Georgia Tech linebacker Anthony Harrell is nearing a return after a knee injury in the Syracuse game ended his season. Harrell has been practicing but has been limited during the Yellow Jackets’ preseason.
“Not where he needs to be yet, but progressing,” linebackers coach Andy McCollum said. “Anthony’s a hard-working guy, so he’s doing everything he can.”
Coach Paul Johnson said Harrell is taking part in all of the practices except for the contact portions. He wasn’t sure of a return date.
“I don’t know if he’ll be back for the first game or not,” Johnson said. “If he doesn’t practice, he won’t.”
As a sophomore last year, Harrell was improving as the season went along and was promoted to the first string before getting injured. He also played a major role on special teams. While Harrell will likely be a backup to Quayshawn Nealy at middle linebacker, McCollum said he envisions a significant role for him this season.
“He’s still learning the game, still learning what everybody else does, not just what he does, but one thing Anthony will do, he will get downhill and he will hit you,” McCollum said. “We’ve just got to get him in the right direction, and he’ll continue learning that.”
