Brandon Thompson won't be on the field when Georgia Tech plays Clemson next fall. The Tigers defensive tackle will be safely in the NFL, unable to blow up Tech option plays or crumple up pockets. You won't hear any Yellow Jackets lamenting his absence.
Thompson, a defensive tackle, was a popular choice among Tech players for the top player the team faced this season.
"He's going to do well," guard Omoregie Uzzi said of Thompson and the NFL. "Just a strong guy, plays with great pad level. Plays with great effort, too."
Quarterback Tevin Washington faced five players named to the Associated Press' first, second or third All-America teams -- linebacker Jarvis Jones and safety Bacarri Rambo from Georgia, cornerback David Amerson from N.C. State, Maryland defensive tackle Joe Vellano and one of Thompson's teammates, Clemson defensive end Andre Branch. He, too, chose Thompson, as well as North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples.
"They can physically move other people out of their way and they can move with all their size," Washington said. "Those two were real good, probably the two best d-linemen I've played against in my life."
Thompson had six tackles against Tech in the Jackets' 31-17 win over the Tigers Oct. 29. He was so disruptive that Tech made him the option read, rather than the normal choice of the play-side defensive end, to try to take him out of the play. By limiting him somewhat, the Jackets ran for 383 yards in their biggest win of the season.
"I'd say we did pretty well against him," offensive tackle Phil Smith said. "I know that we worked as hard as [heck] to prepare for him, so it probably gave us a little edge, extra motivation."
Thompson, a second-team All-ACC pick, and Coples, an All-ACC first-teamer, are projected as first-round picks in the NFL draft.
Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins got the votes of safety Rashaad Reid and cornerback Rod Sweeting. Watkins, a first-team All-American as a freshman, swamped Tech with 10 catches for 159 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown reception.
"He's fast, he's physical, he goes down the field," Sweeting said.
"He's just an all-around athlete," Reid said. "He can do it all."
Inside linebacker Julian Burnett had little hesitation selecting Virginia Tech running back David Wilson, who pummeled the Jackets with 175 yards on 23 carries in the Hokies' 37-26 win over the Jackets Nov. 10. With 10 100-yard rushing games, Wilson was named the ACC player of the year.
"A guy with that much speed, you don't expect him to have as much strength and the balance that he's got," Burnett said. "But you just can't deny it."
Defensive end Jason Peters' couldn't recall North Carolina offensive tackle Brennan Williams' name, remembering him only as No. 73. Other details were fresher.
"Great athlete, moves his feet well, real powerful guy," he said. "Well-rounded player."
Outside linebacker Steven Sylvester split his vote between two quarterbacks, Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas and Georgia's Aaron Murray, praising Thomas' run-pass threat and Murray's poise. Both had highly efficient games against the Jackets.
"Aaron Murray was just probably the most composed quarterback I've seen in the pocket," Sylvester said. "He made his reads and he took ‘em when he had ‘em."
Unfortunately for Tech, Murray, Thomas, Williams and Watkins are expected to return next year. Wilson will announce his decision after the Hokies' Sugar Bowl appearance. If he wants a recommendation, Burnett would likely only be too glad to offer his.
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