Tech

By Mom

February 24, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this

first

By BobinBuford

February 24, 2009 8:47 AM | Link to this

One question might be if Morgan is feeling any pressure at his position given the inexperience of the D line this year. As a junior, he will really be expected to be a leader on the defense.

By Glenn

February 24, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

If you watched the NFL Network yesterday, you would have seen Jon Gruden speaking about Michael Johnson, gushing about him, and seeing Mayock backpedal, like others being interviewed during the combine who had made disparaging comments about Michael previously.

This isn’t to say Michael will go in the first round, but what it does say is that someone who has actually Coached in the NFL, and won a Superbowl, rather than was drafted in the 10th Round, like Mayock, then started his broadcasting in the Canadian Football League, might be a better judge of a player.

Has it occurred to any of you that these GM’s and Head Coaches use these talking heads to get their players dropped in the draft so they can try to pick them up when they’re picking later?

Just because these blowhards say something doesn’t mean that the GM’s or Head Coaches are buying into what the Media is blowing up your skirts. Sure, some of what they’re saying may be true, or it may be something they “heard” from a reliable source and it turns out to be true, but take it all with a grain of salt.

The media is paid to report. The GM’s and Head Coaches are paid to win games. That’s why they chose players that they think fit their systems best, not what some sportscaster says that influences the fans.

By yellowblood

February 24, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

I don’t think anyone really cares what happens to the redneck snaggle toothed hounds except one Saturday a year and last I checked we won that game and had a truly wonderful Tickle Pile after the game. THWG!!!!!

By Josh H

February 24, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this

The defense at the beginning of the season was known for not giving up any big plays. Near the end of the season (Georgia, North Carolina, LSU) they gave up quite a few. How are they working that change that?

By old gold engineer

February 24, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this

GT gave up a lot of points to high-powered offenses last season. Will they address that in the off-season? How much will an additional year of maturity for the linebackers and secondary help?

By Glenn

February 24, 2009 9:39 AM | Link to this

I should have added that Mayock only played in the NFL for two years as well.

By Carolina Jacket

February 24, 2009 10:11 AM | Link to this

We know that the dline will be young but how much can the linebackers make up for this? They now have lots of experience and some real good redshirts coming up. This should help a great deal.

By Jerry

February 24, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this

I can see Johnson as a stud and I saw him take stretches of a game and not hear anything from him. But then, BOOM, he’s done something. I would rather have him then the Falcons Anderson.

Does Coach still have a craw in his stomach from the LSU game?

I sure hope so.

By yellowblood

February 24, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this

I just cannot carry on this charade any longer. It is time for me to come out of the closet. I am not really a Tech fan and I know that Tech doesn’t have Tickle Piles. I am really a gay Dawg fan! There are a lot more of us (gay Dawg fans) than you might think. I thought that by making fun of Tech I could get in good graces with my Dawg friends. But it is simply not working, and I cannot continue living a lie. Please forgive me. Well, got to go now. My man is waiting.

By Liebs

February 24, 2009 11:12 AM | Link to this

For the question stuff: A lot of people talk about how we have to rebuild our defensive line, but how big a problem do you think it will really be, replacing three starters there?

By BLAZER

February 24, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

COULD GO TO A 3-4

HAVE GOOD DEFENSIVE ENDS AND HAVE SOME YOUNG DEFENSIVE TACKLES-BARNES,LANIER, WALLS,ANDERSON- THEY COULD ROTATE AT D.T.

By GT student

February 24, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

ask morgan…do you think our team can take the same intensity that we had this year in the georgia game and win against UGA in atlanta this year? Is this still our most important game?

By KC

February 24, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this

LISTEN CLOSELY!!!

WE ARE NOT GOING TO A 3-4 DEFENSE

We don’t the linebackers to play a 3-4. If you noticed, we were weaker at LB than any other position. Now you want to even more LBs on the field. Having many LBs and having 4 good LBs aren’t nearly the same thing.

By ben

February 24, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

Must say I agree with the criticism of Johnson. He was capable of making big plays and might work as a pass rush specialist, but no way he takes the beating of an every down lineman in the NFL. With that said, he’s a nice guy and I wish him the best.

By Matthew

February 24, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this

Everyone knows Paul Johnson is the option guru, but how much input does he give to coaching the defensive side of the ball? Is it all/mostly Wommack’s coaching?

By ggodsey

February 24, 2009 12:32 PM | Link to this

Hey retards, If big Johnson gets drafted in the first round you should be him another ring. You girls just love your jewelry.

By ken sugiura

February 24, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

thanks for all the questions. hopefully larry will be able to use some. i will use my brilliant powers of deduction and conclude that a lot of you are worried about the defensive line.

I’d agree with KC about the 3-4. it works in a sense, because of where the defense has numbers, but the problem is that you really do need different types of players. The 3-4 works best with linebackers that are nearly as big as d-linemen. Tech doesn’t really have guys like that at linebacker. if you read the Q&A with Kyle Jackson, he was saying that he feels like he was underweight last year.

For instance, Clint Sintim, the draft prospect from UVa, is about what you’d want - he is listed at 6-3, 254. Most of Tech’s linebackers are around 6-1, 230.

You could certainly run the 3-4 with smaller players, but I’m not sure you’d want to. It wouldn’t be quite as radical a shift as going from a pro-set offense to the option-based spread, but it’s a defense that you would recruit differently for than for a 4-3.

By Sjohnso

February 24, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this

Ben, You don’t what Michael Johnson can take in the NFL. He will get larger and stronger and develope into a big time football player. This young man only started his senior year and made ALL-American and all-ACC. He has a lot of room to grow.

By ggodsey

February 24, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this

If Johnson could withstand the famous Tech tickle pile, I am confident he can handle the NFL.

By BeamerBall

February 24, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this

Michael Johnson = Jamal Anderson

By Sharecropper

February 24, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this

Does Georgia Tech not have a beat writer from the AJC, or is its beat writer less energetic than the Georgia writer? The contrast is kind of embarrassing.

By Glenn

February 24, 2009 1:28 PM | Link to this

It amazes me. All of you people who sit back “criticising” Michael obviously have no clue what was going on last year.

If you take a look at what happened, it was his first year as a starter, and he had to learn a brand new defense to boot. On top of all of that, he had all kinds of defenders all around him dropping like flies; on the line of scrimmage’ linebackers, and defensive backs.

Do any of you have a clue what Michael’s assignments were during the course of the year, especially after all of the injuries and he had to provide cover for all of the other weaknesses on defense?

In case some of you didn’t notice, on several plays, Michael’s call, was not to rush hard but to take out 1/3 of the field of play to relieve the db’s to that side of the field and allow the safeties to move to the other side of the field to cover and move up to the line of scrimmage.

Because of Michael’s ability to leap, and his enormous reach, and his athleticism,Michael was able to do that where virtually no other defensive lineman in the Country could have.

On the other hand, had Michael gone out of position, and pursued when he shouldn’t have, then his side of the field would have been vulnerable to the passes to that side of the field, reverses, etc. In other words, Michael’s discipline is what some people may call a lack of heart, but in reality is intelligent football.

By Baba O'Riley

February 24, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this

Sharecropper- I prefer Ken over Chip Towers. I feel Chip is too much of a cheerleader for Mark Trix and the Bulldogs.

By YouDid

February 24, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this

You talked to Michael Johnson? Who interpreted?

By High School HC

February 24, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this

Nice try Glenn. The coverage you just fabricated out of thin air doesn’t exist. Way to spin the fact that Michael Johnson just flat disappeared from several games last season. Against UNC he was non-existent. But I’m sure you baffled some of the faithful with your BS.

By Baba O'Riley

February 24, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this

The ALL-KNOWING High School HC…knows EVERY coverage and is never caught off guard. He’s a “genious”.

By Glenn

February 24, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this

High School HC;

Have you been watching the NFL Network? Have you been listening to what the former NFL Head Coaches who have won Super Bowls have been saying about Michael?

If you had, you’d keep your mouth shut and your fingers off the keyboard.

By yellowblood

February 24, 2009 2:03 PM | Link to this

Ramble On: Quit bragging! That happens to all students at Tech especially after A Tickle Pile.

By GA Tech Insider

February 24, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this

To the AJC:

I know you monitor these sites because you have censored them in the past and someone just responded to one of my posts on another blog.

Remove these vulgarities and rants as you have done before, and please ban the IP addresses so these creeps will stop annoying us once and for all.

By Hey Ken

February 24, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

Please remove some of these posts. They add nothing to the dicussion, and are just vulgar. Thanks

By Tampa Wreck

February 24, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this

I guess we will know in about 3 years if Michael Johnson is a beast or a bust. I’m not a high school head coach, haven’t played in the NFL, and never coached a super bowl team. Just a guy that’s watched a lot of ball for the last 45 years.

I personally project him as a bust. I saw him disappear too many games last year against big time offensive linemen, and it sure looked to me like he was trying to rush the passer (not all the time, but many). I wouldn’t say it had anything to do with his heart. I just thought he wasn’t physically strong enough to handle the good linemen. Maybe he’ll bulk up to 290 lbs and improve his game. We’ll see. I’ll believe it when I see it. I wouldn’t gamble my 1st round pick on him.

By CSJ

February 24, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this

Question for Larry to ask:

Now that Burnett has a couple of years under his belt, and given that our team has a lot of young players, does he see himself taking on more of a leadership role next season? If so, what will that involve?

By Baba O'Riley

February 24, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this

TampaWreck…I will agree that I don’t see a bright NFL future for Michael Johnson at his current weight. I would like to see him put on weight and maintain his speed coming around the corner. He will either be great or out of the league in 2 years. I don’t think there is a middle ground with Johnson.

By Minnesota Jacket

February 24, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this

A question I would like to ask Burnett would be how he thinks the lack of experience last year hurt us against many pass happy teams, and if that will help us this year with more experience across the board in these positions?

By GA Tech Insider

February 24, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this

Tampa Wreck;

Did you watch the game last season against Virginia? Michael went against Virginia’s All-American Offensive Lineman, who is projected to be a First Round pick, a probable Top 10 in fact, and not only did Michael hold his own against him, but Michael beat him on several plays, causing hurried passes as well as causing a fumble on a sack.

Granted, Virginia won that game, but they didn’t score a ton of points against the GA Tech defense, and in case you didn’t know it, GA Tech lost two defensive backs and two linebackers during the course of that game. (There were also some offensive injuries, but since Michael played on the defensive side of the ball, that’s what I thought you would be more interested in.)

Did you watch the game against Boston College where Michael was all over the field; including dropping back, tipping passes for an interception? How about the Virginia Tech game where Michael ran down their QB from behind? What about the Miami game where Michael went back into coverage, intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown.

No, Tampa Wreck, what you were doing was watching the game like the idiot High School HC who thinks he knows everything but knows nothing about the College game or what the Pros are looking for.

The game is faster; has misdirection. Defensive Linemen have to stay in zones and play a certain way due to coverages and schemes or their LB’s and DB’s are left exposed.

If High School HC would have been listening to the NFL Network during the Combine these past several days, he may have actually learned something from some real Coaches rather than people who look pretty and talk on camera, or write provocative articles in an effort to get people to argue.

The Former NFL Head Coaches who won Super Bowls were able to articulate the proper defensive positioning, true physical strength and athleticism, and Michael’s football intelligence, and I can assure you, they aren’t projecting Michael to be a bust.

This may be why several of those “pretty boys” who were saying all of those derogatory things about Michael before were called on it on camera by those real experts, and those wannabes ended up sounding like they were hemming and hawing and didn’t know what hit them and didn’t know what to say to contradict the real experts.

By GA Tech Insider

February 24, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this

Glenn, sorry to copy some of your quotes but they were too good to let go by…

By Glenn

February 24, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this

No problem, Insider, you beat me to the punch!

By JIM

February 24, 2009 3:25 PM | Link to this

Has Morgan Burnett given any thought as to whether he will be returning for his senior season, or entering the draft as a junior?

By Who cares?

February 24, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this

Ken, I have a question that I would like Larry to ask: WHO CARES?

I know I don’t. Thanks.

By St simons

February 24, 2009 4:05 PM | Link to this

45-42!!!!!!! hahahahahahahahahahahahah

By Tampa Wreck

February 24, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this

Wow Insider.. Get a grip. I never claimed to be an expert. Just offered my humble opinion. I wish the young man nothing but success.

That said, are you Michael’s agent or his mama?

By RealityYech

February 24, 2009 4:59 PM | Link to this

i’m a gay homo and i love tech.

By GT4Life

February 24, 2009 5:28 PM | Link to this

Mike Mayock’s an idiot. All he does is cheerlead for the pathetic Big10. Anyone that has an Ohio State LB as his top defender annually is BOGUS. GaTech has put many good defenders with long careers into the NFL while the Big10 has received much hype - and produced many busts. I think I’ll put my money on MJ having a stellar NFL career…kind of Jevon Kersee’s athletism with more drive.

By Old Tech fan in NC

February 24, 2009 5:40 PM | Link to this

It sometimes is amusing to see comments about ball players “taking off” from plays…when they do not know the assignment from the D coord…

The Carolina Panthers have a tall guy with that “take off” reputation and he will probably make about $16,000,000 next year!

By Tokyo jacket

February 24, 2009 5:58 PM | Link to this

I’d like to get $16M to take plays off!

Question for Burnett (repeat): Will he be back his senior year? Will the entire 07 recruiting class be back? They had such a close bond during recruiting; will that affect decisions to stay?

By Navigator

February 24, 2009 6:40 PM | Link to this

The problem with guys like Mike Mayock, they never played football, and of course there’s the regional bias. EX: Johnson doesn’t rush hard on every play. ANS: If any defensive end rush to his max on every play, he wouldn’t last to the second quarter. People seem to have a problem with players that pace themselves for the whole game. I hate to tell them, but all football players in the NFL pace themselves for the whole game. The issue is whether the player gives 100% on key plays, like 3rd downs or plays inside your 10 yard line. I think if you look at all of his films, he was there when it counted. All that said, I truly believe that Johnson will not play defensive line in the NFL. As light and fast as he is, he’ll slot right into the outside linebacker position (either side)

By Ravensfan

February 24, 2009 7:12 PM | Link to this

Michael will be another stand up D line/linebacker like Suggs with the Ravens. I watched this kid play and he can be a good NFL player. He can help a defense if he is in the right sceme. I would love to see him with the Ravens espicially if Suggs leaves after next year.

By GA Tech Insider

February 24, 2009 7:22 PM | Link to this

Tampa Wreck;

I am neither Michael’s “Agent” nor his “Mama” but if I were, I’d be proud to be either, or both (actually, I’d be a proud Papa).

I’m sure Michael’s Agent is about to make a pretty penny in a few months and I can assure you that Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have raised a fine son.

Not only is Michael an excellent football player, but he is also a courteous and respectful young man as well.

Sometimes, you see these players coming out of College, looking at big dollars and bright lights, and troubles are just around the door and before they know it, their fortunes are gone before they’re forty.

In Michael’s case, I can assure you, his head’s on straight; it will stay on straight; Michael will give back to his Community; and when Michael is ready to retire from the NFL, he’ll be able to do so without having to wonder where his money went.

No, I’m not related to Michael by blood, but I AM a Tech man, and I’m proud to be a part of Michael’s extended family.

Now, regarding your opinion, I apologize if I came off a bit strong, but I am sick and tired of reading all of this garbage from these self-proclaimed “experts” about Michael that’s being regurgitated on these blogs by everyone else.

Obviously, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and that included you. I attempted to point out that there were games where Michael made plays that none of these pretty boys seemed to be mentioning but the NFL Coaches seemed to think were pretty impressive.

Again, I apologize if I offended.

Insider

By jacketsista

February 24, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this

Michael is a talented,hard working, intelligent young man who will have an exceptional career in the NFL.He is blessed with speed, agility and power you can”t go wrong with that!

By GA Tech Insider

February 24, 2009 7:38 PM | Link to this

Does anyone remember Ted “The Mad Stork” Hendrix, a 6’7” linebacker who made a name for himself with the Oakland Raiders?

Ted was a stand-up Defensive end at the University of Miami before he went to the NFL and ended up playing 15 years, making the Pro-Bowl 8 times.

Ted won 4 Super Bowls (3 with the Raiders and 1 with the old Colts),and was elected into the Pr-Football Hall of Fame on his second year of eligibility.

I’m not saying that Michael will be the next Ted Hendrix, but he came out of Miami weighing 220 pounds and ended up playing Strong Side LB because of his height, and the rest, they say, is history.

By SWIMFAN

February 25, 2009 2:30 AM | Link to this

he’s better than PRINCE…..OOOHHH, OOPS!!! i thought we were talking about MICHAEL JACKSON. (my bad)

By JohnGTFan

February 25, 2009 6:51 AM | Link to this

I watched Johnson closely at GT and I do not believe he will be a bust, nor do I believe he will be “a beast”. I believe he will muscle up over the next 2 - 3 years and be a good player. If he’s used similar to Peppers where you drop him off in zones from time to time, he could be REALLY good. But I don’t think he’s ever going to get 15 - 17 sacks in an NFL season. But I do believe, with hard work, and used properly, he’s a guy that will get 8 - 10 sacks, quite a few tackles for loss, an INT or 2 every year, with the occasional TD. For the FAlcons, I would take that ANYDAY…especially after the mistake made with Jamaal Anderson (McKay and Petrino).

Glenn

I agree with your assessment on Johnson and not putting much faith in what people like Mayock say…because they’re pretty much guessing (I remember Mayock saying that Carlos Rogers was a “can’t miss” WR. LOL But I would NOT put much into a coach like Gruden. Honestly, the guy never really did anything. He was the coach on a superbowl winning team…he did not build that team, make it better, or even tweak it to make them a winner. He won with Dungy’s team. But anyway, off topic…my apologies.

I do believe Michael will be a very solid pro…I would love for it to be in Atlanta!!!!!!

By TopDawg

February 25, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this

Many of you seem to forget that Michael Johnson may actually wind up as a linebacker and thus will not need to gain any weight. He could crowd the line and blitz (taking advantage of his speed) or he could drop back to defend the pass. He certainly could cover a TE and has the height to truly cause problems. Plus, from the few games I have seen he has good hands to go with his athleticism. I certainly would not call him a “bust” but rather a hybrid that could potentially play either DL or LB and certainly has proven he can play special teams as well. He is guaranteed to start on special teams immediately!

By GA Tech Insider

February 25, 2009 9:45 AM | Link to this

JohnGTFan;

Pat Kirwan, one of Michael’s biggest critics all year, has reluctantly started to come around as well.

Based on Michael’s performance at the Combine,and listening to comments made by Scouts, GM’s and Head Coaches, Pat said that Michael can move like a linebacker, rush the passer and probably be a short-yardage tight end and in the weeks to come, he will be moving up the draft board and probably be gone by the time the Giants select..

As I said before, Pat was one of Michael’s biggest critics and he was at the Combine, watching Michael and listening to the GM’s, Head Coaches, and Scouts that were there watching the Prospects participating in the drills and interviewing, after they reviewed the game films.

I have to believe that if someone was wrong in their opinion, it was probably the people making their guesses before they were at the Combine, speaking to some of the Powers that be.

By djtruk

February 25, 2009 9:50 AM | Link to this

Mike went to the combines and put on a show. He was first to participate in all events and still finish as an oustanding performer in four out of six events. All Mr. Mayock did was put his foot in his mouth. Mike stayed on the field during his college career and I meaned played his heart out. Yes, tell me who’s not going to take some plays off to regroup. By the way most of the time he was double team and was still able to get sacks and numerous tackles for lost yardage, forced fumbles, interception return for touch down, block kick and so on. In the AJC article Mike says I don’t know him (Mayock) God bless him and I agree with you Mike that’s how you handle him. Throw him a piece of bread and not a brick, bless him and go on with your life. You’ve had an excellent college career and made Tech fans proud. I know you will make it in the NFL with your heart and attitude. Wish you the best. Thanks

By Sjohnso

February 25, 2009 12:15 PM | Link to this

DJtruk, Well said and thanks from his father. May God bless you.

By sjohnso

February 25, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this

Mayock, did someone pay you to bash Michael Johnson?It appears that he was the only player that you were bashing. I smell a rat.Pick up your paycheck. You tried but you failed. Way to go Mike Johnson, you made Georgia Tech proud by the way you handled yourself, with class.

By djtruk

February 25, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this

I think the NFL network needs to have tryouts for new analysts after the bashing he gave Mike Johnson.That was the only player he bashed. I agree someone is paying him and I hope its not the NFL network. I have two words for you Mr. Mayock anal less.

By yellowjacketsista

February 26, 2009 5:29 PM | Link to this

Michael is an intelligent,talented and blessed young man who will prosper at anything he attempts.He is predestined for greatness….football included…big sista

By sjohnso

February 26, 2009 6:30 PM | Link to this

BigSista, you said it all.

By yellowjacketsista

March 6, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this

MichaelJackson….that was funny SWIMFAN lol!