Tech’s Dwyer finally gets some respect

Thirteen weeks in, the ACC finally got around to acknowledging its leading rusher Monday.

Georgia Tech’s Jonathan Dwyer was named the conference’s offensive player of the week, a honor he had to share with North Carolina State quarterback Russell Wilson. The recognition has dodged him while he put together one of the best rushing seasons in Tech history.

“I don’t really pay attention to anything individually,” said Dwyer.

But then the same thing might be said about the ACC. Even though Dwyer has reached 1,184 yards before any back in the conference reached 1,000, and even though the Jackets lead the conference in rushing offense — 270.8 yards per game, fourth in the nation — the award is the first to any Tech back this season.

Clemson’s C.J. Spiller, who has run for less than half of Dwyer’s season total, had won the award twice in the previous three weeks. In the meantime, Dwyer had faced three nationally ranked opponents — Florida State, North Carolina and Miami — and rambled for 330 yards and five touchdowns.

“That’s good,” coach Paul Johnson said. “He deserves it.”

Dwyer, a sophomore, was cited for his Miami performance, when he rushed 128 yards and two touchdowns in just 10 carries, before he was knocked out of the second half with a bruised knee. He returned to practice Monday and Johnson said he will be full-speed for Saturday’s game against Georgia.

One more 100-yard performance will give Dwyer nine this year, matching the school record Tashard Choice set last season. But he credited his production against Miami to his line and particularly quarterback Josh Nesbitt.

“When he plays well, it makes the whole offense spread out,” Dwyer said. “It’s easier for me to get open (running) lanes.”

Returness

Also rejoining team drills Monday were cornerback Jahi Word-Daniels (hamstring), who has missed the last four games, and defensive tackle Vance Walker (ankle), who had missed one.

“I think they have a chance to play,” Johnson said. “That’s kind of where I was on (last) Saturday. You just don’t know.”

Safety Dominique Reese (knee) and outside linebacker Sedric Griffin have both been ruled out for Saturday.

Aren’t you …?

The loss of Griffin opens a starting spot for junior Shane Bowen, who underwent offseason shoulder surgery and never reclaimed his old job. Bowen started 10 games last season as a sophomore but was passed by Griffin while regaining his old form.

“It was difficult at first but you have to support the guys in front of you and wait for your opportunity,” he said. “When my number was called, I had to come in and play.”

Bowen underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum last February and skipped spring to re-hab.

“At the beginning of (summer) camp, I was starting to get into the swing of things,” Bowen said. “It was a tough adjustment but by the time we started to get into playing games, I felt comfortable using it. And stronger.”