Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas knows what Shamire Devine can do when he’s in condition to play. In 2014, Devine was a punishing blocker who subbed in at guard, playing a part in Georgia Tech’s record-setting offense.
Thomas sees that version returning.
“He’s probably the best he’s looked since I’ve been there,” Thomas said last week at the ACC Kickoff in Charlotte, N.C. “He’s been finishing the runs, he’s doing extra — going to the pool, doing that stuff.”
Devine, who started nine games in 2015 as a sophomore, has struggled to keep his weight down throughout his time at Tech, which has impacted his endurance. He weighed as much as 386 pounds in the spring. While in Charlotte, Thomas, defensive tackle Patrick Gamble and coach Paul Johnson all praised Devine for improvements in his weight and conditioning.
“Shamire’s doing better,” Johnson said. “He’s got a ways to go, but he’s probably down 30 (pounds) from his all-time high. He’s working at it.”
Said Gamble, “He’s lost weight, slimmed down a little bit. You can definitely tell when you’re running, his endurance has gone up.”
Their assessments strike a different tone than a comment that Johnson made in the spring that Devine had ability, "but he can't play at 380 pounds," he said. "So we're trying to do everything we can to help him. He's got to help himself, too."
Devine is one of the more critical pieces for Tech’s offense and ultimately for the team’s probability for winning in an improving ACC. At his best, Devine has superior agility for a player his size (he’s 6-foot-7) and is a punishing blocker. Johnson has said previously he has NFL-level potential. The more he can stay on the field and consistently puncture holes in the defensive line, the more likely the Yellow Jackets offense can become the tempo-controlling steamroller that it has been in years past and not the balky punt factory it was last year. Thomas said having Devine playing as he’s capable would be “huge” for the team.
“We’ve got to get him going for us for those (long) drives,” Thomas said. “If he can do that, he’ll be a big help for us.”
Devine's availability is all the more critical because there are question marks behind him. On the team's post-spring depth chart, the two backups at guard are twin brothers Brad and Scott Morgan. Johnson has praised both for their physical style, but they are redshirt freshmen.
Devine has been dedicated in summer workouts with strength-and-conditioning coach John Sisk, Thomas and Gamble said. Thomas said that he has been working out before the rest of the team’s arrival for early-morning workouts.
“We lift weights, actually, after he gets done lifting, he goes and gets on the treadmill,” Gamble said. “He’s running full speed on it. He’s making a lot of gains. I’m very excited to see what he can do.”
Tech will report for preseason camp Aug. 3 and begin practice the following day. Undoubtedly, many eyes will be on Devine.
“I’m hoping that it can translate,” Thomas said. “I’m hoping that it shows. I’m expecting a big year from him. We need him. I’m hoping everything is going to work out.”
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