Georgia Tech assistant coach Brian Bohannon has what every football coach pines for in August — competition. Bohannon coaches quarterbacks and B-backs, positions where the daily jostling goes three and four players deep, respectively.
“They know they can’t take a day off or they’re going to lose their turn,” Bohannon said following Tech’s Tuesday afternoon practice. “The attention and the work ethic of that group have been really good.”
At quarterback, backup Synjyn Days and freshman Vad Lee are pushing starter Tevin Washington. At B-back, starter Preston Lyons is fending off Charles Perkins, Richard Watson and a hard-charging David Sims. Washington was one of the team’s hardest workers over the summer and, while quiet by nature, is showing leadership.
“I think the kids respect him for the effort and time he’s put in, not only to get better for himself but to help everybody else get better, and there’s a lot to be said for that,” Bohannon said.
Bohannon echoed coach Paul Johnson’s previous praise of Lee, commending his work ethic, desire to learn the game and composure. “He’s the first one that I’ve been around that has progressed this fast in something he hasn’t done,” Bohannon said.
Short on guards
Injuries to guards Will Jackson and Morgan Bailey have made Tech’s signing of four offensive linemen in February look prescient. With Jackson and Bailey on the sideline Tuesday — Johnson wasn’t positive about either’s injury — freshman Trey Braun worked with the first-team offense at one guard spot. The two second-string guards were two of Braun’s classmates, Errin Joe and Shaq Mason.
The line already is without guard J.C. Lanier, who switched from defensive line in the spring and is out with a stress fracture. Jackson, a freshman All-American last season, and Bailey have both fought injuries in the past.
Practice report
Tech worked in full pads for the third consecutive day with a single two-hour afternoon session Tuesday. Johnson said outside linebacker Brandon Watts stood out with a few plays in a one-minute drill. Perkins made a couple of good blocks that impressed Johnson. For Perkins, a redshirt freshman, blocking and the awareness required of the position will be two important factors for him to gain playing time.
The Yellow Jackets will continue Wednesday with their second of four two-a-days of camp.
Etc.
Defensive end Izaan Cross was one of 35 players named to the watch list for the Ted Hendricks Award, given to the nation’s top defensive end. It’s a notable recognition in that Cross didn’t amass significant statistics last season or receive all-conference honors. ... Johnson wants backup defensive tackle T.J. Barnes to improve his conditioning level so he can play more snaps behind starter Logan Walls. ... Johnson said he is “pretty sure” that one or more of the three freshman scholarship wide receivers, Corey Dennis, Jeff Greene and Darren Waller, will play or at least make the travel squad. ... Wide receiver Chris Jackson, dismissed from the team in November and reinstated at the start of camp, officially received the summer-term grades Tuesday that lifted his GPA above 2.0 to make him eligible.
About the Author
