Georgia Tech freshman offensive linemen Kenny Cooper and Jahaziel Lee are expected to see more playing time in the second half of the season. Both have not had significant action after having their redshirts removed.
The plan may be in part because offensive-line depth is shrinking due to injuries. Offensive tackle Trey Klock and guard Shamire Devine have missed time with injuries. Johnson said Tuesday that three starting offensive linemen were not expected to be available for that afternoon's practice because of injury.
Further, given that Lee and Cooper are using a season of eligibility while many of their classmates are redshirting, there is a desire to make the season worthwhile for both.
“They’re going to have to play,” Johnson said. “I would have assumed that they would have played more already. They’ll play moving forward.”
Lee has played tackle and Cooper has been at center. Lee would be playing a lot, Johnson said, if he knew his assignments a little better.
A similar predicament has held back first-year freshman wide receiver Jalen Camp, who impressed coaches and teammates in the preseason.
“We keep trying to work him in and get him in there, but he’s got to help himself, too,” Johnson said. “A lot of the time with the freshmen, they’ve got to know where to go and what to do. You’ve got to know what to do.”
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