3 strong Georgia Tech freshmen will impact defense

By Doug Roberson

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Ask Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson about freshmen Izaan Cross, Julian Burnett and Jemea Thomas and he invariably talks about their strength.

Cross, a 6-foot-4, 272-pound defensive end, is “a big, strong kid.”

Burnett, a 5-10, 220-pound middle linebacker is “really a physical kid.”

Thomas, a 5-10, 178-pound defensive back, is a “little bit of the same,” with “hard hitter” thrown in, as well.

“They got a lot of good football in front of them,” Johnson said.

Yellow Jackets fans hope so. The three have steadily impressed the coaches, so much so that Johnson and defensive coordinator Dave Wommack have said that each player should see playing time this season.

Because the middle linebacker is responsible for making the calls for the defense, it might be surprising to see a freshman considered as a backup for junior Brad Jefferson, but Wommack said Burnett has great instincts.

“He’s a force out there,” Wommack said.

Burnett said that the hard work is nothing new for him.

“I love to play the game. I love competing. That’s why I came here,” Burnett said. “Right now I’m second on the depth chart, but I like working like I’m going to be the No. 1. So, that’s what I’m going to try to keep doing, and hopefully one day I’ll be in that spot.”

Cross is expected to give Robert Hall some rest at left defensive end, though Wommack said Cross needs to learn to play hard every down. Cross said he was not surprised to move up the depth chart because that was his expectation, but he said he was relieved. He also said he’s picking up different tips from all the defensive linemen.

“I’ve learned from all of them. They are all older than me and have more experience,” Cross said.

Thomas has the toughest hill to climb for playing time because All-American safety Morgan Burnett is ahead of him. Wommack said Thomas still needs to learn some of the checks, and Thomas is taking advantage of having Burnett’s knowledge at his disposal to do just that.

“It was complicated, but now that I’m getting the hang of it, it’s all right,” Thomas said.

Jones update

A-back Roddy Jones should return to practice Thursday after having the cast removed and pins taken out of his right wrist Monday. Johnson said Jones could play against Jacksonville State, but he might hold him out. Jones rushed for 690 yards and four touchdowns last season. He hurt his wrist lifting weights this summer and hasn’t been able to participate in the contact portions of practices.

Notable

● Competition for the starting spots on the offensive line might not be settled for two to three games. Johnson said that through Wednesday’s practices, Sean Bedford is the starting center, and Brad Sellers will start at one of tackles. Johnson also said he’s still considering using two offensive lines in games, which could keep his players fresh and wear down opponents.

● Scott Blair will no longer handle all of the kicking duties, according to Johnson. Blair will focus on kickoffs and field goals. Chandler Anderson will handle punting duties, but is being pushed by Sean Poole.