A day after being listed as doubtful, Roddy Jones was back in the lineup Tuesday.
Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson said that the senior A-back will play in the Yellow Jackets’ season opener Thursday night against Western Carolina.
Johnson was speaking on his radio show Tuesday night from its new location at the Hudson Grille in Midtown. On Monday, Johnson listed Jones as doubtful, saying he was “dinged up.”
Jones, who has been selected by coaches as one of three captains for Thursday’s game, has missed only game in his career and started all of the other 39.
Johnson also said on the show, broadcast on 790 the Zone, that he knows “what’s in my mind right now” regarding the possibility of playing freshman quarterback Vad Lee, but that it could change. Lee is third on the depth chart behind starter Tevin Washington and backup Synjyn Days, both of whom will play Thursday.
“Vad is way ahead of where we thought he would be, and I think he’s a talented young man, and we’ll see,” Johnson said.
Ready to go
Wide receiver Stephen Hill has a confident vibe entering the season. Hill was one of the team’s hardest workers over the offseason.
“I’m out there catching balls that I’m not supposed to catch, things that are away from my area that I can go get,” Hill said.
Hill, who had troubles with dropped passes last season, also is the No. 2 kickoff returner behind Orwin Smith.
Lots of Watts
Outside linebacker Brandon Watts won’t start, but will be busy. He is the No. 3 outside linebacker, is on defensive coordinator Al Groh’s nickel and dime packages and will play on multiple special-teams units.
“I think he’s more comfortable with what he’s doing,” Johnson said. “He knows his assignments better.”
TV land
Thursday’s game will not be televised, but will be broadcast online on espn.go.com/espn3/. Former Falcons running back Warrick Dunn will provide the analysis. The game will be replayed on Comcast Sports Southeast at 9 p.m. Tuesday.
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