After a strong start to the preseason, Georgia Tech has wobbled in the camp grind, to the point coach Paul Johnson termed Tuesday's practice "suspect" and "not very good" a day after calling one of the Monday practices "sluggish."
Johnson found fault with the team's intensity. At the end of Tuesday's two-hour practice, he said, "The offense kicked the fool out of the defense," in third-down drills. Last Wednesday, it was the opposite. To Johnson, it didn't reflect one unit's superiority, rather a lack of mental toughness from one of the units.
"We started out good," Johnson said. "We've got to get back to that point. It's the middle of camp and everyone's a little tired, and they've got to learn to push."
Over the offseason Tech players spoke often about the team having greater accountability, unity and drive than last year's team that started out the season ranked No. 16 but finished 6-7, Tech's first losing season since 1996.
Said Johnson of the team's intensity and focus, "If it doesn't get better, it'll be a big concern."
Johnson, however, said a few players caught his attention, naming wide receiver Stephen Hill, B-back Charles Perkins and A-back Tony Zenon.
B-back David Sims has had a strong camp, Johnson said, adding, "Charles decided to come along for the ride. We know it's in there. Today, I saw it a little bit."
The Yellow Jackets will have their final two-a-day practice on Wednesday. Camp will break Saturday following the second scrimmage.
Walk-ons rewarded
Four walk-ons, including starting right tackle Tyler Kidney, a sophomore, were put on scholarship on Monday. The others were sophomore A-back Robert Godhigh, junior linebacker Robert Hogan and freshman linebacker Matt Serpico. Kidney, Godhigh and Hogan joined the team in 2009.
Tech had four available under the 85-player limit. Johnson said the four have the understanding that the grants may not be extended beyond this academic year. Teammates applauded when told the news after Tuesday's practice.
"Georgia Tech has done a great job with me and other walk-ons with treating us with respect, as much as you would hope to get coming in as a non-scholarship player, but it just feels great," said Kidney, from Northview High School.
Quarterback update
Quarterbacks Tevin Washington and Synjyn Days split repetitions with the first team while freshman Vad Lee has received all of the reps with the second team. Johnson said it doesn't necessarily mean Lee is getting more snaps than the other two, but acknowledged he probably is.
Johnson has divided the practice time that way to evaluate Washington and Days against each other for the starting job.
"Vad's not in that picture right now," Johnson said.
Johnson was asked his timetable for making a decision on whether or not to redshirt Lee.
Said Johnson, "December."
Etc.
Offensive tackle Phil Smith said the reason for his two-game suspension was not caused by a legal matter, but declined to specify. "[I'm] not in any trouble, just with the coaches," he said. Johnson said last week Smith will sit out the first two games of the season for breaking team rules. ... True freshman wide receiver Jeff Greene has continued to impress. With wide receivers such as Hill and Tyler Melton missing practices, Greene has been working with the first string. … The B-back competition between Preston Lyons, Perkins and Sims has tightened. While Lyons entered camp as the starter, Johnson called them "interchangeable." … Melton (strained calf) and B-back Richard Watson (concussion) were among players held out of practice Tuesday.
About the Author
