Tech looking for answers at wide receiver
Greetings-
In the final few weeks of the offseason, we’re taking a look, position group by position group, at the 2011 Georgia Tech team. Coming off of a 6-7 season, Tech’s first losing season since 1996, the Jackets have questions to answer along with hope for an improvement on both sides of the ball. Let’s take a look at the roster…
Projected starters: Stephen Hill (Jr., 6-5, 206), Tyler Melton (Sr., 6-0, 206)
Others to watch: Jeremy Moore is coming back from a season-ending knee injury sustained last summer. Daniel McKayhan is the only receiver on the roster besides Hill and Melton who has caught a pass at Tech, and he has three. Incoming freshman Corey Dennis is one of three who’ll get a good look in fall camp.
Key losses: Starter Kevin Cone and backup Correy Earls had a combined 15 catches last season, two for touchdowns.
Key fact: N.C. State, which led the ACC in completions last season, had seven players with more catches than Hill, who had a team-best 15.
Key fact II: Despite ranking last in passing offense in the ACC, Georgia Tech led the league in yards per completion at 17.0.
Key question: Who’s going to assert himself? The group did not distinguish itself last season except by its considerable number of costly drops. Hill, who has shown glimpses of his potential in his first two seasons, will need to provide some sort of stabilizing and playmaking force on the perimeter. By whatever measurement, the receivers can and should be better.
Recent developments: Chris Jackson, whom coach Paul Johnson dismissed from the team last fall, asked to return in the spring. Assuming he meets a number of conditions, Jackson, who has yet to play since transferring from Alabama in 2009, will be reinstated and could make a strong bid for playing time. It would not be at all surprising if Dennis or fellow incoming freshmen Jeff Greene and Darren Waller get into the two-deep.
Outlook: Poor. It’s probably the weakest position group on the team. The receivers have been putting in hard work over the summer, Hill in particular, and they need to do so. The chances of finding a Demaryius Thomas clone are not good, but this group has to improve from last season.
Your turn: Can the receivers make an impact this season?
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157 comments Add your comment
okeefe
July 8th, 2011
11:21 am
Hill can’t catch,can’t block.Watch him.He is just scared to take a hit.He needs to sit and let someone else play.
George Stein
July 8th, 2011
11:21 am
Is Stephen Hill eligible to play this fall?
Supersize that order, mutt
July 8th, 2011
11:22 am
CoolBreeze, CPJ always says if he wants short yardage, go to the run, not the pass. That is HIS rationale for no short passing game.
sho
July 8th, 2011
11:33 am
well if they can’t catch just block like Bay Bay did. Thomas opened up more holes for the backs to have clear sailing all the way to the goal line…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S81xw6fwHKM
T3
July 8th, 2011
11:33 am
GT had a lot less to work with in 2008 than it has in 2011.
In 2008, NO ONE (starters or otherwise) had ANY experience running CPJ’s offense.
In 2011, EVERYONE (starters & back-ups) have MUCH MORE experience running/practicing
CPJ’s offense.
Many of the projected starters have been red-shirts, and have been running/practicing in CPJ’s offense for more than a year. THAT makes a VERY big difference.
Here’s how I see the season:
1. (W) Western Kentucky
2. (W) Middle Tennessee
3; (W) Kansas
4. (L) UNC (UNC is kind of due one here)
5. (W) NCST (No Russell Wilson and NCST loses TONS from 2010 defense.
Yes, this win will make everyone take notice)
6. (W) Maryland (Yes, CPJ despises Randy Edsall. CPJ WONT lose this game.)
7. (W) UVA (UVA lost almost the entire Offense from 2010. Still rebuilding)
8. (L) Miami (Too much size & talent. I think Miami will win the ACC-Coastal)
9. (L) Clemson (GT wont be rested enough from a VERY tough Miami game)
10. (W) VT
(After 2 Week layoff. GT was EMBARRASSING VT at home in 2010 until Nesbitt got hurt)
11. (W) Duke
12. (W) UGA
(GT has averaged 34 pts/game vs UGA under CPJ.
UGA’s defense STILL cant stop GT’s run game.
A MUCH better GT defense in 2011 will be the differerence.
So, there you have it: 9-3,
a trip to the Gator Bowl, and
WnE’s head explodes.
me
July 8th, 2011
11:42 am
Paul Johnson is your coach! We are stuck with Preacher Mark Richt and he can’t lose to Tech. That shows you how bad that high school offense really is because Richt sucks.
michael
July 8th, 2011
11:56 am
just THROW the damn ball and we’ll see!
Supersize that order, mutt
July 8th, 2011
12:07 pm
“me”, Tech’s (in your words) “high school offense” has done quite well against the mutts. It’s Tech’s defense that has allowed the mutts to win the last 2 games and even made the one in 2008 closer than it should have been.
Jacket1985
July 8th, 2011
12:16 pm
I’m more concerned about the wide receivers blocking than catching the long ball. In the spring game at least there was a short passing attack. Nice to see that.
No one has mentioned the B back position. Somebody had better step it up or we’re going to have no inside running game. No clear B back, weak OL, bad news for Tech.
I still think we can win more than 7 games though. Can’t wait until kickoff.
GT Fan ...
July 8th, 2011
12:32 pm
T3 …. I concur!
Said the same thing on a blog the other day in response to some naysayer …. in 2008 NOT A SINGLE PLAYER had GAME experience running PJ’s offense. Only Spring & Summer PRACTICE! 80-90% of the 2011 opening day roster will have seen GAME experience. And how many practices will all the Seniors & Juniors have had….
The YJs were 6-7 last season b/c of TOs & Injuries. And spotty, at best, special teams play didn’t help either.
Cut down the TOs, and avoid major injuries, and the YJs win 8+ in 2011, and I certainly can make sense of your 9-3 record as well.
GT Fan ...
July 8th, 2011
12:39 pm
Jacket1985 …..
The B-back position, even if takes a committee, will gain over 1,000 yds…. ho-hum, again.
7 Ws should be easy since the YJs should start 3-0 (But KU did beat the boys last season). And they’ve always played well vs. UNC in ATL, so win there and the YJs are looking real good to start even 6-0 as (NCST & Maryland) follow UNC.
Football Expert
July 8th, 2011
12:40 pm
Last year proved that Wide Recievers are useless in Paul Johnson’s triple option offense.
Just replace all the Recievers with some big ugly Tight Ends, who could also block and help the offensive line.
… Go Jackets …
just win baby
July 8th, 2011
12:42 pm
@ cool breez, don’t hold your breath waiting for a short passing game. I kinda agree with you but cpj likes to bait the D into biting against the run so his receivers get a step or 2 over the top. Once you are past the D, its no longer a short pass.
Hill has great size but if the hands don’t show up I would put a short leash on him.
Saban
July 8th, 2011
12:50 pm
See you boys in the bushes at Piedmont Park if it doesn’t rain!
wrong position
July 8th, 2011
12:52 pm
Hill should be playing defense. He can’t catch and mental toughness can’t be taught. Anyone remember Tony Hollings; he couldn’t cut it on D, but came out and in 3 or 4 games lead the team in rushing, despite having a season ending injury. Just try him on the other side of the ball because someone is going to have a heart attack this season watching the ball sail in Hill’s direction.
just win baby
July 8th, 2011
12:53 pm
My biggest concern going in to ‘11, never mind the endless analysis of each position, is who is the face of this team? Someone has to emerge as a leader or improving on 6 wins won’t be easy. Probably starts with QB as usual but that doesn’t solve all problems, after all had JN last year. Can tevin step up or will other youthful leaders emerge. If neither happens, the whining could get ugly.
Old Dog
July 8th, 2011
12:55 pm
Tech will go 3 and 9 this year! I was right about last year and you all laughed! It’s for real! Johnson’s last year!
RJ Voorhees
July 8th, 2011
1:10 pm
Tech is the worst team in the ACC, no doubt! I don’t know which one is worse their recruits or their middle school offense. The closest thing they have to a pass is a pitch!!!!!! hahahaha tech is terrible
Jacket Man
July 8th, 2011
1:13 pm
So now the Bulldog faithful have to worry about Caleb King being ruled academically ineligible for the upcoming season. I guess the hits keep on coming…
RedandBlackDAWG
July 8th, 2011
1:26 pm
If Tech. relies more on their passing game this year than in the last couple of years, Tech. may have the same problem UGA has with it’s O line. Experience could be a problem. Forcing the O line to hold the line of scrimmage, while the pass sets up, require some pretty good sized men. I think tech. is a little undersized to pass a whole lot. I am no expert on the TO but doesn’t a pass take a little longer than with a more conventional offensive scheme, due to the progression in the backfield that start the play? Just wondering, as it would seem to me that short passes would be the most successful, without a big line to hold the defense up.
GT Fan ...
July 8th, 2011
1:28 pm
Old Dog … meet me at the entrance to gate 8 around 7:30pm on Thursday, Sept 1st, and I’ll make a gentleman’s bet with you … a few “benjamins” with you that GT wins more than 3 games in 2011. Since you claim to have been correct last season, it’s time to put your $ where your mouth is … this bet is a no lose for you.
I’ll be wearing GT attire…
ScurvyKnave
July 8th, 2011
1:32 pm
Still can’t figure out why everyone is so down on a bunch of kids that pretty much saw their first real playing time last year. You’ll see a big diff this year, and the D will win games for us.
Voorhees, I applaud ugag’s being able to keep most of the team out of the pokey this year (so far anyway), but I hope you’ve got your life insurance paid up this year, cause when the ‘worst team in the ACC’ beats the most consistently overrated team in the SECheat THIS year, your family will need it after you choke on your words. THWG!
George Stein
July 8th, 2011
1:46 pm
Pretty sure UGA hasn’t had much success stopping that middle school offense.
SpGT28
July 8th, 2011
2:03 pm
Should be an interesting season. Lots of question marks with alot of people leaving, but with the way the teams attitude is being portrayed, we should be fine. Not expecting to dominate teams this year, but we will find ways to win. CANT WAIT TILL GAMEDAY!
George Stein
July 8th, 2011
2:04 pm
Sheesh. Top two backs at UGA the past two years won’t be in the Dome beaus Boise.
George Stein
July 8th, 2011
2:13 pm
*versus. Stupid auto-correct.
Stinger 2
July 8th, 2011
2:18 pm
I agree with the comments above related to lack of a real passing game regardless of who the wide receivers are. I have always been a GT fan and will continue to be even with no passing game. As long as CPJ is coach, there will not be one. He throws the ball only 8-10 times a game usually when they are behind. My hope is they win six games in 2011.
Ken Sugiura
July 8th, 2011
2:22 pm
voorhees downgrading offense from “high school” to “middle school.” who wants to call it a “day-care offense”? (ha ha)
i think this team will be better than most think.
George Stein
July 8th, 2011
2:22 pm
For the life of me I’ll never understand the people who worry about how much we pass.
Spend your time worrying about the defense. The UGA fan that said earlier that the offense is on autopilot could not have been more right.
JM
July 8th, 2011
2:27 pm
The line play is big for this offense. It very difficult to get into pass protection mode when you are getting low on the line or trying to get to a LB almost every other play.
Jacket Dad
July 8th, 2011
2:31 pm
Johnson has to figure out how to incorporate a short passing game. Our line will not be able to hold off long enough for the long passes and Lord knows the occasional long bomb didn’t happen/work last year. We can run and I think he will make that work whoever ends up filling those slots. However, when every team knows you can’t pass to save your life then that hurts the run. He also better have lit a fire under the special teams too or we’re in trouble.
(And the constant rips about our “high school offense” are weak. If it’s so hokey, how do we consistently move the ball on UGA?)
Gtfan11
July 8th, 2011
2:35 pm
I think the outlook has to be better. The receivers can’t possibly do any worse than last year, and the incoming QB’s can’t be any less effective at throwing the ball than their predecessor. I’ve watched teams like Navy that ran the same style offense, but the forward pass was a viable threat. Average teams can load up the box and shut a one dimensional offense down and last season proved it.
Habersham Dawg
July 8th, 2011
2:35 pm
Tech’s season will hang on how many turnovers and short-field opportunities the defense creates. If the defense comes around and the injuries are reasonable, Tech will be in the running for the ACC title, if not, the season will be ugly, just like it will for any team in that situation.
GT
July 8th, 2011
2:41 pm
Tech looked confused a lot last year. Josh was not much of a passer either. Teams finally figure out if they stack the line and stop the run Tech can’t complete a pass. I am betting Johnson noticed this too. This ain’t his first rodeo. If I had to play Tech this year and I was a DC, I would not stack the line. Johnson will figure that one out fast too but at least you are in the game for a while.
surfrider
July 8th, 2011
2:46 pm
W’ere seeing how good the talent was with Nesbitt, Bay-Bay, and Dwyer. If we can put in a WR group that is say 5 to 6 deep and spread the ball around w’ell be fine. The NFL use to have a possession WR along with speed. Accurate, nice touches on the ball will help. We’re not far off from completing 60% to 70% of our passes (ala Joe Montana). The passing will open the Option up and vice versa. It’s harder though to catch the ball if it’s not thrown to you. Remember Bobby Ross sticking with his system the first two years Tech was 5-17, then istarted out 0-3…then all of a suddent they went 18-1-1 and it was clicking and they were the team to watch in the 90’s before Ross left for the Chargers. They beat the Dawgs 2 out of last 3 and almost won that last one.
mountain_jim
July 8th, 2011
3:21 pm
Until coach proves his offense can consistently pass over a stacked line (using his own recruits), hell yes I would stack the line.
If he diversified just a bit successfully, it would make a huge difference against the big-line top defenses like Miami (or whoever is killing us in a bowl with time to prepare).
I admit I am biased to prefer pro-passing offenses, and I believe not using a shotgun in clear passing situations limits the QBs ability to read a defense and get it out quick, so I wait for coach to stop being so stubborn and expand his passing offense.
This would also help him recruit better WRs, who might see some future for them in this offense.
George Stein
July 8th, 2011
3:33 pm
There are no pro passing offenses if college, mountain_jim. Do you really believe receivers are adjusting their routes based on the defensive coverage?
The offense is fine. Anyone who doesn’t think so isn’t watching the games.
just win baby
July 8th, 2011
3:40 pm
If we pick up where we left off last year, 4 wins. If the D really does improve, 6 maybe 7 wins. Better D + better passing = 8 or 9 wins. To do any better than that we really have to take care of the ball.
I thought Tevin was a decent passer, except when the game was on the line he would tighten up…as you might expect based on his lack of experience. I think he will improve, unless someone else takes the spotlight. My guess is 7 maybe 8 Ws.
2008
July 8th, 2011
3:46 pm
Do you really believe receivers are adjusting their routes based on the defensive coverage?
Yardage is great points are better. Pj # 1 in rushing #53 in scoring.
Naive post of the day.
George Stein
July 8th, 2011
4:01 pm
Yardage is great points are better. Pj #1 in rushing #53 in scoring.
Idiot post of the day. Do you not think there’s a correlation between the two over a large sample? Leave the thinking to the grownups, fool.
By the way, try addressing the point next time.
Old Blind Dawg
July 8th, 2011
4:11 pm
Too funny – why does a school that has such disdain for the forward pass need WR’s?
2008
July 8th, 2011
4:22 pm
Resorting to name calling , you’re sensitive little girl aren’t you.
RJ Voorhees
July 8th, 2011
4:23 pm
Tech will never be a top level program in college football. THAT IS A FACT. The triple option is pathetic and only should be used in high scool and middle school. This will be PJs last year in Atlanta and he will get a job coaching some high school or at some D 3 school. Techs recruits are players that are only attending the school for the academics. Tech is just not a good football school and should accept it. I hope that they stop believing they can beat UGA. UGA has a coach that is so stubborn and clueless and still pulls in top players and beats Tech. When we get a new coach we will be where we should. Tech will always be what they are, a nerd school.
George Stein
July 8th, 2011
4:31 pm
How infrequency equals disdain is beyond me.
If the shoe fits, 2008, might as well wear it. Plus, of you’re doing it, certainly you don’t oppose name calling. Who’s really insensitive here?
Vorhees will never have an IQ in the triple digits. THAT IS A FACT.
RJ Voorhees
July 8th, 2011
4:38 pm
@George Stein, Tech won’t beat UGA this year. THAT IS A FACT.
Supersize that order, mutt
July 8th, 2011
4:41 pm
I’m not sure Voohees has an IQ even in the double digits.
Supersize that order, mutt
July 8th, 2011
4:42 pm
@Voorhees, THUGa won’t win the SEC east, and THAT IS A FACT
George Stein
July 8th, 2011
4:49 pm
It can’t be a fact if it hasn’t happened yet, genius.
What a dummy
July 8th, 2011
4:49 pm
I see where Caleb King is academically ineligible for the up coming stupid. Wow, he must really be stupid to be declared academically ineligible in UGA.
What a dummy
July 8th, 2011
4:52 pm
Damn, I should proof-read my posts. It SHOULD have read—–
I see where Caleb King is academically ineligible for the upcoming season. Wow, he must really be stupid to be declared academically ineligible at UGA.