Georgia Tech B-back Matt Connors has earned more playing time by his performance against Pittsburgh Saturday, coach Paul Johnson said. Against the Panthers, Connors ran five times for 56 yards, with one touchdown and a long of 25. The longest run by a B-back this season is 26 yards.

“We need to play him more,” Johnson said. “Every time he goes in, he’s very productive, so he’s earned himself a little more playing time.”

Connors, a former walk-on, came into the game in the fourth quarter after it was out of reach. Synjyn Days had played

at B-back up until that point in place of Zach Laskey, who did not play due to a shoulder injury. Laskey is not expected back for Saturday’s game against Virginia.

“I think the first time he got the ball, he broke two tackles,” quarterbacks and B-backs coach Bryan Cook said of

Connors. “That’s what we need out of that position, and we haven’t gotten a ton of it, so it was good to see.”

Connors, a senior, had one carry this season prior to Saturday, and 24 in his career, largely in a mop-up role.