defense hadn’t seen the likes of RB’s like Dywer and Jones in the SEC.
45-42 you moron. Typical ugag fan. Up yours.
THWG!!!!