Georgia Tech quarterback Matthew Jordan could see considerable playing time this fall. Following the team’s third session of spring practice Wednesday, coach Paul Johnson said he would like to play Jordan, a rising sophomore, in every game this fall behind starter Justin Thomas.
“He needs to take Tim Byerly’s role before Timmy got hurt a year ago,” said Johnson, who used Byerly as a short-yardage specialist in 2014 and planned to do so in 2015 before he tore his ACL early in the season. “And I feel good that he can do that now.”
Johnson had considered using Jordan in that role last season after Byerly’s injury, but did not. Listed at 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, Thomas was not as effective in short-yardage situations as Byerly was. Further, having a backup who can come in to gain tough yards would also reduce the physical wear on Thomas.
Jordan has lost weight since last season; he was listed at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds last season but is listed at 208 pounds on the updated roster.
Jordan received his most extensive playing time in the 38-21 loss to Miami, when Thomas left the game with an upper-body injury suffered during the team’s opening possession. Jordan helped the offense pick up 19 first downs and convert 7 of 12 third downs, but he fumbled the ball six times on a wet afternoon.
“When Matthew had to go in and play last year, he went in and acquitted himself well,” Johnson said. “He’s just got to take care of the ball.”
Jordan became the clear No. 2 going into spring practice when redshirt freshman Christian Campbell moved from quarterback to safety in hopes of getting on the field this fall.
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