Georgia Tech cornerbacks coach Joe Speed said he is becoming more comfortable with the depth at his position, even though the players are inexperienced.
“They give me great effort,” Speed said. “They are still being molded. The more we practice, the more there is less drop off between the guys.”
The team must break in two new starters. The likely first-teamers are juniors Step Durham and Lance Austin, with Lamont Simmons, who transferred from USC, and redshirt freshman Dorian Walker backing them up.
Austin played in 10 games last season, famously returning a blocked field goal for 78 yards in the 22-16 win over Florida State. He played nickleback as a freshman and safety last season before being moved to the field corner this season.
“He’s polished his skills,” Speed said.
Durham played in eight games last season, with his first start against Florida State.
“We are looking for him to be an anchor at that position,” Speed said.
Durham and Austin have the physical traits that the coaches like. Durham is 6-foot-1, 194 pounds, and Austin is 5-10, 183.
Speed said Simmons is stringing together consecutive good plays.
The pass defense gave up an average of 202.9 passing yards per game last season, with 12 touchdowns allowed against nine interceptions.
About the Author
