Greensboro — Paul Johnson was popular Monday at the ACC Football Kickoff at Reynolds Plantation, where journalists were powerfully curious about Georgia Tech's new coach and his triple-option offense.

Johnson's faith in that offense is powerful enough to captivate as well.

Senior left tackle Andrew Gardner was asked if Johnson had caught him off guard.

"Really, I was probably surprised at his almost defiant confidence in his own system, just the level of, 'I don't give a [hoot] what people think about this, it's going to work. If you don't want to be here, get the [heck] out,' " Gardner said. "Really, that level of, 'If you want to be here, I want you; if you don't, get out.' That level of just, 'I'm confident in this, you all pull with me; if not, get out of here.' "

Gardner said Johnson had to sell his system to some players in spring meetings.

Johnson did not deny that.

"I think any time you do something different, you have to sell some of what you're doing," the coach said. "It's frustrating because the numbers are all right there for people to see. Why would you have to do that? Basically, because all they hear on talk radio is that it won't work, and all they see in the paper is that it won't work. If you're a kid, you go, 'Man, this might not work.' "

Virginia Tech's backfield in disaray

Virginia Tech running back Branden Ore, who was first-team All-ACC in 2006, and rushed for a team-high 992 yards last season with 10 touchdowns, was dismissed from the team in March for violation of team rules, and top returning backs Jahre Cheesman and Kenny Lewis Jr., were lost to a broken leg and shoulder surgery, respectively, in spring practice.

But Cheeseman has been cleared for full contact when the defending ACC champions open practice Aug. 4, and Lewis for limited contact with the expectation that he'll be full go within a couple weeks.

New injury report

The ACC instituted "guidelines" for programs to report about injuries, although they are not subject to enforcement. The template suggests that head coaches defer all injury-related questions to a lead trainer, and that on each Monday the school announce players who have suffered season-ending injuries in addition to those who will require surgery.

Also, on Thursdays it is recommended that school's announce the status for players in upcoming games much as the NFL does with categories: definitely will play; probable; questionable; doubtful; and out.