Georgia Tech offensive line regaining depth

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 15: TaQuon Marshall #16 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets dives into the end zone for a 7 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field on September 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Credit: Justin Berl

Credit: Justin Berl

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 15: TaQuon Marshall #16 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets dives into the end zone for a 7 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field on September 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Georgia Tech’s offensive line is regaining its depth. Coach Paul Johnson said that lineman Will Bryan will return to play after missing the past two games with a lower-body injury. Center Kenny Cooper, who came back from a spring-practice foot injury to play against Pittsburgh but then left the Clemson game Saturday with an ankle injury, also will be available to play.

Tech will have more depth on the offensive line for Saturday’s game against Bowling Green than it had in any of its first four games. Bryan is the most experienced player on the line, with 24 career starts. Cooper played at a high level last year at center, his first season as a starter.

“It may be next week before we get the line exactly the way we want it, but they’re all available,” Johnson said.

Johnson said that he may try the combination of Cooper on the field with Jahaziel Lee, who has been the center in Cooper’s absence. Johnson has suggested the possibility of using Lee at center and Cooper at guard.

Johnson said that Bryan may start at right tackle ahead of Andrew Marshall, who has been gimpy with an ankle injury. It would be the third position where Bryan has started this season, after beginning the season at left tackle in the opener against Alcorn State and then moving to right guard for the second game against South Florida.

Johnson also said that Connor Hansen will start at right guard. Brad Morgan had started there in the opener and then the USF and Clemson games.

“He did OK,” Johnson said of Hansen’s play against Clemson. “I think he’ll get better the more he plays. It was good to see him get out there and throw it around a little bit.”