Fred Holton's spring and summer toil apparently will go for naught. The Georgia Tech safety is expected to miss the season after tearing his Achilles tendon in Saturday's scrimmage.

"It's disappointing for Fred because he worked so hard and he was playing so well, and he had a great camp," coach Paul Johnson said after Monday's afternoon practice.

Holton was the team's No. 3 safety behind starters Isaiah Johnson and Rashaad Reid and has been pushing for a starting spot. Holton, one of the team's strongest and hardest working players, also figured to be a heavy contributor on special teams. Holton sustained the injury backpedaling.

"I've just got a lot of sympathy for him, wish he could be out there with us, but we've got to move forward," said linebacker Julian Burnett, a close friend of Holton's. "All we can do is just keep him in our hearts and play for him."

Without Holton, the top option at backup safety is Jemea Thomas, who has been working at both safety and cornerback. On Monday, the team worked two true freshmen at safety, B-back Zach Laskey and quarterback Demond Smith, at safety.

"Things happen," Johnson said. "You just have to move on."

Practice report

The team practiced twice Monday after having Sunday off. Johnson said the morning practice was "sluggish" but the tempo picked up in the afternoon. To help with numbers, Johnson is hoping several injured players will return. Wide receivers Tyler Melton, Daniel McKayhan and Jeremy Moore, cornerback Rod Sweeting, offensive tackle Phil Smith and safety Lance Richardson were among those not practicing. Wide receiver Stephen Hill returned to practice Monday.

"We've got to know the difference between hurt and injured," Johnson said. "There's a difference."

Johnson, who had remarked about the team's enthusiasm and work ethic when camp began Aug. 3, was asked if he still saw those qualities after 15 practices.

"I think with the majority of the guys, yeah," he said.

Attaochu progressing

Among the most improved players in the spring, outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu has continued his development, defensive coordinator Al Groh said. Attaochu has moved past the stage of learning the terminology and responsibilities of his position, and is now focusing on executing. He's called on to rush the passer, stop the run and occasionally drop back in pass coverage.

As a sophomore who started one game as a true freshman, "Every facet of his game is in position to move forward, which he's concentrating on doing," Groh said.

Quarterback update

Quarterback Tevin Washington's status as the starter remains solid. Johnson said "it's pretty clear to me" where the quarterbacks stand. Johnson said of true freshman Vad Lee that it's "amazing for him to be where he is" but he isn't ready to play right now.

Game moving fast

Inside linebackers coach Joe Speed on true freshman Jabari Hunt-Days: "[He has] physical tools, picking up the game, picking up the defense. [There is] a lot of verbiage for him, so I'm sure it's fast for him right now, but once he picks it up, he's going to be able to have a clear mind so he can play faster."