Jackets find answers in spring practice

Georgia Tech began four weeks of spring football practice March 23, hoping to find potential starters and backups on its young roster and to lay the groundwork for a run at the ACC championship this fall.

Here are five challenges the Jackets faced at the start of spring practice, and how they were met.

Who will set the tone for the team?

After losing strong leaders in defensive linemen Darryl Richard and Michael Johnson and offensive tackle Andrew Gardner, the Jackets have found replacements all over the roster. Safety Morgan Burnett, linebacker Brad Jefferson and quarterback Josh Nesbitt — members of Tech’s vaunted recruiting class of 2007 who will all be juniors in the fall — have emerged as leaders for the 2009 team.

Openings on the defensive line

The losses of all-ACC linemen Richard, Johnson and defensive tackle Vance Walker left opportunities for younger players to take their spots. End Robert Hall took the biggest steps. Coaches still want to see better play at the tackle spots, where Jason Peters, Ben Anderson and T.J. Barnes are the best of the group. Incoming freshman J.C. Lanier remains a possibility to play this fall.

A wealth of options in the backfield

Coach Paul Johnson had reason to be optimistic going into the spring, and he likely finishes it feeling even better. A-back Marcus Wright was perhaps the most improved player on the team and could challenge for a starting job at A-back. Transfer Anthony Allen showed power, speed and pass-catching ability at A-back and B-back. Richard Watson and transfer walk-on Preston Lyons proved that they can be capable backups, along with Lucas Cox, to Jonathan Dwyer.

Airborne effort slow to take off

The Jackets devoted a lot of time in every practice to working on their passing game and saw progress. However, from pass protection to passing to route running, Tech has a long way to go. Having three offensive linemen who started last season but missed spring practice — tackle Nick Claytor, guard Cord Howard and center Dan Voss — will improve the operation in the fall.

Rate of return likely to improve

One of Johnson’s primary objectives for the spring was to improve Tech’s ineffective kickoff and punt return teams. Practice time was spent daily on one or the other, and, as last year, starters will be on all special teams units. The proof will come in the fall, but expect both return units to be significantly better.