The lobby slowly filled with parents, siblings and their cargo – freshman members of the Georgia Tech football team.
As the sun rose over Midtown early Tuesday morning, another dawn broke within the confines of the Yellow Jackets football offices as the newest Tech players reported for orientation and the start of summer classes.
“He’s been excited,” said William Marshall, father of A-back TaQuon Marshall, from Hamilton. “If he could’ve left and come in December, he would have left and come in December.”
All 21 signees who were expected to report, plus nine preferred walk-ons, arrived. The last was quarterback Christian Campbell of Ponchatoula, La. It was perhaps fitting – Campbell is the only signee not from Georgia or a contiguous state.
William Marshall was like a lot of parents – sad to see their sons head off but eager for a new segment of their lives to begin. Marshall was probably a little more tired than most, though. A third-shift employee at a Hallmark printing plant in Columbus, Marshall arrived home from work at about 4:30 a.m., finished packing up the car and headed up to Atlanta.
“I hate to see him go because he’s a big help around the house,” Marshall said. “I’m always calling on him. Now I have to call on myself.”
Players and family members were warmly greeted by administrative coordinators Courtney Keck and Teri Anton. The freshmen thumbed through binders they received upon signing in. Assistant coaches Bryan Cook and Mike Sewak and members of the recruiting staff mingled, offering handshakes and hugs. Tech great and recruiting assistant Joe Hamilton lit up seeing A-back Dorian Walker.
“You excited? You ready?” Hamilton asked. “Every time I see you, I feel how excited you are.”
Nineteen years ago, Hamilton was in Walker’s shoes, a freshman from Alvin, S.C.
“I do know exactly what they’re going through,” Hamilton said. “They don’t know quite how to feel. Most of them just want to play ball and leave everything else to the side. It’s an exciting moment for them.”
Players and families were ushered into the team meeting room to hear from coach Paul Johnson. They were also introduced to various members of the staff, such as academic advisers and strength coaches. They later were moved into their dorms and given a presentation on NCAA rules compliance. They will go through orientation the rest of the week and then begin classes on Monday.
As he waited for the day’s program to begin, Walker stood with his family. He was asked if his arrival into college football felt official.
“Not yet,” he said, “but it’s starting to kick in.”
About the Author
