Georgia Tech freshman B-backs Dedrick Mills and KirVonte Benson ran afoul of team rules and will not play in Saturday’s game against Mercer.
Coach Paul Johnson did not elaborate on the nature of their transgressions but said that they were not legal matters. He said the rule violations were committed on Monday.
“Hopefully, they’re two young guys, they won’t ever have it happen again,” Johnson said after Wednesday’s practice.
An early enrollee, Mills started the opener against Boston College last Saturday and has earned Johnson’s praise for his effort and potential. Against the Eagles, Mills ran 18 times for 68 yards, both team highs, and scored the game-winning touchdown with 35 seconds left.
Benson, a redshirt freshman, is low on the depth chart behind, at least, Mills, Marcus Marshall and Marcus Allen. Johnson said that Marshall, who started three games last year as a first-year freshman and led the team in rushing, will start. Allen and Quaide Weimerskirch could also see playing time, the latter for the first time in his career.
For both players, it’s an opportunity lost. It would be beneficial for Mills to accumulate snaps to increase his familiarity with the position and secure his hold on the starting job. Benson, who didn’t play in the season opener against Boston College, could have had an opportunity against an FCS-level team to get on the field and make a case for playing time.
“I’m sure they’re disappointed,” Johnson said. “I know Dedrick’s disappointed.”
About the Author
