Having a second offensive-line coach is working out well for Georgia Tech right tackle Trey Klock.
A sophomore who started three games at left tackle last season, Klock said he’s benefited from the extra attention given to him by line coach Ron West, who joined the staff in January following the departure of special-teams coordinator Ray Rychleski. Coach Paul Johnson’s longtime preference has been to have two offensive-line coaches, but he experimented using just one line coach and adding a dedicated special-teams coach for the past four seasons before reverting to his tried formula.
West works primarily with the tackles while fellow line coach Mike Sewak trains the guards and centers. Graduate assistant Blake DeBartola assists West and Sewak.
“I work a lot one on one with coach West, going in and watching extra film,” Klock said Monday. “They’re both really great coaches that we both learn a lot from.”
Klock said that West has brought new drills and improved footwork. On pass plays last season, Klock said he sometimes took a step forward off the line before retreating into his pass-blocking stance, giving up ground and time to the defense. It was part of a battery of problems with Tech’s passing game, which saw its passing efficiency rating fall from 12th in 2014 (155.1) to 95th (119.8).
“So we really focus on that, getting straight back, keeping our shoulders straight,” Klock said. “That’s stuff we’ve picked up from him.”
Klock has made an impression on Sewak with a deepening understanding of his assignments. In Monday’s practice, the defense brought a blitz on Klock’s side, which he recognized and handled withiout hesitation, Sewak said.
“Trey Klock, he’s a real good student of the game,” Sewak said. “He’s really picked it up from a year ago when he was making all those silly mistakes.”
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