Nesbitt, Jackets '10 times' more ready for season

By Doug Roberson

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt said he feels 10 times more ready for Saturday’s season-opening game against Jacksonville State than he did a year ago, when he was still trying to grasp the nuances of coach Paul Johnson’s spread-option offense. The No. 15 Yellow Jackets will host the Gamecocks at 1 p.m. at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

“Last year I was going off athleticism, doing what I knew how to do since I was 7 years old,” Nesbitt said. “This year I’m doing what I’m supposed to do, doing all the little things.”

Tevin Washington, the second-string quarterback, said that should he play Saturday he would feel as Nesbitt does: more confident and ready.

Johnson has said as much about Nesbitt, telling reporters and fans that Nesbitt is going to open some eyes this season.

“He’s a lot more comfortable doing what he’s doing,” Johnson said. “He’s going to be a lot better than he was a year ago. That’s just my belief. Until you see it happen, you just don’t know.”

And Nesbitt was productive last season, passing for 808 yards and rushing for 693.

Quarterbacks coach Brian Bohannon said he sees Nesbitt taking charge of the huddle with more authority than he showed last season, but that there’s still room for improvement.

“It is much better,” Bohannon said. “You can’t really tell until they step between the lines on a Saturday afternoon how things are going to unfold. That’s the true test.

“Just take command of the offense, take control and show some leadership out there.”

Washington moved up after Jaybo Shaw, last year’s second-string quarterback, broke his collarbone in preseason practice. After spending two falls and one spring learning the offense, he said he’s excited about the chance to play.

“Getting more reps has given me confidence,” Washington, a redshirt freshman, said.