Coach Paul Johnson said much was accomplished in Georgia Tech’s fully-padded practice Wednesday following Tuesday’s double session. Johnson credited the defense for its effort.
Cornerback Lynn Griffin, recently moved from safety, meted out another big hit and cornerback Jemea Thomas contributed two pass breakups during the 11-on-11 portion of practice.
“I thought the guys had decent energy,” Johnson said. “Like I said, I thought the defense flew around pretty good and competed and had some energy.”
Center Jay Finch returned to practice, the first time he has been in a contact situation since the Sun Bowl. Finch had shoulder surgery following the season and missed spring practice and the first 14 practices of preseason. Finch worked with the first- and second-string offenses, sharing reps with Thomas O’Reilly, who retained the top spot on the depth chart.
“He was O.K.,” Johnson said of Finch. “I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary.”
Offensive tackle Ray Beno, A-back Tony Zenon and wide receiver Micheal Summers continue to miss time with injuries. Beno and Summers, at least, are expected to return soon.
Johnson also shed some light on some details of the depth chart.
On safety Demond Smith ascending to share the first-string spot with Chris Milton:
“Demond’s had a good camp. He played a lot last year. He played in the ACC championship game, he played in the bowl game. … He was nursing a bad hamstring for a while but once he got that fixed, he’s come back, he’s played a lot of football.”
On Corey Dennis being first string wide receiver opposite Darren Waller and Jamie Alvarez, a walk-on, holding the No. 2 spot opposite DeAndre Smelter:
“They know where to go and they practice hard and work hard. As I said, all that stuff’s fluid. That’s for you (media) guys to have fun with.”
On possible depth and variety of options at wide receiver:
“I’m not sure there’s (not) two or three of those guys that are better than the rest. When we start playing, we’ll find out, I think.”
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