Francis Kallon is ready to learn a new language. Thanks to breakfast, Roderick Chungong has reached his prescribed weight. Justin Thomas vowed to pack his PlayStation.
College life starts Wednesday for those three and nearly all of the rest of Georgia Tech’s freshman class. The newest Yellow Jackets are scheduled to arrive on campus to acclimate themselves to school and prepare for their first college seasons.
“I feel excited, just ready to compete, trying to get on the field,” said Chungong, a defensive end from Silver Spring, Md. “That’s all — just ready.”
The freshmen — aside from A-back Dennis Andrews, who enrolled in January, and defensive tackle Adam Gotsis, who is coming from Australia — are expected to move into their dorms, get fitted for equipment and go through orientation. Classes for the late short summer session begin Monday.
“I’m going to learn the language of college, learn the language of college football, and get situated before I can go out there,” said Kallon, a defensive end from Central Gwinnett High who intends to major in computational media.
Kallon, who has played one season of football after moving from London, has put his summer to good use. He worked out with a trainer and developed his fitness and footwork. The 6-foot-5 Kallon, who weighed 240 pounds last summer, has bulked up to 285.
“It feels different, but I still move like I’m 220,” he said. “That’s the great thing about it.”
Chungong has followed the training protocol assigned by Tech coaches and also packed on weight. Chungong said he’s added about 15 pounds since February to reach the 250-pound mark requested by defensive coordinator Al Groh.
“He told me to start eating breakfast,” said Chungong, whose diet has included cereal, bananas and waffles. “That helped a lot.”
Both Chungong and Kallon will compete for playing time, either on the line or special teams. At defensive end, there is room on the depth chart after Izaan Cross, Euclid Cummings and Emmanuel Dieke.
Thomas is one of the more anticipated members of the class. Thomas backed off a commitment to Alabama and signed with Tech because coach Paul Johnson offered him a chance to play quarterback. After leading Prattville (Ala.) High to the Class 6A state championship in December, Thomas also won the state Class 4A-6A 100-meter dash championship in May. Kallon will be one of his roommates.
“I’m bringing my PlayStation, I know that,” he said. “Once I get up there, I’ll know more what I need.”
After their arrival, the freshmen will join the offseason strength-and-conditioning program and may participate in seven-on-seven passing sessions. Preseason practice begins Aug. 3.
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