ACC honors tackle Gardner for second time

Senior left tackle Andrew Gardner is the ACC offensive lineman of the week for the second time this season.

The 6-foot-6, 305-pound All-America candidate helped Tech rush for 438 yards against Mississippi State, the fifth-highest total in school history and most since 1978.

Gardner, who played every significant snap in the win, also was named Tech’s offensive player of the game by the coaching staff.

Said Gardner of the offensive line’s play, “We’re far from perfect or even being where we want to be, but I think we took a big step forward and played a much better game” against Mississippi State compared to the previous game, a loss to Virginia Tech.

End Michael Johnson earned the team defensive honor. The senior blocked a field goal, broke up two passes, recovered a fumble, had a sack and repeatedly pressured the quarterbacks.

Senior defensive tackle Darryl Richard, whose push enabled Johnson to block the short field goal, got the special teams honor.

Big recruiting day

Tech hosted 60 recruits Saturday, about 40 seniors and 20 juniors. It worked out well for the Jackets, with a sizable crowd and a big win.

“It was all a plus,” said recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach Giff Smith. “It was a real good day for Georgia Tech.”

Among the visitors were two players Tech is strongly pursuing, offensive tackle Daniel Hood from Knoxville (Tenn.) Catholic and running back Orwin Smith from Phenix City (Ala.) Central.