Georgia Tech A-back Nate Cottrell was a “full go” for the start of the Yellow Jackets’ preseason camp that began Thursday, coach Paul Johnson said. Cottrell, who came to Tech last fall having run the 40-yard dash in less than 4.4 seconds as a high-schooler, tore his ACL early last preseason and missed the season and spring practice.
Thursday was the redshirt freshman’s first practice since the injury, suffered in early August of last year.
“It’s almost like he’s a (first-year) freshman again,” Johnson said. “And even though he’s been here, (you expect) that he knows things and wants to do things, but he’s going to have to take some reps. Now, we liked what we saw before he got hurt, and I think he’s back healthy and he feels good. So hopefully he’ll progress.”
At the ACC Kickoff in July, quarterback Justin Thomas said that Cottrell “looks just as fast as he did (before the injury). It doesn’t look like he missed a beat.”
On the basis of his performance in last year’s camp, Cottrell was expected to play but instead was one of a number of A-backs who suffered injuries, helping send the Jackets to their 3-9 finish. Now, he is one of several contenders for playing time.
The leading returnee is Clinton Lynch, who rushed for 457 yards and had 273 receiving yards, both highs for A-backs. Isiah Willis, who started 10 games, is another. Qua Searcy, who played three games and showed promise before a season-ending ankle injury, is back. J.J. Green, who sat out last year as a transfer from Georgia, is also expected to contend for playing time. Lynn Griffin moved from defensive back to A-back in the middle of last season and has more understanding of the position.
“There’s a lot of those guys that are in the mix that we’ll figure out,” Johnson said.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
