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
Saban
July 8th, 2011
6:09 am
Receivers waill be a real surprise for Tech. In fact when Johnson wins ten games and the dawgs win three St. Richt can move to Honduras full time.
Corny Hull
July 8th, 2011
6:43 am
As far as Hill is concerned, you either can catch or you cannot catch. Thus far, Hill appears scared of having a career ending injury from being tackled when trying to catch the ball. Frankly, after two years, he should be better catching than in high school,but mentally he appears to not mine forfeiting a catch while attempting to catch a ball rather than an attitude of “I will catch the ball no matter how hard you hit me”.
Jacket Man
July 8th, 2011
6:52 am
Ken; Out of all of the incoming Freshmen Wide Receivers, you chose only Corey Dennis (6′2″, 205 lbs) to mention? I’d say that Darren Waller (6′-5″, 204 lbs) or Jeff Greene (6′-4″, 200 lbs) would actually have a better chance of seeing the field this coming season, especially since they have played wide receiver in high school and are listed as such in the GA Tech roster whereas Corey hasn’t been assigned as of yet (because of his versatility). Thanks for the great work on the team; keep it coming!
ToeMeetsLeather
July 8th, 2011
6:55 am
Passing yardage will go up quite a bit this season due to more short passes to running backs out of the backfield. That pass is unstoppable out of this offense. That will also open up the longer pass, and don’t be suprised to see a true freshman step in for those grabs.
Jacket Man
July 8th, 2011
7:00 am
I forgot to mention that Chris Jackson has been a workout warrior and no one should be surprised to see him lined up across Stephen Hill as a starting Wide Receiver.
TennesseeDawg
July 8th, 2011
7:00 am
Tech has receivers?
WnE
July 8th, 2011
7:06 am
Sorry Jacket Man, but if C. Jackson were really a workout warrior, then he would still be at Bama, do you really think that Satan pushes SAs out the door that are talented enough to help him win SEC-CGs & MNCs?
Jupiter
July 8th, 2011
7:16 am
I think we will see improvements from the receiving corp. The passing game is the key to keeping defenses honest and if CPJ expects to win more than 6 games this year then he better turn that aspect of the team around…. that and special teams.
Jacket Man
July 8th, 2011
7:35 am
“WnE;” YES.
fan of shorter passes
July 8th, 2011
7:37 am
I hope “ToeMeetsLeather” is correct.
Dawg Fan
July 8th, 2011
7:37 am
Tech’s problem is recruiting…or lack of. PJ’s a great coach with a winning system but he’s has failed on the recruiting front. This years Tech team is the weakest, in terms of talent, that I have seen in 10 or so years. I hope I’m wrong. UGA fan first but still enjoy Tech football.
Good thing he’s a genius. | Get The Picture
July 8th, 2011
7:59 am
[...] Paul Johnson’s wide receiver corps may very well be the worst bunch in [...]
BankerDawg
July 8th, 2011
7:59 am
Dawg Fan….I don’t think that is exactly true regarding CPJ and recruiting. I know my Tech buddies can produce data and analysis to back that up, so I’ll let them do it if they are inclined. His class rankings have been pretty much in line with Tech’s historical rankings.
HIs problem, at Tech anyway, is finding a defense to stop anyone. If CAG brings his defense along in year two of the 34, I think CPJ will magically be a much better coach than last year.
Same for CMR if CTG improves our 34 from last year.
Tech’s offense is on cruise control, folks. If I’m a Tech guy, I don’t ever worry about it as long as CPJ is there. Fumbles and no JN cost them in the second half of the year. But look at the offensive production…it was there, just didn’t keep the ball off the ground.
Did not mean to hijack. Just wanted to point that out.
Of the receivers, I would look at Jackson and Waller to be surprises. Hill needs therapy, but otherwise his physical skills are not in doubt. He should be stud, but hasn’t lived up to it.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGS!
:-p
July 8th, 2011
8:08 am
Man, what a dreadful bunch…..
Jacket68
July 8th, 2011
8:09 am
Ken why “poor”? This would imply there is not going to be any improvement whatsoever. Your UGA compatriot never uses less than “encouraging” to describe our rival’s prospects. I don’t think you have yet to think highly of anything Tech related. CPJ might as well forfeit our games based on your prognostications.
mountain_jim
July 8th, 2011
8:09 am
Why would any really good receivers even come to play for CPJ’s rinky-dink passing offense?
No variety and no shotgun package, no decent pass-blocking……
Some of you may think his offense is great, but this GT alum sees it as unable to succeed against the best defensive lines when the other team has time to prepare, and unable to successfully pass when that is needed.
And his recruiting has been poor – he succeeded when he had Chan’s recruits, who did not come to play in this run-only or hail-mary pass offense.
imh, class-of-80, opinion.
mountain_jim
July 8th, 2011
8:14 am
And his offense so beats up the QBs that they can’t throw with accuracy, and eventually get injured. We will not soon see another QB as tough as Nesbitt, and even he could not last the season.
GT45
July 8th, 2011
8:21 am
With your early prognostication of the O line, it will have to be two step drops and quick hitters. I personally believe you are wrong on both counts. I think that both will find their identity early and flourish. My biggest question is can we get them the ball?
Who cares (the original)
July 8th, 2011
8:22 am
BnakerDawg. Glad to see someone other than me can understand your points of GT recruiting. Not only has his recruiting been in line with our history, he redshirts most recruits. We tend to forget about them and the hype they had when this happens. If you look back to the year we won the ACC guys such as Days, Bostic, Ayers, I. Johnson, Lanier and Barnes were guys who were highly thought of. Only two of those guys were not redshirted and the others people forgot about.
As long as CPJ is here we will be in the running for the ACC title game. Even with last years record and on field preformance we had a chance to win every game we lost.
Go Jackets!!!
HGT
July 8th, 2011
8:26 am
Yards per comp shouldn’t ever be mentioned when talking about this offense that is 80% run.
It would be like looking at a baseball player who was called up from the minors and for a week he hit 10/20 for a .500 avg and you compare that avg to a guy who’s been playing all season and is batting .275 and you say look how well the .500 guy is doing.
AtWork
July 8th, 2011
8:27 am
@ mountain_jim
This offense would be perfect for any one reciever wanting only him to touch the ball. Why? Because when you are averaging 17 yds a catch and then another 10-15 yds after…you could set recieving records with that if done consistently. That is what Tech needs to find in its passing game, consistency! The rushing game has it, passing game neeeds it. I think we start to see it this year.
Go Jackets!
Always a Jacket
July 8th, 2011
8:34 am
Ken, I agree with your take. I have a few other random comments;
Poor Catching; The dropped passes from last year came at critical times and had impact on the outcome of the game, so they are remembered more than some of Bay-Bay’s drops. Hill made some great catches his freshman year, but seemed lost last year and as the go-to guy was the player that had the drops. He seems like a good kid and will work thru it.
Poor Passing; This is the bigger problem CPJ’s QB will always be throwing from a rollout or short pocket(unless OL improves), so pinpoint accuracy is not primary objective.. it is about mismatch.
But, this is how CPJ offense works, run,run, run…..run, then lob the ball down the field when the defense is stacking the line and make the big jump ball play over the safety. Bay Bay could catch anything in the area and we will not have another Bay Bay. While we don’t need a Drew Brees passer, we need someone with enough passing accuracy, touch, and timing for the passing game to work. I havent seen that yet. Maybe Vad Lee, but that is big question mark. We can recruit the best WR in state, but if we dont have a QB than can throw it to the right area at the right time, it is useless. Josh threw it on a rope with little touch. Tevin seems to heave up the rainbow.
Dynamicbigboy
July 8th, 2011
8:41 am
How can the receivers make an impact when there is NO ONE who can get the ball to them? The bumblebee’s QB situation in not very good and with an O-Line that is average at best, it could be a long season. If the genius CPJ has proved anything in his stay at Tech it is he sure can’t recruit very well. Also, don’t look for the defense to step up, with no nose guard the 3-4 just doesn’t work very well.
GT Fan ...
July 8th, 2011
8:42 am
Banker Dawg … you’ve been reading some of my posts.
So many people (GT and UGA supporters) jump to GT’s final conclusion of 2010 and the 6-7 record, and assume that there is NO talent, PJ can’t recruit, everyone’s figured out the offense, etc. None of them stop to consider or analyze why the YJs really finished 6-7; TOs & injuries. Really just one BIG injury, but Jarrad Tarrant sustaining a leg injury in the 3rd qrt vs. Air Force enabled a “fill-in” PR to fumble consecutive punts was a game changer for the Falcons.
Yes, the D should improve in AG’s 2nd season. And if the boys cut down the TOs, and avoid major injuries, then the YJs will win 8 or more in 2011, no Nesbitt, no receivers, weak OL, no talent, high school offense, and all.
gtfanfrom1951
July 8th, 2011
8:44 am
Who coached wide recivers went CPJ was at Georgia Southern? Because the passing game was important part of the game plan. Maybe we need a coach who played that in a CPJ offense.
GT Fan ...
July 8th, 2011
8:53 am
HGT and Mountain Jim …
How many college WRs would like to finish a season with 46 catches, 1154 yds, and 8 TDs, then be the first WR taken in the NFL draft?
Tech75
July 8th, 2011
8:59 am
I’m with GT Fan on the question of “what WR would choose tech”.
The pros are looking for athletic studs that can get separation, have good hands, and can go after the ball and win it. D Thomas was such. Route-running is all discipline and repetition; it can be taught. It was taught (sharpened up) at Denver to DT.
So, there will always be a few WRs that see this situation as an opportunity to be The Man.
Harvey D. Pooka
July 8th, 2011
9:10 am
Note to Stephen Hill: please, just concentrate on playing the game and being moderately productive. Do not anticipate “superstardom” until after the season. Those rewards have a way of working themselves out as it should.
Old Gold Britches
July 8th, 2011
9:23 am
As long as we have poor passing we will see little improvement. Spring game showed little improvement if any. I certainly hope the dropped passes are history! I personally think S. Hill will have a much improved year.
Buzzwax
July 8th, 2011
9:35 am
Why would a good WR want to play in this offense? Any good reciever can run good routes, any good reciever can catch, but VERY FEW recievers learn how to BLOCK. Bey bey became GREAT in all THREE phases, and THAT was why he was the FIRST WR TAKEN IN THE DRAFT LAST YEAR!!!!
Comparing our depth and skill at WR from last year to this year? Hill an Melton the same, lose Earls and Cone, add Waller, Jackson, Greene. I’d say this group will be MUCH BETTER this year!!!!
Supersize that order, mutt
July 8th, 2011
9:35 am
Regarding recruiting, this link was posted on these blogs a couple of weeks ago. Check it out if you want an accurate assessment of CPJ’s recruiting. Some of you guys are blind to the facts. CPJ’s recruiting, in fact, is no worse, and in some cases better, than recruiting always has been for the Jackets
http://coachesbythenumbers.com/the-paul-johnson-recruiting-myth/
chuck allison
July 8th, 2011
9:35 am
Bankerdawg, thank you for your insightful comments. As a dedicated Tech Alumni and fan, I appreciate your remarks. You dawg fans put a lot of time and effort into your football analyses. I normally don’t like dawg fans, but you sound different from most.
Buzzwax
July 8th, 2011
9:36 am
Hey WnE – Its called Preparation H, I’m pretty sure it will help……
Too Flimsy
July 8th, 2011
9:40 am
Hills problem = 6′5″ but only 205. No meat on the bones. He is just too flimsy, probably worries about getting crunched out on the field.
He needs to add about 20 pounds of weight and 100 pounds of meanness.
DawginLex
July 8th, 2011
9:41 am
2011 SECCG
Honduras Mark 72
I am the coach of the Miami Dolphins Saban 3
George Stein
July 8th, 2011
9:47 am
I’d be more interested in what our yards per attempt were.
Tevin doesn’t have a big arm but he doesn’t need one. He needs his receivers to catch it when he makes a good throw and he needs to make good decisions.
It would help tremendously if the A-backs would pull their weight in the passing game. Using them over the middle would hold the safeties or force a linebacker to cover an A-back, and that’s a matchup we will win every time.
Moobs Johnson
July 8th, 2011
9:57 am
I don’t need no stinkin’ receivers to run my offense. And if any of you boosters don’t like that I’ll punch you in your face.
DBH
July 8th, 2011
9:59 am
“looking for answers at wide receiver”? We don’t throw the ball!!!
Ken Sugiura
July 8th, 2011
10:05 am
Jacket68 – Check Chip’s outlook on the Georgia offensive line. I started with what most would consider probably the two weakest units on the team. I don’t think I’m being a Debby Downer.
Ken Sugiura
July 8th, 2011
10:10 am
Jacket Man – you are right, dennis played quarterback last year, but i happened to hear something about dennis. it could be any of the three.
HGT – i’m not using the stat to point out how good the passing game is. what i was saying is that when this offense actually completes passes – which wasn’t very often – it’s very effective. that pass-per-completion number is pretty consistent with johnson’s offense.
Techmate
July 8th, 2011
10:14 am
The passing game is about timimg and accuracy. Tech will not use straight drop back passes (the O-line is too inexperienced) as much as they will use quick passes and rollouts. While Nesbitt was a warrior, I believe CPJ wants a more nimble QB. Washington is a good leader, Days has great potential as does Lee but he has to adjust to college as well as learn a new system. My money is on Days if he can control the ball. The receivers need to man-up and own anything thrown in their direction. If they do, it only makes the runnng game stronger, which then makes the passing game stronger.
Jacket Man
July 8th, 2011
10:16 am
“Dawg Fan;” Paul Johnson does more with his “poorly rated” recruits than Mark Richt has ever done with “star studded” ones. This could mean a few things; either the rating services don’t evaluate talent as well as they think they do, Paul Johnson and his staff know how to “coach” and motivate his recruits better than Mark Richt and his staff, Paul Johnson is a better game strategist than Mark Richt, or there’s a combination of all the factors I just mentioned.
I suggest you be happy with UGA’s recruits and your own head coach, and leave us to appreciate our own.
Tech75
July 8th, 2011
10:18 am
Techmate – sounds like Mouse Davis’s Run-n-Shoot philosophy as applied to the TO offense
Steady GT Fan
July 8th, 2011
10:20 am
I can’t wait for the season to start. We will be better than expected.
:-p
July 8th, 2011
10:29 am
@supersize — “CPJ’s recruiting, in fact, is no worse, and in some cases better, than recruiting always has been for the Jackets” Translation….CPJ is no crappier than the other coaches we have had so let’s be content with the continued under performance and low expectations. Ahem.
Roger
July 8th, 2011
10:32 am
Do not need any receivers They dont throw any how
2008
July 8th, 2011
10:53 am
You need only compare the current roster and the roster from 2008 to see which coach brought in better talent.
George Stein
July 8th, 2011
11:00 am
Thanks, Captain Hindsight. We were predicted to win a grand total of three games in 2008 with all that talent.
CoolBreeze
July 8th, 2011
11:08 am
Dang ! Pretty good comments today, guys…..even from the Dawgs. Every time I write, I repeat: please install a SHORT passing game. If that is not possible with this offense, somebody please tell me why. Won’t quick-hitters work out of this setup ? And Stephen Hill: if he shows that he can catch the ball, use him. If not, let someone else try. Maybe pine time is the solution….
Supersize that order, mutt
July 8th, 2011
11:20 am
2008, I refer you again to the link I posted at 9:35AM
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.
Delbert D.
July 8th, 2011
5:42 pm
Holy moly! Heather Denich has an interview with Omoregie Uzzi today. Boy, he’s giving the props for the defense.
notice how all the ugag blogs
July 8th, 2011
5:57 pm
have had their comments closed? even schultz declined to even have an open comment section yet he allowed those dawgs to trash the buckeyes and jackets unabated!
talk about a thin skin. they sure can dish it out but they cant take it.
but hey the is why their perennial dreams teams are also rans.
look for the dawgs to once again point to the gt game as a season saving game. tooooooo funny.
Supersize that order, mutt
July 8th, 2011
6:09 pm
That just proves once again that the AJC is nothing but a THUGa rag.
old dog needs to go back to
July 8th, 2011
6:19 pm
what he does best…. licking nads.
just win baby
July 8th, 2011
7:45 pm
Cool breze. I already told you why, CPJ likes the bait and switch game. Make them overplay the run and then BANG hit’em over the top. The reason we sucked last year is bec we couldn’t do the latter, in large part do to the butterfingers out wide. The run gets easy to stop then and all you can do is punt. And watch your D get rolled. Last year’s problem. But if you have a bonafide pass catcher ala BayBay, then your O is unstoppable and it doesn’t matter how sucky your D is. Brings back memoriesn huh.
Born2Buzz
July 8th, 2011
8:05 pm
Everybody bashing Hill may be in for a surprise this year. He has been working very hard in the offseason to improve. At least that is my hope.
As others have said, our O will not be a problem. The key to the season is how well the D plays.
Sorry to switch subjects but did anyone see that the USA U-19 BBall team coach by none other than the great (according to Hewitt Fan) Paul Hewitt just lost to the Russians and will finish no better than 5th in the World Championships. Not surprising to anyone that watched GT Bball the last 6 years, the USA team couldn’t defend the perimeter and the offense was stagnant and devolved into iso plays. Ha! George Mason is going to be sooo sorry.
GT Fan...
July 8th, 2011
8:33 pm
Hey, ya’ll quick pickin on “Vorhees” or else he’ll put on his hockey mask, get his machettee and chop us all to peices!
Nice “handle” dork! And you call GT fans nerds….
wes
July 8th, 2011
9:49 pm
Paul Johnson is still building this program…figuratively and literally: See our new indoor practice facility (which blows UGA’s out the water, btw). Also, it is year 4 for CPJ. It is now year 11 for CMR. When UGA gets rid of him and have to start rebuilding themselves, Georgia Tech will have the upper hand.
I appreciate some of the DAWG posts earlier in the thread. I thought they were spot on. You hardly ever see that on these stupid ajc blogs.
wolfman
July 8th, 2011
10:12 pm
Look at the bright side… It can’t be any worse than last year!
sports
July 9th, 2011
12:08 am
This bunch is looking for answers everywhere!
macrotech
July 9th, 2011
12:54 am
RJ Voorhees, tomorrow isn’t even a “fact”, yet…HOW is it a “fact” that Tech won’t win?! You MIGHT want to get the kleenex out and wipe off your crystal ball…seems to be smudged by that loss to UCF in the Liberty Bowl! If you have the receipt, Walmart will take that crystal ball back…THAT’S a fact!!!
Smoove Criminal
July 9th, 2011
1:30 am
@wolfman
It could be, Hill could lead the team with 10 catches and even more drops. But that would be going to extreme and I don’t see that happening.
The only way the outlook could be poor this year is if Tevin Washington is the starting QB at any point in the season. Weak, weak arm that didn’t get the ball anywhere near a receiver alot of the time and when it was, the ball was contested if not picked off it seems like. The WR corps has nowhere to go but up especially if Washington isn’t behind center this year.
Buzz Me
July 9th, 2011
4:44 am
Hill cant catch a cold and we cant throw the ball so what does it matter?
Paddy
July 9th, 2011
6:34 am
I believe GT’s passing game will be better if Washington is not the QB. Someone better than Nesbitt and Washington must present a legit threat. If they do, then more than 8 wins every year is always possible. Defense will not be am excuse this season. It will be much improved.
Seriously?
July 9th, 2011
8:20 am
Tech uses wide receivers? As my dad used to say, being a wide receiver at GT is as useful as teats on telephone pole.
Coach
July 9th, 2011
9:03 am
Mountain Jim, saying that Nesbitt “could not last a season” is misleading. Recall that he broke his arm attempting to make a tackle after his interception. Can’t wait to kick it off!
RedandBlackDAWG
July 9th, 2011
10:11 am
I think Techs. passing game would be better if it were incorporated into each game plan, not as just a stop gate or change of pace thing, but part of actually moving the ball downfield. It would make defenses have to prepare for it, and not just key on the running play so much. I think it would also help their recruiting efforts as well. More two dimensional means more problems for the opposing team.
rex
July 9th, 2011
11:11 am
Wes, How do explain almost 5 and a half DECADES of Georgia dominance?
Old Blind Dawg
July 9th, 2011
12:17 pm
For what it’s worth Schultz closed the thread because GT fans were adding nothing to the discussion – they were attacking and spewing their drivel. Sad when your program sucks so bad you have to attack young men in order to feel better about yourself and your pathetic program.
Supersize that order, mutt
July 9th, 2011
12:44 pm
Blind, and what the hell do you think that most of the mutt fans who post on the Tech blogs do? There are some mutts who post intelligent posts here that are interesting and sometimes even worthwhile to read. But the vast majority of the mutts who post on here do nothing (ABSOLUTELY NOTHING) but trash and bash Tech, its coaches, its athletes, its students in general, and its fans. And YOU, BUBBA, are one of the worst. And yet nobody ever closes the threads here or bans any of you redneck losers. You mutts are spoiled and pampered bullies.
Supersize that order, mutt
July 9th, 2011
12:46 pm
Blind, you definitely never add anything to the discussion here, so why don’t you take your seeing-eye dog and get the hell out of here.
George Stein
July 9th, 2011
1:09 pm
Eh, I’m not sure OBD is spoiled or pampered, Supersize. He’s just an idiot who loves to hide behind his keyboard.
To the extent that Tech fans were writing inappropriate things on Schultz’s blog, they should be banned. I always welcome UGA (DawginLex and Dawglasville come to mind) fans who have something constructive to add – even if it’s critical – and I think a lot of them wouldn’t mind having a football discussion with Tech fans. The challenge is when it devolves into a nerd/redneck debate between a bunch of idiots.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 9th, 2011
1:21 pm
Does anybody know if there is any film you can watch on this big kid tech. has at wide receiver. Just want to see if he utilizes that heigth and if so, he might be a good one.
Supersize that order, mutt
July 9th, 2011
1:25 pm
George, I don’t want to get into a political debate here, but OBD and the others like him, remind me of the far-left liberal fanatics in this country who think it’s criminal and unconstitutional and whatever other terms they can come up with for conservatives, and especially religious conservatives, to speak their mind (they call it hate speech), but they can say and do anything they damn well want to say about anybody and everybody. I am not, and have never been a Glenn Beck fan, but what happened to him and his family at that concert in NY seems to me typical of the way the far left operates. And it’s just the way some of these mutts operate: they can say anything they want, but the AJC will close the thread if too many Tech fans say the “wrong” things. What’s good for the goose should be good for the gander, be it political speech or Tech – Georgia speech
Supersize that order, mutt
July 9th, 2011
1:26 pm
RedandBlack, what kid is that? Have you tried Googling his name? There might be something online about him somewhere.
Sportsrealist
July 9th, 2011
1:33 pm
Tech is looking for answers at receiver because they have no talent there. Why would a receiver want to go to Tech when they are consistently 114th to 119th in the county in passing yards. Seems like a logical answer to me. Then again, this is Tech and they aren’t to strong in the logic area. Math YES- logic NO!!!
RedandBlackDAWG
July 9th, 2011
1:35 pm
Supersize,
Stephan Hill. I know I have heard his name mentioned before and I will go see if I can find anything for him by a search. I think I remember him as being real sure handed but his coaches wanted a few more pounds on him, but I am not sure.
Old Blind Dawg
July 9th, 2011
1:45 pm
Good grief………………
Supersize that order, mutt
July 9th, 2011
1:54 pm
RedandBlack, Stephen Hill is a sophomore, but to date he has certainly not appeared to be sure-handed. He dropped more passes than he caught last year, and I mean he DROPPED them; it wasn’t a question of the QB not getting him the ball. He was a MAJOR disappointment last year. We can only hope he has developed into what he appeared to be coming out of HS.
Supersize that order, mutt
July 9th, 2011
2:00 pm
Actually, he may be a junior. The years all run together. lol
rex
July 9th, 2011
2:13 pm
It’s comic watching the PJs offense try and “throw” the ball. Qbs that can’t pass, receivers that run poor routes , can’t catch and offensive linemen that can’t pass block are the signs of poor coaching. For good measure throw in a porous defense and pathetic special teams and we equate it with genius.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 9th, 2011
2:31 pm
he might improve supersize. Sometimes these guys take a couple of years to develope at this level. I do believe he could benefit from a few extra pounds though, if that is his listed weight this year. Those secondary boys can see a target stretched out like that from a mile away. He has got a lot of exposed area when he stretches for a ball, and those ribs can be sore in a hurry, LOL. Might be also, that he is worried before the ball gets there, and he has already taken some of those shoulder pad to bone jarring hits. Maybe, it has gotten into his head.
gt4ever
July 9th, 2011
4:06 pm
Yeah, I love it… Our offense is on autopilot! It just can’t beat anybody good! Hey, it didn’t even beat a BAD uga team for the last two years… I hope some of these grape juice drinkers are right, but I think we are in DEEP dodo…. Win or Lose, always better to be a GT man!
BankerDawg
July 9th, 2011
6:27 pm
Question gt4ever…what was it about your offense specifically that caused you to lose to “good” teams last year?
Are you sure it wasn’t just god awful untimely turnovers and a horrific to poor defense? Or was it really CPJ’s offense? Be honest.
I get it, when I analyze the Dawgs, I always end up being over pessimistic about everything because I am too emotionally tied to it, so it’s nice to get an outsider’s opinion on things. In my opinion, Tech’s offense absolutely is on autopilot and will only get better. Just my opinion…you are certainly welcome to yours.
The only grape juice I like is either called Cabernet or Pinot…and occasionally maybe a Shiraz.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGS!!
TECHREDNECK
July 9th, 2011
7:06 pm
You never know what to expect from CPJ. He does things his way and could not care less what fans say. On the other hand CMR is fan scared. Some fan suggested he run on the feild with the team and he says “thats a good idea”. He’s a nice guy but nice guys finish LAST.
just win baby
July 9th, 2011
7:49 pm
@ sportsrealist and Rex
Understandable to doubt Tech’s passing ability, especially based on last year. While the offense is run-based what you apparently fail to realize is that if you add in a semblance of a good pass catcher, well that happens to be the key to our championship potential. 2009 is the proof. Nesbitt, not a prolific passer by any stretch, but given a good receiver like BayBay and the offense is unstoppable. Somehow he dropped the ball against the dawgs and you won a game you probably shouldn’t have (I know our porous D had something to do with it, usually the O makes up for it).
So ridicule our desire for a passing game all you want. A smidge of an air game is all we need.
Really
July 9th, 2011
8:02 pm
Funny a someone from Tech saying “nice guys finish last” about a coach that owns them, has finished in the to 10 6 times in 10 years while tech last venture into a final poll was 1998, and only 3 time since 1967.
TECHREDNECK
July 9th, 2011
9:00 pm
O.K. “Really” 2nd from last. If Tech is as bad as you JAWJA people say and you OWN them, you don’t OWN much do you?
GTRules
July 9th, 2011
9:24 pm
Steven Hill wil be at least 15 lbs heavier this year.
Really
July 9th, 2011
9:42 pm
Sorry Techredneck but Richt leads everyone we play on a regular basis other than florida. And you’re absolutely correct , no one hangs their hat on beating Tech.
Really
July 9th, 2011
9:44 pm
By the way the 6 top 10 finishes in 10 years ties him with LSU for the most in the SEC. Will Pj ever win a bowl game?
Really
July 9th, 2011
9:45 pm
But you can talk trash with Duke.
Wreckmaniac
July 9th, 2011
10:14 pm
Mountain Jim: Your point is totally correct. Nesbitt is the toughest guy I have ever seen play football. You must have three QBs ready to go at any moment with the beating they get in the Johnson offense.
As far as Hill, I not sure he should really even make the team. He needs to start the year as the 3rd WR at best. He is not the answer.
Saban
July 9th, 2011
10:30 pm
Tech football is a joke! Try Alabama football ..you silly pencil pushers!
Coach Grohbo
July 9th, 2011
11:05 pm
Find some ends who can block this year and we will be better.
superDawg
July 10th, 2011
6:39 am
run this UGA does own your beehinds and if not for UGA you would not even be on this blog.
superDawg
July 10th, 2011
6:41 am
you would be the NATS.
Gorilla Biscuit
July 10th, 2011
9:19 am
9-1. ’nuff said.
Doc
July 10th, 2011
10:49 am
Daniel McKayhan should be a starter
killerj
July 10th, 2011
12:29 pm
Coach Johnson Will Work It Out………………….Roll Wreck…THWG!
just win baby
July 10th, 2011
1:14 pm
Hey Doc. McKayan at WR might be better than HillM. Just don’t have him back for punts.
GT Fan...
July 10th, 2011
8:46 pm
The receiving corps will lead my YJs to more than 0 wins, but less than 15.
Thanks for playing….
macrotech
July 11th, 2011
12:18 am
superDawg…..WHAT were you trying to say?! I know uga is a regular top choice for party schools…but, to start drinking at 6:39 a.m.?! THAT’S just sad!!!
randolph pittman
July 11th, 2011
7:10 pm
chris is back to his high school position, he’s fast and can catch
Improvement expected from experienced defensive line | Georgia Tech
July 13th, 2011
6:17 pm
[...] July 8 – Wide receivers [...]
dekalb county fan
July 14th, 2011
1:48 am
This will be Stephen Hill’s BREAKOUT YEAR, remember you heard it here first. Last year in what can be classified as a disappointment he still led Tech in every receiving category. Look for an exponential increase in Stephen’s productivity this season.
Washington heads into fall as Tech’s No. 1 | Georgia Tech
July 14th, 2011
8:31 am
[...] July 8 – Wide receivers [...]