If Georgia Tech’s season ends in glory, it will have sprung from humble beginnings. The Yellow Jackets practiced for the first time in full pads Wednesday, the fifth session of the preseason, and the performance failed to dazzle coach Paul Johnson.
“We’ve got a mile to go,” Johnson said. “A mile.”
Johnson said that the team engaged in live-action 11-on-11 for about twenty minutes of the two-hour practice, which was conducted in 100-degree heat. Coaches eagerly anticipated Wednesday’s practice to help determine “who wants to collide and who wants to avoid collisions,” in Johnson’s words, but the stifling heat drained energy levels.
“I think a lot of it’s mental toughness,” he said. “That’s part of camp. You’ve got to learn to push through.”
Ball security was an issue, not entirely surprising given the preponderance of inexperienced offensive skill-position players and a defense that was in the top 20 in the country last season in takeaways.
The review for graduate transfer B-back Patrick Skov, in the competition for the starting job, was mixed.
“He carried the ball a couple times (Wednesday),” Johnson said. “He fell forward. It wasn’t like it was Adrian Peterson reincarnated or something. I think he’s learning, and he’s got a chance to be OK, but he’s got a ways to go, too.”
Defensive tackle Jabari Hunt-Days, who regained his academic eligibility, was in for roughly 12 snaps of the 11-on-11 periods, Johnson said.
“I saw him make a play or two,” Johnson said. “He’ll be all right if he keeps working. He’s got the skillset.”
At least All-ACC quarterback Justin Thomas earned Johnson’s approval. In the 11-on-11 work, Thomas connected with A-back Isiah Willis for a 52-yard gain.
“He’s a good player,” Johnson said. “I think he’ll be OK.”
The team will remain in pads at least for Thursday, and will have its first scrimmage Saturday before fan day.
“My expectation is we’re going to get … a lot better and be ready to play by the first game,” Johnson said. “They’re not going to like it very much getting there.”
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