Immediately following the season-ending loss to Georgia Nov. 28, Georgia Tech A-back Clinton Lynch spoke of the team’s plans to begin preparing for the 2016 season that Monday. It was assumed to be a reference to a team meeting scheduled for that day, two days after the final regular-season game.
As it turns out, Lynch was speaking quite literally. Returning players had three weightlifting workouts the week after the Georgia game and have continued lifting regularly since, former Tech offensive lineman Errin Joe said Wednesday.
“I was right there with ’em,” he said.
Joe had been training with the team with the hopes that a request for the NCAA to extend his eligibility one season would be granted after missing the entire 2013 season due to injury. Joe learned earlier this week that his request had been denied . Joe will begin preparations for Tech's pro day instead.
Regardless, he was witness to (and, until Monday, a participant in) the Yellow Jackets’ fervor to atone for the 2015 season. Joe said the entire team was participating. While a decision to mentally and physically recuperate from an injury-wracked and disappointing season and prepare for finals would be understandable, players' commitment to leave the 2015 season behind is noteworthy. Workouts led by the team's strength and conditioning staff will begin after the start of the spring semester.
“Those guys are anxious to get ready for the next season,” Joe said. “Everyone has that bitter taste in their mouth, ready to work out, ready to get back.”
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