It appears that Georgia Tech A-back Orwin Smith will be a no-go Saturday.
Following Wednesday’s practice, coach Paul Johnson said Smith is “probably out” for the Yellow Jackets’ game against Duke. Smith suffered an undisclosed injury against Virginia Tech on Thursday and has not practiced this week. Smith suffered an additional injury Wednesday in a Moped accident, Johnson said on his Wednesday night radio show on 790 the Zone. Neither injury is considered serious.
Johnson said a final decision on Smith will be made Thursday. Embry Peeples would likely start in Smith’s place, with Tony Zenon likely getting additional snaps and possibly Deon Hill and Robert Godhigh. Roddy Jones probably would take Smith’s place on kick returns, Johnson said on the radio show.
A-backs coach Lamar Owens said he told the backups that “you may not get as many opportunities as Embry Peeples and Roddy Jones and Orwin Smith, but when you get your chance, you have to be ready for it.”
Smith arguably is the team’s most explosive offensive player. He averages 10.8 yards per carry and 23.8 yards per reception and has scored 11 touchdowns.
Back in lineup
B-back Charles Perkins will get snaps on offense Saturday, Johnson said Wednesday. Johnson said Perkins “had a pretty good week” in practice. Perkins has played on special teams, but has not had a carry since the fourth game of the season. Since then, David Sims and Preston Lyons have shared the playing time at B-back.
“I don’t know how many [B-backs] we’ll play, but I know Charles is going to play,” Johnson said.
Nearing record
So long as he avoids a mishap, Jones will tie former linebacker Ricardo Wimbush’s school record for most games started (50) Saturday against Duke. Jones tied former quarterback Reggie Ball for second place by starting in last week’s game against Virginia Tech.
Safety Rashaad Reid will play in his 51st career game, leaving him behind only former kicker Scott Blair (53 games) and cornerback Mario Butler and defensive tackle Darryl Richard (52 games).
All-ACC
The Tech sports information office sent out an email Tuesday to publicize its All-ACC candidates.
They were Smith, inside linebacker Julian Burnett, guards Omoregie Uzzi and Will Jackson and center Jay Finch, outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu, safety Isaiah Johnson and wide receiver Stephen Hill.
None but Uzzi, a second-team All-ACC pick in 2010, received All-ACC recognition last season, although Jackson was a freshman All-American. Co-offensive line coach Mike Sewak said that Uzzi, a two-time ACC offensive lineman of the week this season, has graded out slightly better this year than last.
None of the mentioned players are seniors.
TV talk
The ACC Network will televise Saturday’s game, aired locally on WUPA. It will also be available online on ESPN3. Tim Brant (play-by-play), Dave Archer (color) and Mike Hogewood (sideline) will call the game.
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