For Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson, a most satisfying interlude of his team’s scrimmage Saturday morning was a 17-play touchdown drive executed by the first-team offense against the first-team defense.
“You couldn’t script anything better,” Johnson said. “You put it on the 25, and 20 (or so) plays down the field. Had to convert a couple fourth-and-shorts, and then, those linemen, now you’re playing yourself into football shape.”
While capable of explosive plays, Tech’s offense thrives on lengthy drives that wear down defenses and slow game tempo. Part of the Yellow Jackets’ downfall last season was their inability to produce such possessions.
Tech was 108th in third-down conversion rate in 2015 (34.9 percent) a year after leading the country at 57.9 percent, which tied the NCAA record. Before last year, Tech had been in the top 25 in time of possession six consecutive years and in the top six four times before falling to a tie for 40th last season.
On Saturday’s 17-play, 75-yard haul, the offense converted two third downs and two fourth-and-1 plays, according to records kept by the communications office. There were 13 runs and four passes, two of them complete.
No small part of the drive was center Freddie Burden, back with the first string after missing the spring recovering from thumb surgery. The line's inconsistent play in the spring was in part because of Burden's injury causing the line to shuffle. A two-year starter, Burden is a key component for a line that, aside from himself and right guard Shamire Devine, has 10 career starts among tackles Trey Klock and Eason Fromayan and left guard Will Bryan.
“Shamire’s a little different (in terms of experience), but, like, when (first-year freshman guard) Parker Braun’s in there, one of those (young) guys, Freddie can help him with calls and help him to identify stuff,” Johnson said. “And he’s just a bigger, stronger presence trying to get to the second level.”
Devine, too, was in Johnson's good graces Saturday. Devine has NFL potential, but has had playing time limited because of weight challenges.
“I was pleased with Shamire,” Johnson said. “He fought through. I think those linemen, you’ve got to play yourself into football shape. That’s why these (scrimmages) are so important.”
The line, along with the team, is in better physical shape after committing to lose body fat over the season. Linemen have said it has improved stamina and quickness. Offensive-line coach Mike Sewak said that nine of his linemen are under 18 percent body fat, which is the most he has had at Tech.
“You always have one or two, but you never have nine,” he said.
It would be a stretch to say that Tech’s season hinges on the offensive line, and it would be even more of a leap to suggest that the results of one scrimmage is defining. However, the line will play a critical role in determining the team’s success, and Johnson has been encouraged by what he has seen, both Saturday and through the preseason.
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