As Georgia Tech began preparations on Monday for its Sept. 1 season opener against Western Carolina, the Yellow Jackets acknowledged they have plenty to address.
From watching the video of the team's second and last scrimmage on Saturday, coach Paul Johnson said, "We've got to correct a lot of little fundamental things."
Outside linebacker Steven Sylvester said the defense made mental errors that need to be fixed.
"When we get tired, we don't communicate as well," he said. "But we can't have that this season if we're going to be as good as we want to be."
In the two scrimmages, quarterbacks also threw a number of passes to the A-backs on both short and long routes. Johnson said there wasn't much different from past seasons with that segment of the passing game.
"Maybe [it has been] executed a little better," he said. "We're protecting a little better, so you've got time to throw it a little better."
In the scrimmage, Johnson said the offense gained 250 rushing yards on 44 attempts, a 5.7 yards-per-carry average that factored in several dropped snaps as carries. Johnson said he was encouraged that the defense did not allow big run plays, except for quarterback Tevin Washington's 36-yard scoring run.
Offensively, Johnson said, "We've been concentrating on some other things. I mean, we've been throwing the ball a lot."
Freshmen ready to play
While nothing has been disclosed, Johnson said the coaches have a good idea of which true freshmen will play. He doesn’t know the number and didn't offer names. He hasn't told them but figures they know.
"If you're down on the scout team and you're not on any special teams, it's probably a pretty good chance you're not going to play," Johnson said.
True freshmen that Johnson has mentioned as likely to play are safety Zach Laskey, guard Trey Braun and wide receiver Jeff Greene. Wide receiver Darren Waller and defensive back Jamal Golden are other possibilities.
Back in school
Sylvester spent part of the day watching his newest teammates try for the first time to negotiate a campus full of students.
"It was kind of funny to just sit back and watch," he said.
Outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu was glad to be back.
"I felt like it was time to learn," he said. "Your body knows when it's time."
Numbers game
The derby for jersey No. 9 has ended, with A-back Tony Zenon the winner. Johnson said about a dozen players wanted to wear it, so he held off assigning it until camp was over. He based the decision on expected playing time: Zenon switched from No. 47.
Defensive back Jemea Thomas switched from No. 38 to 14. Wide receiver Chris Jackson changed from No. 44 to 33.
Injury report
B-back Richard Watson returned to practice after sustaining a concussion, as did guard Will Jackson and wide receiver Tyler Melton. Jackson was held out of the scrimmage because he was "banged up," according to Johnson, and Melton has been nursing a strained calf. B-back Preston Lyons, who was helped off the field Saturday with a leg injury, also returned, though Johnson said he wasn't sure if he was 100 percent.
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