Sports

Days now Tech’s No. 2 B-back

Synjyn Days, who came to Georgia Tech as a quarterback, also has been featured as an A-back.
Synjyn Days, who came to Georgia Tech as a quarterback, also has been featured as an A-back.
Aug 26, 2014

Georgia Tech running back Synjyn Days has found a new home. After accepting coach Paul Johnson’s request 2 ½ weeks ago to try his hand at B-back, the senior from Hillgrove High has been made the backup to Zach Laskey.

Days, who came to Tech as a quarterback and moved to A-back as a sophomore, continues to take some snaps at A-back and also is getting work as a short-yardage possibility at quarterback, but is spending most of his practice time at B-back. Laskey and Days could share the load similarly to how David Sims and Laskey did the past two seasons.

“Synjyn will play a lot in there,” Johnson said after Monday’s practice, as the game week began for the season opener against Wofford.

Since moving to B-back, Days has jumped ahead of backups Matt Connors and C.J. Leggett, a freshman who has impressed but has missed time with injuries. At 225 pounds, Days is a load and has a powerful base. Days said he saw himself as more of a power runner than an open-field runner, which is what he had done at A-back.

“I love it,” Laskey said. “Not only is he a great teammate, but he’s one of my best friends on the team. We have a good time. He’s a good competitor. He pushes me to be better and I push him a little bit, as well.”

Days already has a name for the duo: “Ebony and Ivory.” (Days is black and Laskey is white.)

Prior to this year’s camp, Days had never played B-back before, but he has the benefit of knowing the offense well, having learned it first as a quarterback and then as an A-back. The quarterbacks and B-backs work together extensively and share the same position coach, Bryan Cook.

“They said they want me to play everywhere, even quarterback (in certain situations),” Days said.

About the Author

Ken Sugiura is a sports columnist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Formerly the Georgia Tech beat reporter, Sugiura started at the AJC in 1998 and has covered a variety of beats, mostly within sports.

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