Georgia Tech tweaks defensive scheme

By DOUG ROBERSON

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The difference between Georgia Tech’s defensive formation this season and its formation last season is one word, according to coach Paul Johnson.

Wolf.

It’s the name of the position that Cooper Taylor will play this season in Tech’s base defense: four defensive linemen, two linebackers, two cornerbacks, two safeties and one safety/linebacker, the wolf.

“It’s no secret hybrid,” Johnson said. “We went with it [last season] to keep from having to change personnel every time somebody ran onto the field.”

Taylor’s versatility makes him ideal for the spot. You might see him line up beside middle linebacker Brad Jefferson, farther back standing beside safety Morgan Burnett, or up front flanking defensive ends Derrick Morgan or Robert Hall.

In addition to being fast enough to cover wide receivers and running backs (he said he was clocked at 4.38 in the spring), he’s got the size to take on or elude blockers (6-foot-4, 208 pounds).

“You can put him back there and do a lot of different things with him,” defensive coordinator Dave Wommack said.

His versatility will be ideal going up against offenses in the ACC, which range from Florida State’s pro-set that features a running back, a fullback, a tight end and two wide receivers, to Virginia’s newly installed spread formation that features a running back and three to four wide receivers. And should one of the teams use motion to change its set, Tech should still have the right people on the field to match up effectively.

“We’re just trying to get the best 11 guys on the field; the best two-deep [depth chart] is what we are trying to find,” said Taylor, who was second on the team with 69 tackles last season. “Last year we kind of got worn out because we really didn’t have a set two-deep. This year we are working to get two guys who both know the position well enough, both can go out there, fourth quarter, first quarter, and play it just as well as the other guy.”

Taylor and Rashaad Reid split time at the position last season. This year Taylor has been the guy, with Mario Edwards backing him up. But Taylor impressed Wommack this summer with his work ethic.

“He’s so much smarter at what he’s doing this year — and more physical,” Wommack said.

Safety Dominique Reese, whose hamstring is back to 100 percent, said he thinks having Taylor, Burnett and himself on the field at the same time gives the Jackets one of the best secondaries in the country.

“I feel like us three on the field at the same time is a winning combination,” Reese said.