Tech's Johnson gives special notice to special teams

By DOUG ROBERSON

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

One of the biggest cheers during Georgia Tech’s full-pad, 11-on-11 practice Saturday came at the end, when the fans showed their appreciation for the players’ efforts after two hours in the 90-degree heat.

The other came, oddly enough, after a blocked extra-point attempt.

The snap was bad, the hold suffered, and the kick was low and into the arms of a defender.

Coach Paul Johnson didn’t like what he saw, said a few loud words, and told them to do it again. The few hundred fans in attendance voiced their approval of Johnson’s displeasure.

The second PAT was good, but after the scrimmage, standing in the tunnel and out of the sun, Johnson issued a warning to his special-teams units.

“They’re just nonchalant,” Johnson said. “The coaches got to do a better job. They just stand there and roll the snap back, everybody just kinds of walks around, the kickers know there’s no rush so ... every time they miss they put their head down and walk to the side. We’ll quit kicking. They can go sit in the student section if they’re going to do that.”

The veterans said they knew what was going to happen as soon as they saw the kick get blocked.

“That’s just coach Johnson, we always know what to expect with him,” middle linebacker Brad Jefferson said. “When I saw the [kick] blocked, I already put my head down, like here we go. And then he snapped and the fans got into it. It was crazy, but I really liked it.”

Youngsters looks good

Several freshmen stood out during the practice. Johnson pointed out A-back Robert Godhigh, whom he said put several people on the ground with blocks, as well as defensive end Izaan Cross, whom Johnson said made a couple of good plays. He also complimented wide receiver Stephen Hill, who had two long runs on reverses and caught a long pass down the right sideline that the referee said was incomplete because Hill’s foot was on the line.

A-back Orwin Smith had several strong runs to the right side of the line, including one where he froze safety Lance Richardson with a stutter step. “Orwin looked really good with the ball in his hands,” Johnson said. “He’s just got to be consistent and learn where to go.”

Smith also acknowledged Godhigh’s blocking, and added that he wants to get used to the college speed and crack the depth chart by the end of the month.

B-back Daniel Drummond, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound freshman, dragged some defenders on a few runs up the middle.

“I feel like I did OK,” Drummond. “I’m excited for the next scrimmage. I’m going to work my butt off to get ready for that one. I think I’m going to show huge improvements from today.”

A peek at the stats

The only thing that hit the ground more than the ball was backup quarterback Jaybo Shaw’s helmet, which was knocked off four times. The unofficial count of fumbles was eight, and most of the fumbles came on the center-snap exchange involving the freshman quarterbacks. Johnson didn’t seem worried about it after practice.

Preseason All-American safety Morgan Burnett barely missed an interception. Freshman Rod Sweeting had the ball go right through his hands and Martin Frierson dropped one.

Unofficially, there were 13 penalties called, and the defense had seven sacks. Johnson didn’t seem too worried about the offensive line and its pass-blocking. “At times it was good,” Johnson said. “The biggest thing about this [11-on-11 practice] in the fall is we can gauge and evaluate some individuals. Seeing if you’ve got the right guys in the right spots.”

Etc.

● The offense scored three touchdowns and one field goal in the practice. Preston Lyons scored on a screen pass from Shaw. Quarterbacks Tevin Washington and Josh Nesbitt scored on runs. Chris Tanner kicked a 27-yard field goal. Scott Blair missed a 46-yarder field-goal attempt to the right earlier in the day.

● Mario Edwards, Jordan Luallen and Jason Hill left practice with injuries. Johnson said he didn’t think the injuries were serious.

● With 12 players competing for the two starting A-back positions, Anthony Allen wanted to show some good signs on Saturday. He had a good run on an option pitch run to the right, as well as made several good blocks. “I’ve improved, we’ve got five weeks before the season, I’ve got time to work on it,” Allen said.