It was the start of a new season, but Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson adhered to routine as the Yellow Jackets engaged in their first practice of the preseason Saturday.
“We’ve been doing it the same way we’ve done it,” Johnson said.
A significant aspect of the first couple days of practice will be acclimating new players to the offensive, defensive and special-teams schemes. Tech welcomed its 25-member freshman class to its first practice, although four enrolled early and took part in spring practice. One, B-back Quaide Weimerskirch, was sidelined as he recovers from foot surgery.
“Energy was good,” Johnson said. “A lot of learning going on. That’s what the first couple days are for.”
It was also the first practice for two transfers, B-back Patrick Skov (Stanford) and cornerback Lamont Simmons (USC). Simmons will sit out the season and have three years of eligibility starting in 2016. Skov, as a graduate transfer, has one year of immediate eligibility.
Said Johnson of Simmons, “I’m sure he’s drinking from a fire hose, too, but he’s an athletic kid, very impressive-looking guy. Long, lean.”
Johnson said that all players were accounted for and that none face any academic eligibility issues. A-back Broderick Snoddy, practicing for the first time since his broken-leg injury last November, practiced without problems.
“He’s fine,” Johnson said. “Good to go.”
After the morning practice, the team went to see “Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation.” The Jackets, widely picked to win the ACC Coastal Division, will practice Sunday.
“It feels good to be back around football,” defensive lineman Patrick Gamble said. “It’s been a long time.”
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