Six players to watch in T-Day game
Greetings-
Hope you’re planning on being at Bobby Dodd Stadium for the T-Day game Saturday at noon. I don’t think a lot is going to be decided in terms of competition for jobs — the work that players put in over the first 14 sessions of spring practice will weigh far more heavily in how the two-deep is arranged — but, obviously, it still should be interesting. If you’re going, here are six players worth keeping an eye on.
1. Synjyn Days The redshirt freshman quarterback has made improvement this spring, but Paul Johnson has made little secret about Days’ trouble holding onto the ball, one reason why Tevin Washington has held onto the starting job through spring. This will be Days’ last opportunity to demonstrate his ballhandling ability before the summer.
“I think that certainly there have been days in the spring where Synjyn Days has looked really good,” Johnson said. “I think he’s a really good athlete. There’s no question he can do what we need him to do.”
2. Jeremiah Attaochu The sophomore outside linebacker has been one of the most improved players on the roster, all the better for Tech since his position is a featured spot on Al Groh’s 3-4 defense. Attaouchu has size and speed and could be a terror for the next three seasons. Generally speaking, the speed at which the Jackets defense moves should be improved.
3. Jay Finch The sophomore center is taking over for All-ACC selection Sean Bedford, who started the past two seasons. Because of injuries this spring and other issues, coaches have been down on the line’s progress, particularly backups. It probably hasn’t helped that the Tech defensive line is one of the strongest units on the team.
4. Charles Perkins The redshirt freshman B-back has impressed with his explosiveness and his grasp of the position in his first spring, though his pass blocking needs to develop. He and B-back Preston Lyons will likely compete for the starting job. David Sims, who switched to B-back this spring from quarterback, also bears watching.
Said Johnson, “We’ve got four guys who we feel like can step in and play that position.”
5. Justin Moore No kicker on the roster has made a strong move in the competition to replace Scott Blair. Moore is the only scholarship kicker on the team. Andy Elakman, David Scully and Ty Rawlings are also in the running. The punter job is also open, with Chandler Anderson and Sean Poole in competition, though Poole is out with a knee injury.
Said Johnson of the kicking game, “We’ll have a better idea coming out of fall camp.”
6. Jemea Thomas He played safety as a true freshman in 2009, redshirted the 2010 season and is now competing at cornerback. He’s part of a young secondary that shows promise but lacks experience. The group surrendered a few too many big plays in the spring than coaches might have liked.
“In spots, we’ve still got to improve our open-field tackling,” secondary coach Charles Kelly said. “When things break down, you’ve just got to get the guy down.”
Who else would you put on the list?
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103 comments Add your comment
JACKETfan12
April 22nd, 2011
12:00 pm
First
JACKETfan12
April 22nd, 2011
12:02 pm
So excited about Attaochu. Maybe we’ll have an all-american in him by his jr/sr year.
Not so excited about the quarterback position. Having Tevin as the full-time starter scares me. Hopefully he will prove me (an others) wrong.
I am also excited to see Perkins take the b-back spot and be the next great GT back.
GT 07
April 22nd, 2011
12:08 pm
Drummond and Nealy! ILB is gonna be a huge need.
Also..JC Lanier switching to OL
GT Rich
April 22nd, 2011
12:09 pm
Curious to see if any WR will actually catch a pass and who’ll win the ILB spot next to Julian.
GT Rich
April 22nd, 2011
12:11 pm
I was impressed by Simas last year as a running QB. Would love to see him break one as a B-back tomorrow. Maybe CPJ will give him a chance at A-back this summer just to get him in the open field with the ball in his hands.
GT Rich
April 22nd, 2011
12:12 pm
Sims, not Simas.
Flowery Branch Yellow Jacket
April 22nd, 2011
12:13 pm
Izaan Cross at Defensive End. I’m hoping this will be a break-out season, and that we’ll see him carry on the legacy of some of our last few defensive ends, including Michael Johnson and Derrick Morgan. I think he’s got the potential.
Who cares (the original)
April 22nd, 2011
12:16 pm
The secondary and kicking game have to improve. The O will always be able to put up points and numbers, improve on those two and the season should be a good one.
Go Jackets!!!
ManUp...
April 22nd, 2011
12:21 pm
I’m watching them all and hoping to see this attitude adjustment I’ve been hearing about! Let’s lay some big hits!
Go Jackets!
Techy
April 22nd, 2011
12:22 pm
I wish Vad Lee would have come in early and gone through spring practice. He is definitely the future.
RambleOn84
April 22nd, 2011
12:23 pm
Guys are being too hard on Tevin
RambleOn84
April 22nd, 2011
12:24 pm
Tevin’s got the talent…he just needs to take care of the ball. I have confidence that Tevin can make some good things happen.
Don’t forget that Nesbitt made some of us groan when he first started back in 2008 as well.
Tevin’s a much better passer at this stage than Nesbitt was…he needs guys around him to step up (especially the O-line), and he will be just fine.
GO JACKETS!
Born2Buzz
April 22nd, 2011
12:35 pm
Notice that all of the players listed are either freshmen(rs) or sophs. Our D will be young but much more talented.
Bammer
April 22nd, 2011
12:36 pm
The T-Day game is just an organized pillow fight………..you’ll see more hitting on C-SPAN.
DoddSquad
April 22nd, 2011
12:38 pm
Drummond, Hill, and ROBBY GODHIGH. Robby is #25 at the a-back position. He’ll make plays tomorrow…he’s been doing it quietly all spring.
George Stein
April 22nd, 2011
12:43 pm
Agreed, Ramble. Tevin did a nice job managing the offense last year, especially under the circumstances. I think people view his ceiling as lower than Days or Lee, but his floor might be higher than either. Personally, I don’t care who takes the snaps as long as we win.
I’d like to see incremental gains on defense. But most importantly, I want the guys to have some fun, get their work in, and get out healthy.
D A DoubleU G
April 22nd, 2011
12:48 pm
Hey guys!!!!!
Just wanted to let you all know I hope that you enjoy your T-Day.
Spring is a fun, optimistic time for college football. And you guys deserve to enjoy the day like every other team does.
I truly, from the bottom of my heart, hope the 200-300 of you that attend enjoy yourselves!!
ManUp...
April 22nd, 2011
12:51 pm
Tevin can get it done. Especially with the pressure of Days and (in the Fall) Lee vying for the job. It’s good to have talented depth there.
Maybe we won’t see big hits on T-day. But I want to see a vicious attitude come August. Pancake blocks, good punishing hits on tackles, and running backs charging defenders down and then running for more yardage after the hit. THAT will optimize our game!
Go Jackets!
supersize that order, mutt
April 22nd, 2011
12:56 pm
I hate that the T-Day game is on Easter weekend. I would have come, but there’s too much I need to be doing in Augusta to make the trip.
Pine
April 22nd, 2011
1:06 pm
Ken,
Your comments on Days and Tevin are mindboggling. Truly, Days has ability but so does Tevin. If Tevin is still the number one quarterback surely it is because of what TEVIN is doing RIGHT not because of what Days is doing wrong. There is a difference.
kc
April 22nd, 2011
1:27 pm
Daniel Drummond.
j
April 22nd, 2011
1:29 pm
If Tevin starts this whole season… we are in some big trouble!
gtfanfrom1951
April 22nd, 2011
1:36 pm
Tevin was player of the year in ALA. when he was signed. Now he is our starting QB and 9 or 10 wins this year for sure! GO JACKETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GT hulk
April 22nd, 2011
1:39 pm
At least PJ recruited us a long-snapper, guess he plans on punting alot
dawgfan
April 22nd, 2011
1:40 pm
Will Lindsay Lohan be there Techies?
Tech Fan
April 22nd, 2011
1:40 pm
Tevin was not player of the year in Alabama………
Tech Fan
April 22nd, 2011
1:43 pm
To think Jordan Laullen could be playing this year….
George Stein
April 22nd, 2011
1:48 pm
Or kicking a lot of extra points, hulk.
Charlie Sheen
April 22nd, 2011
1:49 pm
I would like to thank Jake Skole for showing me the best places around campus to get drunk and joyride.
Duh, #Winning
BYRDDAWG
April 22nd, 2011
1:56 pm
I’d be watching Walls, Peters and Cross! For the D to do well those 3 will have to be dominant….A 3-4 is only as good as it’s front 3! Washington didn’t have the luxury of throwing to Calvin or Thomas who made Ball’s and Nesbitt’s passing look better …..Have a blessed Easter! He is risen!!!!
George Stein
April 22nd, 2011
1:59 pm
Pretty sure it wasn’t Jake Skole, Charlie. You should check your facts.
Duh, #UGATroll #Losing
CoolBreeze
April 22nd, 2011
2:13 pm
BYRDDAWG, you nailed it. The front 3 are crucial for the whole team’s success. And some day, I hope to see us try some SHORT passes…
DoggieHouser
April 22nd, 2011
2:16 pm
DA DoubleU G – You love comparing your attendance to that of a smaller school. Try a comparison of your spring game with that of the Crimson Tide; don’t you like to think you’re in their league? Oh, yeah, you are…..
Jacket Backer
April 22nd, 2011
2:17 pm
Looking forward to a fun day on the Flats!
Go Jackets!
DawginLex
April 22nd, 2011
2:24 pm
Have fun guys. Hope no one gets injured and you have good weather.
Lots of rumors circulating in Athens about an apparent meeting between McGarity and Richt and staff. 0-2 start and they are fired.
We will see.
Happy Easter!! He is risen indeed!!!!!!!!
Tech Fan Since 1950
April 22nd, 2011
2:31 pm
This offense demands experience and the sticky fingers and hands of the quarterback. Tevin has played under fire and deserves his ranking now. That is not to say that Days and Lee will not get their playing time. I hope they do. I remember Nesbitt turning the ball over during his first times under center and that is the nature of contact and quick decision making of the Tech offense until experience is gained (got to get the offensive line well and better too). Complete a few more passes in 2011 combined with what I believe will be a much better defense and everyone on the schedule had better look out.
dawgfan
April 22nd, 2011
2:32 pm
Techies, where did the name “T-Day” come from? Its so clever and original. I simply can’t believe that no one has thought of something like that before.
Thanks.
Ken Sugiura
April 22nd, 2011
2:45 pm
Daniel Drummond is a good one, as is Stephen Hill, and the defensive line.
Pine – please note that i said that Days’ ball-security issues are “one reason” why Washington has retained the job, not the only reason.
juvenal – back to mostly
Ken Sugiura
April 22nd, 2011
2:45 pm
lower case. i knew you guys were messing around.
Stinger 2
April 22nd, 2011
3:07 pm
Ken: Good post about who to watch. I did get a chuckle
about your comment that Perkins needs to work to improve his pass blocking.
supersize that order, mutt
April 22nd, 2011
3:10 pm
dawgfan, it’s been called T-Day since at least the early 60s, probably even earlier than that.
St. Pete Wreck
April 22nd, 2011
3:17 pm
Ken, Thanks for your coverage man!! Has made me an ajc follower (and one from out of town) again!
…I am super pumped about Drummond’s quick rise to the 1st Team D at ILB
30,000 empty seats in a 55,000 seat stadium
April 22nd, 2011
3:43 pm
“Six FANS to watch T-Day” would have been a more appropriate headline.
GTBob
April 22nd, 2011
3:43 pm
Im looking forward to Days and Perkins. Both have tremendous potential. Hopefully they come out strong.
ben
April 22nd, 2011
3:46 pm
I’ll believe this “great defensive line” talk after I see it during the season. As bad as it was last season, its hard to believe that it will be our strength this year.
Bill M
April 22nd, 2011
4:06 pm
What happened to Doug? Not that I am complaining. Ken is doing a much better job.
reebok
April 22nd, 2011
4:10 pm
thx, DawginLex. Happy Easter sunday.
Steve
April 22nd, 2011
4:19 pm
Will be funny to read that 5,000 people showed up to watch. What a terrible excuse for a football team.
6 National Titles
April 22nd, 2011
4:33 pm
Hey D A,
Why does your team not have any NCs to go with that big stadium and all those fans?
6 National Titles
April 22nd, 2011
4:37 pm
I guess an annual top 5 signing class doesn’t equate to winning a NC. Unless you are Alabama. Or Fla. Or LSU. Or Ohio St. Or USC. Or Texas. Or Oklahoma??? Need I go on??? Only one sticks out like a sore thumb!
6 National Titles
April 22nd, 2011
4:41 pm
uga= South Carolina! Always have, always will! GT SIX NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS!
yellowfever
April 22nd, 2011
4:53 pm
were georgia and we still suck
yellowfever
April 22nd, 2011
4:54 pm
uga has 59 National Championships in Football, ???????????????? at least I thought we did, thats what my moma and daddy tell me.
6-7 .. SEC also-ran
April 22nd, 2011
4:55 pm
D A DoubleU G
April 22nd, 2011
12:48 pm
Hey guys!!!!!
Just wanted to let you all know I hope that you enjoy your T-Day.
Spring is a fun, optimistic time for college football. And you guys deserve to enjoy the day like every other team does.
I truly, from the bottom of my heart, hope the 200-300 of you that attend enjoy yourselves!!
—–
i just read where the head coach of your bunch is embarrassed y his teams effort. Better get off the Tech blog and get over there and straighten your boys out.
supersize that order, mutt
April 22nd, 2011
5:16 pm
Frankly, although I would probably be going if it were not Easter weekend, spring games are notoriously BORING. Why on earth 90,000 would show up to see one is beyond me. Of course nowhere near that many showed up in Athens last weekend, so I guess the majority of the mutt fans agree. Obviously, there’s even more to do in Georgia than in Alabama or Florida or Louisiana.
51WTGW50
April 22nd, 2011
5:46 pm
30K empty seats in an in a 55K stadium is better than about 23K in a 92k seat stadium?
55 – 5 = 50k empty seats.
92,746 – 23 (closer to the real number of attendance) = 69,746 empty seats.
I know you UGA (soon the be ENGINEERS) fans/students can figure that MATH right?
51WTGW50
April 22nd, 2011
5:47 pm
Tech’s game is on EASTER weekend too. What is UGAs excuse for a SMALL turnout?
supersize that order, mutt
April 22nd, 2011
5:52 pm
51WTGW50, don’t confuse the mutts with facts. You should know they can’t handle that.
51WTGW50
April 22nd, 2011
5:53 pm
I know!!! ALL the UGA fans will be at the SWAMP (North) for the Unavailing of the Mark Richt Statue. Right is 9-20-1 in his lifetime against the GATORS. Damn that sucks. 9-1 as a Tech fan against Richt sucks, but it ain’t even close to CMRs record against the GATORS.
supersize that order, mutt
April 22nd, 2011
5:58 pm
now now, 51, you know the mutts don’t count those games he coached as an assistant at FSU. Hell, I’m sure they have tried to find a way not to count the ones he lost as head coach in Athens too. They DO have a knack for not counting losses, you know. Funny that even though they won’t count the games they lost to Tech during the WWII years, they DO count the one they won. Go figure
BIG BEE
April 22nd, 2011
6:22 pm
Why are all these UGA Idiots on tnis GT Blog? Guess someone told them it was an open discussion and they jumped in as usual.
jsmtih
April 22nd, 2011
6:31 pm
make sure you bring plenty of change so you can hand it out while you stroll through the tech campus in beautiful downtown atlanta
Deuce Coupe
April 22nd, 2011
6:38 pm
`
Let’s put 6′7″ 333 pound T.J. Barnes on the players to watch list.
BUZZEEEE
April 22nd, 2011
6:52 pm
Six players to watch and you didn’t mention Tony Zenon, the action figure A-back who has speed and can catch and hold on to the ball. He will be fun to watch.
bgdawg
April 22nd, 2011
7:09 pm
anyone know what time/channel the T-Day game comes on?
ga504
April 22nd, 2011
7:28 pm
I agree with BUZZEEE, Tony Zenon is an explosive player and should be mentioned as one to watch!
ToeMeetsLeather
April 22nd, 2011
7:53 pm
For those UGA fans that like to brag that there are more DAWG fans than Jacket fans, it’s like saying there are more cub scouts than Navy Seals.
Yea there are more cub scouts, congratulations!
supersize that order, mutt
April 22nd, 2011
7:59 pm
Toe, there are also more roaches than humans, but that doesn’t mean the roaches are more important.
Wes Durham's Gigantic Bottom
April 22nd, 2011
8:08 pm
It will also be interesting to watch me try to fit my gigantic dumper into my chair before the game starts.
it is what it is
April 22nd, 2011
8:53 pm
George Stein, say what? “Agreed, Ramble. Tevin did a nice job managing the offense last year” So you all are just fine with 7 losses afterall because some of them were moral victories? Are you nuts? We couldn’t even beat Air Force. And your QB who “managed just fine” dropped the ball on the 2 yard line.
I want a game changer/play maker and I don’t apologize for wanting that. I hope CPJ wants that too, switch Sims back to QB if this is the best we got.
GT'85
April 22nd, 2011
8:57 pm
Jemea Thomas was the AJC’s Class AA Defensive Player of the year in 2008. He played as a freshman two years ago and then redshirted last year. I’m looking for big things this year. Nice person; great athelete.
GT'85
April 22nd, 2011
8:58 pm
Err, I meant athlete.
Ken Sugiura
April 22nd, 2011
9:10 pm
bgdawg – not sure if you were being a wiseacre, but it’s not televised. it starts at noon.
citi slicker
April 22nd, 2011
9:11 pm
Enter your comments here
citi slicker
April 22nd, 2011
9:12 pm
hey wassup with BIG tj barnes
Wes Durham's Gigantic Bottom
April 23rd, 2011
12:16 am
My bottom is larger than TJ Barnes’s.
gtkenz
April 23rd, 2011
12:46 am
Lord knows I’ve seen this so many times. The O scores at will and the D can’t stop a thing. Remember Joe Hamilton? The D cost him a Heisman. Then there was Reggie Ball and Taylor Bennett. The O could barely score but the D kept Tech in every game.
This spring brings a ton of good news about the Tech D. However, and as far as I can tell, the Tech O suddenly looks stagnant.
UGA fans are so ....
April 23rd, 2011
9:16 am
Shocking that D A would show up here & he says he is not a troll. Child, please!
However, nice post by DawginLex. Happy Easter to you & the others on here.
Dawg-Hatin' Jacket
April 23rd, 2011
9:20 am
Heym @dawgfan, same place you imbeciles came up with the name “G-Day” game. Loser.
A Rob
April 23rd, 2011
9:21 am
Is what it is: Agree wholeheartedly. Washington did as good as he could, but he does not have big play ability, running or passing. Kind of like taking a toothpick to a swordfight.
We need multiple explosive players on offense if this is going to work. And it starts with the QB.
Jacket Fan
April 23rd, 2011
9:23 am
Disregard the matriculants from the Clarke County Cow College (aka “Bulldog High”) – the only thing they should be interested in is the “Over/Under” line from Vegas on Bulldog arrests through the summer. That is a real pressure cooker, and is followed nationally.
Questions – will Walls get beat out by TJ or S. Green? If Drummond has beat out Watts, Machen, etc., I believe we are good at linebacker. Who wins the starting secondary spots? I believe there is plenty of talent there. Offensive line – giant question mark. Do we have enough and can they step it up from last year? A Backs – Bostic – fastest guy I saw last year – can he take a spot? Can Peeples catch a pass? Do Zenon, D. Hill provide some useful depth? What happened to M. Wright? Wide receivers – who knows? Special teams – who knows?
On a different subject – Mark Pope just pitched his fifth complete game of the year (one hit Wake last week). Even if I wasn’t a Tech fan, I think this would be a legitimate story – why don’t you try covering it sometime?
GO JACKETS!
It Ain't Rocket Science
April 23rd, 2011
9:45 am
Wish the tech. team good luck this year except of course when they play UGA. You represent the state of Georgia as well, and we need to show the country that Georgia as a state can be on the rise. Just don’t get Charlie Sheen to pose with the football team for a picture. Not exactly what I would call a positive image for the country to see, LOL.
gt4ever
April 23rd, 2011
10:10 am
Rocket Science,
You really don’t expect anyone believe that you pull for the jackets every game except one……? True GT fans / alumini couldn’t give a rats cuss about UGA….. It’s a terrible school with a pathetic football program……. Go pound sand, bullpup!
It Ain't Rocket Science
April 23rd, 2011
10:24 am
GT4ever,
I like my state regardless of jerks like you. I want every school in Georgia to do well. Heck if tech. wins the ACC, it would be great as far as I am concerned. Your problem, is you appear to be a bitter person, with very little maturity in your thinking. Football is only a game. I am glad I am old enough to have seen jokers like you throughout life and can dimiss your comments as someone in need of a life. I could also care less about what other fans of Tech./UGA think about each other. I take it as a rivalry between schools in sports, not in the game of life. If this generates a negative comment from you about me, then so be it. I am too darn old to be bothered by your troubled life.
GDBurdell
April 23rd, 2011
11:33 am
haha 2-3 hundred people went to this thing…
gonna be a long year tek fans
DawginLex
April 23rd, 2011
12:10 pm
I apologize for some of the comments from Dawg fans.
good luck today.
joe schmoe
April 23rd, 2011
12:16 pm
So far, Days is looking good, Washington is looking hesitant, and 1st string D looks better
jcn8139
April 23rd, 2011
12:31 pm
Tevin looks like a strong option, NPI, at the QB. I believe he averaged over 100yds /game, and showed a good arm. If he can get the ball to the rest of the backs and they can do their job, we will be just fine.
jcn8139
April 23rd, 2011
12:32 pm
Keep it coming, Joe. I’m out of state and get litlle input on our teams.
joe schmoe
April 23rd, 2011
12:45 pm
Tevin with a td…
jcn8139
April 23rd, 2011
12:46 pm
Good grief! Not often on these sites. I just looked at some of the crap being written in the earlier messages. Adults need to get over it. You bet I want to beat UGA, but it is a great university.
I served on the Tech faculty for 15 years, and both my daughters went to UGA–one earned a BS and the other an MS and a Ph.D. While I bleed gold, I do respect and, yes, pull for the Dawgs except against the ACC, Pathetic maybe, but these are just games, not war, not sickness, not unemployment, not child abuse…just games. Games are fun, right?
jcn8139
April 23rd, 2011
12:47 pm
Running, passing?
joe schmoe
April 23rd, 2011
12:58 pm
Running of course.
joe schmoe
April 23rd, 2011
1:02 pm
Nice drive by Days to end half. Gold 14 – White 7. Place kicking looking shaky.
joe schmoe
April 23rd, 2011
1:18 pm
Days opens up the second half with a TD drive. Days still looking good.
joe schmoe
April 23rd, 2011
1:25 pm
Tevin intercepted… throw in traffic.
joe schmoe
April 23rd, 2011
1:44 pm
Washington intercepted after being taken down behind the line.
Dawg-Hatin' Jacket
April 23rd, 2011
6:47 pm
First team defense looked pretty good today. Sometimes it looked like there were 12 or even 13 players on the field. Around the ball a lot. Good pass rush. Of course the O-line looked a bit shaky, but even still, it is obvious the D is better this year.
Days did look better than Washington. I wouldn’t mind at all seeing Days win the starting job.
offensive sets
April 23rd, 2011
7:12 pm
I wonder how syngyn would have done versus the #1 defense????
We are in TROUBLE
April 24th, 2011
8:58 am
Enter your comments here
It Ain't Rocket Science
April 24th, 2011
10:28 am
Would the Tech. coach be willing to start a true freshman at QB? I am just wondering because you don’t see that at many colleges or universities. I am no coach, but if I were, I would probably do it. I don’t know if the fanbase would support such a move unless the talent difference was really big. If I were a coach, I would do it, if I knew I might be able to build my offense around a kid for 3-4 years.
Junior's Grill
April 24th, 2011
9:46 pm
VERY impressed with our defense so far.
This will be the unit that makes or breaks our season.
Also, the schedule sets up well to play both QBs early.
I still think Washington wins the job but we will get to see what each brings to the offense before the big games arrive.
GT76
April 25th, 2011
7:47 am
Maybe some of the offensive issues at the T-Day game were the result of the defense! I seem to recall the same from the T-Day games of 2007 & 2008 when we all thought the offense was dismal but it turned out to be Michael Johnson, Morgan Burnett, Derrick Morgan and other stars on defense who made it hard on Nesbit and Co.
I say go with Day’s at quarterback, let him grow into it and lean on defense to carry us this season!