Georgia Tech QB Shaw returns after concussion

Shaw said that for the past few days he had trouble sleeping, experienced dizziness and couldn’t be around bright lights, which typically are signs of a concussion. He said he thinks the concussion occurred on a hit to the head after his helmet was knocked off during Saturday’s extended 11-on-11 scrimmage.

It was the second concussion he has experienced at Georgia Tech. The first one happened during the Duke game last season. He said he also had one in high school. He said the new helmet with a much larger chin strap felt great during drills.

Coach Paul Johnson said he was happy to have Shaw back on the field.

“He’s sharp, he understands what we’re doing, knows what we’re doing,” Johnson said. “It’s good to have him out there.”

Offensive lineman Brad Sellers, who also missed the past few practices with a concussion, returned to drills as well. He said it was his second while at Tech, but added: “It was no big deal.”

Passing-game update

Tech worked on a hurry-up-offense drill near the end of practice that started with Cooper Taylor intercepting a pass that ricocheted off wide receiver Demaryius Thomas’ fingertips.

Quarterback Josh Nesbitt rebounded to lead the team down the field with passes to Embry Peeples and Quentin Sims. Only a drop by Sims at the end prevented a score.

Sellers said he thought the pass protection during the drill was improved.

“Obviously we need to protect the passer better this year,” Sellers said, “so that’s what we are working toward.”

Johnson wants effort

Overall, Johnson wasn’t happy with the team’s effort Thursday, a constant during the week.

“We need to learn to play with a little effort,” Johnson said. “There’s a lot of guys getting better, but we need to get better as a whole.

“We got the crap beat out of us the last game we played, you’d think we’d remember. We walk around like we’ve done something.”

Etc.

A reminder that practices will be closed to all media and fans starting Monday. ... Freshman freshman defensive back Jemea Thomas put a hard hit on freshman A-back Orwin Smith during a seven-on-seven drills, but Smith bounced back up. ... Freshman defensive back Rod Sweeting broke up two more passes during various drills. ... Scott Blair went 2-for-2 on field goals during a drill. ... Linebacker Kyle Jackson will have a procedure done on his injured right foot Monday in an attempt to speed up the recovery.