After 2 1/2 years, Georgia Tech linebacker Anthony Harrell’s hard work was rewarded with a spot on the first-string defense Saturday. He suffered a cruel break, though, with a leg injury that will apparently end his season.
On his Monday night radio show, coach Paul Johnson said of Harrell that “we’ve probably lost him for the year” and that he will likely have surgery in about a week. Playing middle linebacker in the base 4-3 defense, Harrell had four tackles (all solo), including one tackle for loss, before his injury. He is a redshirt sophomore.
With the injury, the starting position will likely go back to Jabari Hunt-Days, who had held the spot before Harrell earned it. Johnson also mentioned that Daniel Drummond, who had been moved to defensive end, will move back to middle linebacker.
Johnson also said that he would be surprised if offensive tackle Ray Beno plays again this season, meaning that his Tech career is likely over. Beno suffered a foot injury three weeks ago in practice, tried to play against Miami and has not played since. Offensive tackle Morgan Bailey, who has missed the past two games with an unspecified injury, has been medically cleared. Defensive tackle Shawn Green, who missed the Syracuse game with a leg injury, will not play this week.
Players honored: Middle linebacker Quayshawn Nealy was named the co-ACC linebacker of the week for his performance against Syracuse. Nealy had an interception, a fumble recovery and a pass break-up along with two tackles in Tech's win over Syracuse. The defense gave up just 208 yards to the Orange. It's Nealy's second such honor of his career. Tech has had four ACC players of the week this season.
Nealy was also named a player of the week by Tech’s coaches. B-back Zach Laskey (75 rushing yards, career-high three touchdowns) and linebacker Tyler Marcordes earned the offense and special teams honors, respectively.
A-back Synjyn Days gave praise to offensive tackle Chase Roberts, who made his first career start, particularly for his ability to block linebackers on the play side.
“I was impressed,” Days said.
Off the tape: In reviewing game video, Johnson said that "efforts" — demerits for not giving full effort on a play — against Syracuse were the lowest for any game this season. Missed assignments "were still not where we'd like them, but they were probably cut in half," Johnson said.
It was also the first game since the season opener that quarterback Vad Lee did not lose the ball on a fumble or an interception.
Etc.: Georgia Tech will play Pittsburgh on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. The home game will be broadcast on ESPNU, the fourth time the Jackets will play on that network. … Syracuse defensive tackle John Raymon, who was taken off the field on a stretcher in Saturday's game with a right knee injury, will not play again this season, the school said. He will have surgery in coming weeks.
