Catching up with Vad Lee
There are a lot of Georgia Tech football fans who are very excited to see what freshman Vad Lee can do this fall.
Lee had quite the career at Hillside in Durham. He was named the Class 4A player of the Year after leading his team to a 16-0 record and state championship. He completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,969 yards with 23 TDs and added 1,004 yards rushing.
He was on his way with a few teammates to watch the Hillside girls basketball team take on Green Hope on Wednesday.
He took a few minutes on the way there to answer a few questions.
Q: Are you looking forward to starting your college career?
A: I’m very excited about coming to Atlanta. It’s a great opportunity with football and with so many jobs that if football doesn’t work out I can get into a great business.
Q: There were a lot of rumors as we got closer to Signing Day that you were wavering on your commitment. How many of them were true and how many weren’t?
A: Some of them were false. Some of them were me trying to get my guys recruited. Most of it was false. I had some questions about Georgia Tech. At the end of the day I stuck with them. I stuck with them for six months. I just had to get adjusted with their language [about the quarterback].
Q: What are you doing to prepare yourself for Tech’s option offense?
A: I’m definitely preparing myself for the option. We have a running back committed to Navy and a defensive back committed to Navy and we go through drills. I have my workout book from Georgia Tech, trying to get bigger and stronger so I can compete for a starting job.
Q: Why did you decide not to enroll early?
A: I just wanted to experience high school life. I’m having fun. We are on our way to the girls [basketball] game with 20 other football players. We are going for a track championship as well. That’s something I’m looking forward to.
I wish I could do both.
Q: What specifically are you working on?
A: Basically the footwork drills. That’s the difference. It should be an easy transition. I’ve been watching plays on youtube and watching DVDs and stuff. It’s something I’ve been practicing the last week or two.
Q: It seems odd for a quarterback who played in a passing offense to want to come and play in an offense that’s different. What was the attraction to Tech and coach Johnson?
A: Coach Johnson knows to win the big one we’ve got to be more [effective passing] and that’s something he’s looking forward to getting into. I’m excited to get there and show what I can do passing the ball as well as running.
Q: Did you watch some of the hits that Joshua Nesbitt and Tevin Washington took last year?
A: I did. That’s one that everybody tried to get me with. I’m a tough guy.
Q: Of course, they also dished some out. Can you put some hits on defenders?
A: [Laughs]. I did a little trucking in my day.
Q: How big are you now?
A: I’m 6-2, 207. I’m trying to get to 210, that would be a good size.
Q: Have you been talking with any other option quarterbacks about what to expect and how to prepare yourself?
A: My teammate that’s going to Navy, he’s talked to Ricky Dobbs for me. He gave me a few tips. It’s a lot of hits, but it’s something that he enjoyed so I’m pretty sure that I’ll enjoy it too.
Q: What about at Tech? Have you been talking with those guys?
A: All of my 2011 recruiting class. They are awesome guys. They love me and I love them. I think we will be making some noise in Atlanta and showing that we can win the big one.
Q: Were you happy to see Tech sign so many offensive linemen?
A: The first guy I talked to was Trey Braun. I was extremely excited that he was coming. That’s a plus.
Q: As a guy who is enjoying the high school experience, how do you hope you will enjoy the college experience?
A: Just the overall experience of college and Atlanta. Atlanta might be my future home, being that I’ll be there for the next four years, and hanging out with my football [teammates] out of football.
Q: Tell me something about you that you haven’t told any other media?
A: Media may be tweeting that I’m a vocal guy, but I’m a really a quiet guy. I’m not that loud or anything.
Q: What is Vad short for?
A: Vad that’s my nickname.
My freshmen year many people couldn’t pronounce Lavaedeay.
– Doug Roberson, AJC
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
144 comments Add your comment
D A DoubleU G
February 24th, 2011
11:00 am
I am pretty sure this rivalry wouldn’t be what it is without fans taking jabs at one another.
So i consider myself a platinum contributor to Clean Old Fashioned Hate.
If we played nice all the time, where would the fun be in beating you nerds 9 times a decade??
Neal
February 24th, 2011
11:00 am
WR transfer from Rutgers – name: Morgan Carter. Don’t know if he’s transferred yet.
Doug Roberson
February 24th, 2011
11:04 am
Carter is a linebacker, not a wide receiver. He transferred in last year.
RambleOn84
February 24th, 2011
11:04 am
I just read about a guy who graduated in 2010 who just enrolled at Tech. His name is Jimmie Kitchens and he will probably play DE (6′3″, 265 lbs). He isn’t a JUCO guy, but did not play for a year because of some academic issues. Apparently he straightened them up and Johnson gave him a scholarship.
Have not heard anything about any JUCO guys.
RambleOn84
February 24th, 2011
11:06 am
Also don’t forget Chris Jackson has been reinstated. Still not sure if he will be a WR or A-back, but I would guess WR since we need him more there.
BigTimeTECHFan
February 24th, 2011
11:09 am
Tech just picked up a DE commit, Jimmy Kitchen for their 2011 class, from Lithonia, 2010 grad that did not get cleared to play at Tenn St last year.
Coach Speed is turning into a nice recuiter, kids seem to really like him. He great guy, kind any parent would feel confortable with, Marine Officer and USNA grad.
George Stein
February 24th, 2011
11:11 am
I thought Double wasn’t going to do any trash talk until after spring practice.
And if Vad sucks so much, why were you talking up the NFL with him and begging him not to go to Tech, Wrex? Get a life, son.
Heels Rock and Rule
February 24th, 2011
11:12 am
I have no doubt that Vad Lee is very good. How does he compare w/Marquise Williams? Are they fairly equal in terms of which one a team would chose to be its QB?
RambleOn84
February 24th, 2011
11:12 am
BigTimeTECHFan,
No offense to the kid, but why was he originally committed to Tenn St in the first place? I can’t get too excited about that yet. I know some kids are overlooked, but you would think if he were a really good player than SOME 1A school would have offered him.
D A DoubleU G
February 24th, 2011
11:15 am
George…… you know I cannot stay away too long.
I am trying. But I need to talk football. Unfortunately when I talk football and have differing views to Tech, it is considered “Trash Talk”.
Neal
February 24th, 2011
11:15 am
Thanks Doug.
RambleOn84
February 24th, 2011
11:16 am
Williams has better size (a plus in a pro-style offense) while Vad appears to have more speed (a plus for our offense).
Both seem to be good players, and I think we will both be happy with our respective QBs.
BigTimeTECHFan
February 24th, 2011
11:18 am
Only UGA fans can praise Christian Lemay then at the same time dog Vad Lee for playing HS in North Carolina.
Neal
February 24th, 2011
11:19 am
Has anyone else hear the rumor CPJ is going to roll out an additional formation to the play book? I’ve heard the pistol formation.
George Stein
February 24th, 2011
11:20 am
Don’t make commitments you are either unwilling or unable to keep, Double.
And if you want to be reasonable, you might find a lot – but not all because we have idiots too – of Tech fans willing to engage you. But the nonsense you typically post adds nothing to the discussion.
Your point about a two-sided rivalry is well taken though.
D A DoubleU G
February 24th, 2011
11:21 am
BigTimeTECHIE,
In all honesty, the vast, vast majority of UGA fans couldn’t care less about LeMay. Nobosy is excited he sat out his Sr. year in HS, and he and his daddy reek of trouble, especially when he realizes he will be sitting behind Murray the next 3 years.
So your statement is false, sir.
RambleOn84
February 24th, 2011
11:22 am
I’ve heard that, Neal, but I have no clue if it is true. We will probably find out at the spring game.
RambleOn84
February 24th, 2011
11:23 am
I wouldn’t be so sure Murray will be starting the next 3 years straight. The guy is a heck of a player, but he seems to be a bit injury-prone.
BigTimeTECHFan
February 24th, 2011
11:23 am
RambleOn84 – I think it may be a package deal, there is big OL recuit from Lithonia Joe Harris that has Tech in his Top 5. Just visited Tech and was at the B-Ball game last night. Maybe somethings in the works.
Savannah Jacket
February 24th, 2011
11:25 am
Josh was luckey to get the pass off! He spent most of the time running for his life.When we try to pass the o-line has to hold the blocks longer!
Neal
February 24th, 2011
11:25 am
Yeah, agreed RambleOn84. Reminds me of McNabb with is injury frequency…
BigTimeTECHFan
February 24th, 2011
11:26 am
D A DoubleU G – You have got to be kidding, A majority UGA fans a defining Lemay as part of the Dream Team, soon as Murry was hurt and the fans were thinking his leg was broke they were all giddy about LeMay, talking how he is already on campus and will be ready by spring.
RambleOn84
February 24th, 2011
11:28 am
This is the last thing I will say to you, Double, until you act in a respectful manner:
Don’t even start now pretending that people Tech fans dislike you because you have a “differing opinion.”
You bash Tech constantly out of the blue, no matter what the topic or what came before.
Over on the Tech basketball blog you have two of the first ten or so posts, both of which are full of vitriol towards Tech football and Tech fans themselves.
You need serious help. Become a MAN and stop being a little child, concerned only with trying to hurt the feelings of people you don’t even know.
You love calling Tech fans “nerds,” but being an internet bully makes you the ultimate NERD.
RambleOn84
February 24th, 2011
11:30 am
True, Savannah Jacket, but remember the line last year was filled with Gailey leftovers and inexperienced young Johnson guys.
The O-line should definitely be much improved this year, even though there will still be a fair amount of inexperience and youth.
DawginLex
February 24th, 2011
11:31 am
Serious question.
Do you Tech folks think this kid will add balance to the offense?
He looks the part of a QB that can run and throw. He DOES NOT look the part of a QB that will get beat to death running the ball 30 times a game.
Johnson threw the ball at Hawaii did he not? He threw some at GSU but hardly any last year. Was it because of the receivers or Nesbitt/Washington?
I’m just wondering about the idea behind this kid being the savior for the offense and he just does not look the part of a QB that can basically get killed for 4 quarters.
D A DoubleU G
February 24th, 2011
11:31 am
BigTimeNERD,
You are mistaken. The “Dream Team” is players in the state of Georgia who want to stay in the state of Georgia and represent it through UGA. Lemay is from NC, as you mentioned above.
And in a time of desperation, like the 45 mins when we thought Murray would be out for significant time, ANY fanbase will up-talk their backup QB to try and ease the pain. LeMay looked good, when he took his last competitive snap almost 2 years ago…… But Murray is our guy. Ask Georgia Tech’s secondary, they will agree.
D A DoubleU G' Mama
February 24th, 2011
11:33 am
Dear Abbey. I’m very worried about my son. He appears to have no life other than long hours in the basement on the internet. What can I do to help? (PS…..I think he wets the bed too)
Okeefe/Bob
February 24th, 2011
11:35 am
Hill is,well,–over the hill.Not only can he not catch anything but he is extremely “gun shy” Watch some old film and you can only agree.Better passing will also require better receiving.
RambleOn84
February 24th, 2011
11:35 am
DawginLex,
Thank you for showing up and reminding us that it is possible to be a UGA fan and NOT be a total jackass.
I think the offense will be more diverse with a really good passer. I don’t think we will go the complete opposite way like those Hawaii teams Johnson coached, but I think 15-20 attempts per game will be realistic IF the offense can make those attempts count.
DawginLex
February 24th, 2011
11:37 am
so was it all the receivers last year? It seemed like johnson quit trying to throw toward the end of the season?
D A DoubleU G
February 24th, 2011
11:38 am
All I am saying is you Techies LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to bash ALL things UGA. But when the hate is returned, you seriously tuck your tails and don’t know how to handle it.
If you want UGA fans to stop hating you, take down the “to hell with Georgia” flag you have on that ugly car you parade around before every game not including UGA. You display your hatred for us publicly but when we say our ill-feelings toward you, it’s a crime against humanity.
I know you all will pullout your Florida Gator hats tonight, and be right back here nailing UGA for being “owned” by Florida after our loss tonight, just the way UGA “owns” you nerds.
dawgfan
February 24th, 2011
11:38 am
Good luck to Vad except when he’s playing Georgia. I just feel for the guy playing for the worst fans in the history of organized sports. They don’t respect you Vad. They think you can’t balance a management degree and a successful football career at the same time. Trust me, we UGA fans hear it all the time. They’ll be making excuses for you your entire career Vad. Its just a complete loser mentality down there on the Flats buddy. Poor guy.
D A DoubleU G
February 24th, 2011
11:40 am
TO HELL WITH GEORGIA TECH!!!!!
(now that’s classless right??)
George Stein
February 24th, 2011
11:40 am
Everyone shredded our secondary last year, Double. Murray is a good player but icking apart Tech’s defense is nothing to brag about. We sucked last year, a fact with which you should be pretty familiar.
Dawginlex, I think if the A backs and line would pull their weight in the passing game, we would be better at it. Time will tell if they do. But if we have threat of a competent passing game, no one will stop the offense.
RambleOn84
February 24th, 2011
11:41 am
Dawginlex,
Stephen Hill was basically a brick wall for most of the season, and he was our primary target. But like I said, he actually made some good plays in the last few games and showed us flashes of what he thought he was capable of. I think he will rebound…too bad he couldn’t have played better for Nesbitt, as Nesbitt deserved a much better senior season.
DawginLex
February 24th, 2011
11:41 am
Oh well. later boys.
gotta get back at it, lunch shift you know.
I’m on rings today and grease temp is different than the fries
Neal
February 24th, 2011
11:42 am
@ DawginLex
I think you are going to see an interesting transition this year. CPJ knows he cannot take it to the next level with the 90/10 run/thow mix. His experience at Hawaii combined with the option attack will make an unbelievable tandem with Vad Lee at the helm. My guess – 60/40 run/throw this season.
RambleOn84
February 24th, 2011
11:45 am
I have nothing against UGA or their fans. However, I was taught as a young boy to steer clear of jackasses. I spy a couple on this board right now.
Tweets that mention Catching up with Vad Lee | Georgia Tech -- Topsy.com
February 24th, 2011
12:09 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Eric Thompson, ajcgatech. ajcgatech said: Catching up with Vad Lee http://bit.ly/hJWoVP [...]
Rodney Dangerfield
February 24th, 2011
12:41 pm
Wne – I see you haven’t been to your doctor for your psychiatric treatmetns like I recommended a few weeks ago.
I have never seen a fan with so much tenacity to be so negative about their team as you. You are a true fan, sir. Anyone that comes on here just to putdown anything positive about a team by stating in some roundabout way how they are not as good because of competition, where they live, or the size of their shoe wins the trophy. Reading between the lines I can see that what you are actually saying is that Vad’s shoe size is not the same size as Josh Nesbitt’s and he lives in NC which is basically a leper colony and Vad is 2 feet taller than all the other high school players because they are all leprechauns so by definition Vad isn’t any good .
I get it, you love to hate Tech and that is why you are a fan. And Tech will NEVER be any good for you. Even if by some strange way CPJ wins a NC it will be because Tech played on a Tuesday against so and so who really isn’t any good because they have too many recruits from Cincinnati and only big boy football is played in the south in the SEC.
GTBob
February 24th, 2011
12:45 pm
Hmm lets see. D A DoubleU G came on here with his usual trolling. When he was called out on it he cried and tried to hide behind the rivalry flag like he does in every blog. dawgfan came on here to let us know we are the worst fans in the world again. Yep, it’s a typical day on the GT blogs.
5150 UOAD
February 24th, 2011
12:56 pm
I like Vad, but Sjnjyn Days a lot. His is a little thicker and pass pretty good too. He has been in the sysyem for a year too.
Reality Check
February 24th, 2011
1:06 pm
Josh Nesbitt was a nationally ranked recruit who UGA and other schools wanted as a QB because he could pass. He gets to GT and after the option offense comes it looks like he can not pass the ball. The offense beats you up and it would be hard for anyone to have a real consistent passing accuracy without great receivers which GT does not have. It is great to steal a recruit away from Tennessee State, that goes with the players signed that picked GT over Georgia Southern.
Brock
February 24th, 2011
1:07 pm
wne- still stalking vad huh? cowardly jackass
Alabama Jack
February 24th, 2011
1:14 pm
D A DoubleU G – There is a place where the sun never shines – reserved for people like you. Crawl back in it.
Left Eye
February 24th, 2011
1:48 pm
Buzz where are you?
San Diego Techster
February 24th, 2011
1:50 pm
GoooooooLeeeeeeeee!
GoooooooLeeeeeeeee!
GoooooooLeeeeeeeee!
GoooooooLeeeeeeeee!
GoooooooLeeeeeeeee!……
Down South Jacket
February 24th, 2011
2:41 pm
DA Double UG is not only obsessed with GT again today, but he is doing so using 2 different names on Mark Bradley’s blog. He is also using the name “Desperation on the Ave”.
Alright, Alright
February 24th, 2011
3:51 pm
WnE, there you are old friend. I’m confused man. Are you a UGA fan or Tech fan. Some days I get on here and you are all over Tech. Then other days your bashing the rednecks. What gives man? Is it a house divided thing or just trying to stir the pot? Or are you drinking ?
And I’m gone
GT hulk
February 24th, 2011
4:05 pm
Hope PJ dosent ruin him and make him a linebacker or WR