While realignment rumors and speculation swirl, Georgia Tech has no plans but to stay put, athletic director Dan Radakovich said.
“We want to be a part of the ACC, and we want the ACC to be the best conference it can be,” Radakovich said.
In comments made last week, Radakovich said that there have been internal discussions about Tech’s realignment options, but only based on the facts of the situation, not speculation, and nothing as concrete as contingency plans. The school has not formed any sort of committee to examine its options, which Florida State has reportedly done.
Radakovich also said that there has been no contact between Tech and other conferences. The school is taking guidance from a committee of ACC school officials studying the matter. Asked if he could envision a scenario in which Tech would leave the ACC, Radakovich responded, “Not at this point in time.”
Leaning both ways
He’s a Tech alumnus, a former player and a season-ticket holder, but Steve Mooney won’t feel completely partial to the Yellow Jackets on Saturday. Mooney is good friends with Kansas coach Turner Gill and serves as Gill’s attorney.
“I think I’ll just have a stiff drink and sit back and watch,” said Mooney, a linebacker who lettered in 1979, ’80 and ’82 for the Jackets.
Mooney grew up with Gill in Fort Worth, Texas, and the two were high school teammates.
“He is a good Christian family man who truly cares about his players and their growth,” Mooney said. “He’ll turn that [program] around if they give him the time.”
Sims’ workload
When Tech’s games become more competitive, B-back David Sims’ playing time will increase considerably, quarterbacks and B-backs coach Brian Bohannon told reporters Tuesday. Sims has had the most playing time, but Preston Lyons and, to a lesser degree, Charles Perkins have gotten time, too.
“We’re going to have one of those [games] where each kid gets 60 or 70 plays instead of having 35 or 40,” Bohannon said, referring to Sims and quarterback Tevin Washington.
Bohannon also said that the team will probably play the top two B-backs, which right now are Sims and Lyons.
Washington partisans
Washington has two notable fans — Gill and ESPN commentator John Bunting, the former North Carolina coach. Gill said Washington “might be a little bit better” than former Tech quarterback Joshua Nesbitt because of his ability to both pass and run. Bunting, who was in the TV booth for Tech’s win over Middle Tennessee State on Saturday, was “extremely impressed” with Washington’s handling of the Tech offense and with the timing and accuracy of his passes.
Tackle competition
Coach Paul Johnson said he has not seen any of the three top offensive tackles — Ray Beno, Tyler Kidney and Phil Smith — separate themselves in their competition to start. Smith is back in the mix after being suspended for the first two games for violating team rules. Beno and Kidney started the first two games. Johnson said coaches probably will decide the starters after Thursday’s practice. All three will play.
Etc.
Guard J.C. Lanier practiced Wednesday, but is doubtful for the game. A-back Marcus Wright and offensive lineman Morgan Bailey did not practice. ... Johnson said coaches will name game captains Thursday. The team won’t vote on captains for the season until most of the seniors have had the chance to be a game captain.
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