Georgia Tech middle linebacker Jabari Hunt-Days started as a redshirt freshman in the first college game he played in, last year’s season opener against Virginia Tech. The adjustment this year is perhaps not quite as enveloping, but it’s still taking time.
Hunt-Days missed spring practice with an injury and is trying to pick up new defensive coordinator Ted Roof’s defense on the run. Linebackers coach Andy McCollum said that Hunt-Days is improving, but still needs a lot of work.
“We’ve still got to get back to fundamentals, his footwork, learning the system,” McCollum said.
Outside linebacker Brandon Watts is in the same boat, having also missed spring practice recovering from an injury, missing crucial on-field learning opportunities.
“We can’t miss a beat out there,” McCollum said. “Every single day’s got to be a good day for us.”
Hunt-Days likes the move from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 and feels himself getting a handle on it.
“I definitely feel like there’s been a lot more growth in my style of play,” he said. “It’s just a process. It hasn’t been anything too hard, nothing that I can’t do.”
Hunt-Days is helped, too, by having gone from a playing weight of 260 pounds last season to 240. His body-fat percentage dropped from about 20 percent to 15. He credits the training of strength-and-conditioning coach John Sisk and better eating habits. He said he can’t remember the last time he had pizza.
“I feel a lot quicker,” he said.
Practice report: Coach Paul Johnson said much was accomplished in Wednesday's fully padded practice following Tuesday's double session. Johnson credited the defense for its effort.
Cornerback Lynn Griffin, who recently moved from safety, meted out another big hit, and cornerback Jemea Thomas contributed two pass breakups during the 11-on-11 portion of practice.
“I thought the guys had decent energy,” Johnson said. “Like I said, I thought the defense flew around pretty good and competed and had some energy.”
Injury report: Center Jay Finch returned to practice, the first time he has been in a contact situation since the Sun Bowl. Finch had shoulder surgery following the season and missed spring practice and the first 14 practices of preseason. Finch worked with the first- and second-string offenses, sharing reps with Thomas O'Reilly, who retained the top spot on the depth chart.
Offensive tackle Ray Beno, A-back Tony Zenon and wide receiver Micheal Summers continue to miss time with injuries. Beno and Summers, at least, are expected to return soon.
Looking ahead: Tech likely will practice in full pads Thursday and in shells Friday and will scrimmage Saturday. Johnson said the scrimmage will be closed. That session will end the camp phase of the preseason. On Monday, the day that classes begin, the team will begin preparing in earnest for Elon, its opponent in the Aug. 31 season opener.
In putting together a game plan for the Phoenix, Johnson said he has watched a lot of their 2012 game against Georgia Southern, a 26-23 Eagles win in a Southern Conference matchup.
“I don’t know what this Elon team’s going to be like, but I’m more worried about our team than Elon,” Johnson said. “That’s stuff you can control.”
New guy: Wednesday was the first day on the job for Brandon Gaudin, the new voice of the Yellow Jackets. Gaudin attended practice, spending much of it meeting coaches. He has been busy familiarizing himself with the team and players and will watch Saturday's scrimmage from the press box.
Fans can meet Gaudin at the team’s annual kickoff luncheon, at noon Aug. 23 at the Cobb Galleria. Tickets are $40 per person or $350 for a table. More information is available at ramblinwreck.com.
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