Georgia Tech opened its fall camp Thursday afternoon down three offensive linemen, one permanently, and others also on the shelf. Lineman Catlin Alford has left the team, coach Paul Johnson said, and may leave school.
Alford is a junior from Adairsville who had played a backup role in his first two seasons with the Yellow Jackets.
“He told me he was just tired of playing,” Johnson said. “Truth be told, I think he’s tired of school. It happens sometimes. I tried to encourage him to come back and finish school, because he’s so close (to graduation), and I think he’s going to transfer to a smaller school somewhere.”
Offensive tackle Morgan Bailey will be out with an unspecified injury for six weeks, Johnson said. Bailey, who has had a history with injuries, started seven games last season and is being counted on as a starter. His absence opens room for sophomore tackle Bryan Chamberlain.
Center Jay Finch, a two-year starter, practiced in a gold jersey, meaning he was kept out of contact drills. Finch underwent shoulder surgery that kept him out of spring practice. Johnson said Finch should return to practice before camp ends. The absence of Finch and Alford, along with Freddie Burden, who also likely will miss the season with a knee injury, means the Yellow Jackets are without their top three centers until Finch’s return.
Offensive tackle Ray Beno is filling in at center until Finch comes back.
A-back Robert Godhigh is also temporarily out, healing from a broken hand. He was in a cast Thursday. He should be back “in a week or so,” Johnson said. Safety Isaiah Johnson, returning from an ACL tear, was also in a gold jersey.
“We’re going to kind of ease him back in,” Johnson said.
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