Georgia Tech's ACC defense begins now

By Doug Roberson

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Neither Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson, running back Roddy Jones nor defensive lineman Jason Peters wore their rings from the 2009 ACC championship during the conference's recent media days.

Perhaps it was a reminder that it's a new season, with a new title to chase.

The title defense starts when the players begin preseason practice Thursday. The season opener is Sept. 4 against South Carolina State at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

In the preseason the defense must continue to learn the 3-4 alignment put in by new coordinator Al Groh. Anthony Allen must work on learning the B-back position. There will be competition to win first-team spots at several positions on offense and most positions on defense.

Johnson seems more curious than concerned about what kind of team he will end August with.

"I think we will be competitive," he said in Greensboro.

Despite losing four standouts to the NFL, the team returns 15 starters, including quarterback Joshua Nesbitt, the most important returnee.

Under Nesbitt's leadership, Tech's offense led the ACC in several categories last season, including rushing offense (295.4 yards per game) and total offense (422.1 ypg). With go-to receiver Demaryius Thomas now in the NFL, Johnson wants to see Nesbitt improve his passing accuracy (46.3 percent) and decision-making. However, he doesn't expect the senior to do it by himself. He wants to see the line, led by preseason All-ACC center Sean Bedford, give Nesbitt more time. And he wants to see the receivers, led by returning starter Tyler Melton, do a better job down the field.

"The guys around him need to help him," Johnson said. "He's very capable of being a good thrower."

While Nesbitt and the offense motor along in the heat at Rose Bowl Field, most of the fans' attention will be on Groh and the defense.

Johnson downplays emphasizing systems on defense, preferring to say that the systems change throughout the game, and that defense is about beating the guy in front of you.

He hired Groh because he said he understands how to make improvements when opponents find a weakness, something that Tech had trouble with last season, giving up 360.3 yards per game. And Johnson hired two other coaches, defensive line coach Andy McCollum and inside linebackers coach Joe Speed, for the same reason.

Perhaps the new system will help offset the loss of defensive end Derrick Morgan, who took the 12.5 sacks he had last season to the NFL's Tennessee Titans. Citing Groh's experience on Super Bowl teams, senior Dominique Reese said the players have quickly bought into, and understand, what he's trying to do with the defense.

Many players have changed positions on defense. With several highly rated freshmen coming in -- defensive lineman Denzel McCoy, safety/cornerback Ryan Ayers and outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu, to name a few -- to compete at most positions on defense, it will be interesting to see who lines up for the season opener.

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Georgia Tech preseason

Practice starts: Thursday

Fans' Picture Day: Aug. 7 at Bobby Dodd Stadium (Fans can gather at Callaway Plaza at 3 p.m.; players available from 4-6 p.m.; Paul Johnson will sign autographs from 4-5 p.m. and pose for photos from 5-6 p.m.)

Season opener: Sept. 4 vs. South Carolina State (1 p.m.)