Georgia Tech begins bowl practice
Greetings-
Some notes, including coach Paul Johnson’s response to rumors/speculation about freshman quarterback Vad Lee transferring after Monday’s practice. Some other stuff first.
1. The team began a full week of practices on Monday. There will be three practices next week, two the week after that and then players will be released Dec. 20 and go to El Paso for the Sun Bowl Dec. 26. There will be 15 practices total.
2. The first stretch of bowl practices is mostly about working on fundamentals. Out of about 20 periods in Monday’s practice, only about six involved scout teams. That means that for most of the practice, all of the players, including the redshirt freshmen, were getting repetitions in Tech’s offense and defense.
3. Johnson said he doesn’t have any plans to make any changes on the staff. That would mean a second offseason in a row without any turnover. Defensive coordinator Al Groh said “for sure” he intends to be back for the 2012 season.
4. Johnson doesn’t expect any players to miss the bowl game because of grades, “but you never know,” he said. “That won’t be for a couple weeks.”
5. Johnson said he’d heard “a lot of really good things” about the Sun Bowl and is looking forward to it. Johnson went to El Paso when he was an assistant coach at Hawaii as Hawaii and UTEP were in the same conference.
“It’ll be a good game against a real good opponent,” he said. “Utah’s real good. Especially defensively, they’ve been good for awhile.”
6. Finally, Lee. At the risk of giving this more attention than I sense is worthy, I’ll provide the Q&A from the post-practice scrum with Johnson and let you draw your own conclusions.
Q: How was Vad Lee at practice today?
A: He’s fine. No problem. He worked hard. I coached the quarterbacks today. Coach (Brian) Bohannon wasn’t there today. He worked hard. All of them did.
(Bohannon was out recruiting, which is pretty typical for early bowl practices. Several questions later, the topic returned to Lee.)
Q: Is there any reason to think that he wouldn’t return?
A: Oh, I don’t know. I didn’t see anything today that made me think he was leaving. But guys could leave tomorrow. I don’t know. It happens all the time.
Q: Has he talked to you about it?
A: I talk with Vad every day.
Q: But has he talked with you about transferring?
A: I’m not going to get into what I talk with the players about. You’d be surprised sometimes. I talk to them about a lot of things.
Q: Homesickness seems to come up with players, particularly those from out of state. Do you have a particular way you address it with players?
A: It’s part of growing up. Everybody gets homesick. It’s part of it. You know what 18- and 19-year-olds are like. It’s something different every day. It is what it is. Just move on.
A couple points of note. I’m guessing it might read that Johnson was being defensive or curt, but he was at ease. I’d say he was trying to downplay the matter but obviously he didn’t say nothing is happening, perhaps to some degree because it’s not for him to say.
That said, if something were really moving forward with a possible transfer, I think Johnson would have answered questions differently. The fact that he’s practicing isn’t a guarantee of anything, but it would indicate that he’s not exactly packing up his boxes.
I’ll say this: Players considering transferring because they’re homesick is not uncommon. You may remember I wrote that David Sims went through the same thing as a redshirt freshman quarterback. I dug back into my notes and found a quote from Bohannon in August regarding the matter.
“I’m sure that goes through a lot of their minds,” he said. “When you deal with these young men who are the life of their town and their school and all of the sudden, they come to college and all of the sudden, they’re just another guy in the mix, it’s a tough adjustment.”
All this to say – I’d take all this with a grain of salt.
Thanks for reading. I’ll have something up Wednesday morning. (I’m off this week, technically.)
Ken Sugiura, Georgia Tech blog
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296 comments Add your comment
Maze
December 6th, 2011
2:08 pm
If it were any other conference I would be so sympathetic towards just how pathetic you are. But since it is the ACC it is absolutely hilarious.
Maze
December 6th, 2011
2:13 pm
Tek fans still think they have a foot to stand on to talk junk about their masters from Athens? Seriously?
Richt could put UGA uni’s on Clark Central’s football team and still whoop the cheats from the jokr by coke.
6 in a row coming right up!!
Maze
December 6th, 2011
2:16 pm
Tek recruits are scared off by grades?!?!! Lololololol!!!!
You geniuses realize nearly 90% of the kids on your team, year in and year out, are only there because UGA didnt offer them, right cheats???
Ramblin Man
December 6th, 2011
2:37 pm
Bjacket,
I in no way think a grown man that runs a D-1 program should be kissing a kids arse. I know these coaches rely on these kids for thier bread and butter, but treating them this way is what got prgrams like Ohio, Miami, and even UGA into the trouble they have now. Do you think that maybe just maybe had Richt treated these KIDS like they needed to earn soemthing instead of like royalty he would have the RB problems UGA has now. Is toloerating Groh giving him a chance to get the right players in place? I am frustrated over the bad line play, but I can’t fault Groh for one player having an illness and another breaking his leg that were recruited specifically for this line. Now I will say I am not a fan of the light coverage he implements sometimes, but I am willing to give him another year to show improvement. Once upon a time coaches were given 5 years to build a program now it seems it’s immediate or gone.
Bobby Dodds Ghost
December 6th, 2011
2:42 pm
If Vad Lee has aspirations to play in the nfl , he should get as far away from this coaching staff as possible.
Supersize that order, mutt
December 6th, 2011
2:48 pm
Ramblin Man, I agree 100% with everything you said
Supersize that order, mutt
December 6th, 2011
2:49 pm
Ghost, tell that to Dwyer, Allen, Morgan, Thomas, Nesbitt, and any other former player for CPJ and his staff that are now playing in the pros. Get a life, bubba
juvenal
December 6th, 2011
2:51 pm
every sunday and monday night, during the team intros, you see players from every school, and some only give their high school-if you can play in the nfl, they will find you..better argument-save wear and tear by not going to some school you are going to get beat up 2 or 3 years…Calvin is doing fine, and did not get hit that much, with Reggie throwing …….Ken, wish you could get a filter that could block posts completely without any original content…..
Ramblin Man
December 6th, 2011
2:51 pm
No Maze I did not realize that considering about 50% are from out of state. Currently 6 out of 11 are from Ga. one has a UGA offer and two more were invited for a visit and turned UGA down. I will admit that on average UGA has a better chance of landing a recruit both schools go after though, just try to get your averages right.
Speaking of out of state recruits though Shumate is scheduled to make his OV soon and that is one GT definitely needs to get and yes BJ I will be disappointed if Groh can’t sell him on GT.
Ramblin Man
December 6th, 2011
2:58 pm
Thanks Super I just don’t know what some fans were expecting when you are 119 out of 120 in youngest teams. The fast and furious start gave to many people high hopes and now they don’t know what to do. The sky is not falling it’s just a bit of a black cloud hovering right now.
OLD MAN
December 6th, 2011
3:00 pm
they need a new QB be a team player not a me person
Bobby Dodds Ghost
December 6th, 2011
3:04 pm
Supersize, Did he recruit any of them? Did they get better playing for this staff? Did playing in the TO enhance their prospects.Think any of them would’ve signed with tech if PJ had been recruiting them?
How many on this roster headed for the NFL? PJ qb’s in the NFL? zero Bubba.
TW Fan
December 6th, 2011
3:07 pm
I’m really disheartened by the lack of support for Tevin amongst Jacket fans. Even in victory, there has been little support for him. Sure he could throw the ball better at times, but there are also times when he is brilliant. If you all think GT football woes end with Tevin you are sadly mistaken. I could run down a laundry list of things that could be done better at VARIOUS positions all the way up to head coach. There is certainly room for improvement all around, but I dont think that this season was anything to hang our heads about.
IF Vad is as good as you all hope he will be next year, even he will have good days and bad ones. What then?? Will you make him the scapegoat for all shortcomings. I personally think that Tevin would be the best choice for next year. He’s a hard worker, a great runner, he’s a custom mad triple option QB, he knows the GT offense and his passing game will only improve. However, if nothing else changes (i.e better defensive line, more consistency from receivers, better play calling by CPJ etc.) then expect more of the same – regardless of QB.
Technically Correct
December 6th, 2011
3:10 pm
FYI – I emailed the AA and they responded that they were not aware of any travel agency putting together a Sun Bowl package – tickets, hotel and charter flights.
DawginLex
December 6th, 2011
3:16 pm
ACC
Putting football players aside, if your child was accepted to GT as a student, would you anticipate 4 years of ease or 4 years of crazy studying?
Say what you want about us beating them, the facts are that the students are getting their butts kicked in the classroom at GT.
Ramblin Man
December 6th, 2011
3:20 pm
bobby it only takes one. How many QBs that are currently junior or seniors that play for the other 119 D-1 schools are going to the NFL this year? Yes actually he spoke with Allen about the transfer when he took the job and AA did not run for the hills. I would say that 2 1/2 years under CPJ and staff that Morgan, Burnett, Thomas, Dwyer, and Allen learned something. Not to mention all the guys on practice squads right now. As stated by people over and over if you have NFL talent they will find you no matter where they play. In fact I will bet you that this time next year Uzzi, Smith, Sweeting, and maybe even Hill get looks and Sweeting and Uzzi will get picked up. Sylvester and Melton might even have a chance to make a roster this year.
Spyro
December 6th, 2011
3:22 pm
Say what you want about us beating them, the facts are that the students are getting their butts kicked in the classroom at GT.
I can vouch for that statement!
Ramblin Man
December 6th, 2011
3:24 pm
DawginLex,
Good to see you man. I hated that loss for fans like you, but I have to admit for the many others that bash GT daily it felt kind of good. Good luck with Marshall today and the bowl game.
DawginLex
December 6th, 2011
3:25 pm
We got Marshall
4.2 GPA
How do you do that?
CPJ 2K11
December 6th, 2011
3:26 pm
Come one guys, Vad isn’t leaving, I promise. Why would he leave when he has so many championships facing him in the near future? And not to mention how being the QB of a triple option offense in college immediately prepares a player for NFL success…
Just give me more time, nobody can turn things completely around in only 3-4 years, just ask Obama….First the Sun Bowl, then the WORLD!!!!
crackbaby
December 6th, 2011
3:27 pm
@ TW Fan – Fans have always cheered for the b/u QB. CPJ is the most qualified person to determine starting QB – and he doesn’t hesitate to pull a guy if he’s not performing.
This is leftover angst from the Gailey years – starting A.J. Suggs and then Reggie Ball for 4 years.
TW Fan
December 6th, 2011
3:28 pm
@ Old Man – What on earth makes you think TW was a me person?? He never looked for any accolades from anyone (and never got any). He took responsibility for losses that clearly were not solely his fault…
You’d be hard pressed to find a less selfish person. It’s as if you all just need SOMEONE to blame for your disappointment. Actually this season was better than I expected with the young group we have… and lets not forget we still have a game to play.
… You think the team might appreciate if we could avoid imploding for just a few more weeks??
Geeze
andre
December 6th, 2011
3:30 pm
lee is the best qb on team if he leave cpj should go with him because another year with below average qb were going end up with same results 7or 8 wins and im gone
juvenal
December 6th, 2011
3:31 pm
Lex-probably joint enrollment-they add a point to the college level courses-SAs can get a good education at any div1, Ben Watson had a wonderlic of 48, bet he would done well academically anywhere……
crackbaby
December 6th, 2011
3:31 pm
Glad to hear Coach Groh is coming back. Tech’s defense has improved this year. Groh was able to be more aggressive on D – doesn’t always work out but let him get some more talented players.
Tech needs to be able to rotate 6 or 7 D linemen during a game and 4-6 LBs. Our secondary didn’t look as good the last few games but those kids have talent. A pass rush would help. D should be much better next year.
Utah will be a good test. Those guys can play and they like contact. Go Jackets!
crackbaby
December 6th, 2011
3:33 pm
You people who say Vad Lee is the best QB, what the heck are you basing this on?
Just the facts, please….
fan of shorter passes
December 6th, 2011
3:34 pm
@TW Fan…do you think TW had a “funk” against VA and Mia?
I realize it hard to quantify, but do you believe TW actually improved in passing this year?
Do you think an option QB need to “keep” 32 times a game?
I have insufficient knowledge about the coaches call vs TW latitude to change/audible is the reason for so many QB keeps…perhaps some of you others guys have that knowledge…I’m curious.
But, the team does win/lose as a team…not normally one guy.
juvenal
December 6th, 2011
3:37 pm
Lex, hope he doesn’t get booed for a bad game(the new kid)-not big enough to be HershelII…..
DawginLex
December 6th, 2011
3:42 pm
I know. that crap is embarrassing. Although, a lot of the boos were for Ken Boo Malcome
Jacket Man
December 6th, 2011
3:44 pm
I’d be prepared for Uzzi, Smith, McCrae, Barnes, and Tevin Washington to be gone next season, just in case. Uzzi is highly ranked with the NFL and could very well go that route. Washington is looking at Law School, and the others are looking at Grad School as they will have earned enough credits to graduate. As you know, few of the players make it directly to the GA Tech Grad program (Roddy Jones is the last one).
On the positive side, there are some key players coming up off their red shirts as well as the recruits who will be able to step in quickly.
DawginLex
December 6th, 2011
3:46 pm
I guarantee you that Johnson will change to fit Lee.
He threw the ball all over the yard at Hawaii
He will expand the TO to fit his skill set available
Trade School Acolyte
December 6th, 2011
3:49 pm
If Lee goes, so should Johnson. I do not share everyone’s optomism(sp) about next year. It should be a make or break for johnson and crew, especially if he drops another bowl game. Imho, I think Tech can do better.
AMG
December 6th, 2011
3:49 pm
Vad Lee knows he has the job going into next year. He knows he will most likely not only start but be THE STARTER for the next 4 years, his dues are paid. He will start spring as the projected starter by most. He did NEED to have a red shirt year, running the option well takes time and doing it at a college level is not as easy as many would image. Nesbitt got much much better between year one and year 2. The biggest thing Lee will bring is a solid passer for the passing game and a QB that is hard to rattle. No offense to Tevin, but that will make a world of difference. He will also be a leader for the team. No way is he throwing this away to go somewhere else.
juvenal
December 6th, 2011
3:50 pm
one of Bisher’s last ajc columns, he said he was against booing-i wrote & asked, what about booing the refs? He sent me a nice, handwritten note, saying the folks on the field have no way of knowing exactly who the boos are for(still fail on not booing the refs, sometimes-acc refs are terrible!)
Supersize that order, mutt
December 6th, 2011
3:51 pm
Lex, thanks for your comments about Tech students in general working their tails off in school. I can vouch for that myself. And I agree with you that CPJ will and has adjusted to fit the talent. At GSU, he had a QB who could run and pass, and he won 2 NC’s with him.
bulldog steve
December 6th, 2011
3:51 pm
Isn’t the guy who is QB at Georgia Southern a senior and prior transfer from Tech? I wonder if they have talked. Southern sure did revive his career and they run the same offense. And he would not have to sit out a year.
AMG
December 6th, 2011
3:51 pm
Trade School = get a life
CPJ 2K11
December 6th, 2011
3:52 pm
If Vad does indeed transfer, its probably only because he has bigger fish to fry
Supersize that order, mutt
December 6th, 2011
3:53 pm
steve, the current QB at GSU, Jaybo Shaw, transferred there from Tech when it became obvious that Nesbitt would keep his starting job with the Jackets. I don’t think he will be transferring back, although I sure wish he had stayed—-and I mean no disrespect there for TW.
TW Fan
December 6th, 2011
3:57 pm
I dont know how many plays were actually designed as keepers. Perhaps there were some missed reads but he seemed to connect with Hill on long passes pretty well on average. He’s proven that he can pass – even under pressure. There were bad passes and reads, but also quite a number of catchable balls dropped. I’ll admit that there are problems with consistency. But this was only his first full season. Those are issues of a young QB. It will be no different for Vad. Days has already demonstrated that. We will not improve if we’re always looking to throw the baby out with the bathwater! They’re young!! This half hearted support from our core fan base certaily doesn’t help to build confidence or stability.
I think the whole team was in a funk for MIA and VA. What did you make of the Clemson win? I also thought he played well, not outstanding, against VT (until the Attachou penalty changed the momentum) – which proves that he does show up in big games. But the recurring theme in every loss has been lack of cohesiveness. No one unit is going to win or lose the game for them. We simply dont have those kind of superstars. But what we have is a group of players capable of great wins when they allllllllllllllllll play smart together for 4 qtrs.
SansWorld
December 6th, 2011
3:58 pm
I like Tevin, after NCSU, Maryland, and and UVA, the main grip about him was his desision making on when to pitch. I think he corrected that. Later his passing accuracy failed. If he can correct that, he is still a viable started.
That said Days or Lee ultimatly may be better. If so, do you think he has the speed to play a back?
Hayseed Dixie
December 6th, 2011
4:05 pm
When I’m thinking about Vad, I’m thinking about the “Georgia Tech Shaft”.
It’s just a rigorous place.
Not the kind of place, say, your average IT guy could graduate from.
Just make it past your freshman year, Vlad. That’s all you gotta do. You’ll adjust.
Hayseed Dixie
December 6th, 2011
4:07 pm
Ah, durnit- made the mistake.
Called him the Impaler.
Hopefully he’ll earn that nickname as a passer.
LeeGooooo
December 6th, 2011
4:09 pm
I hope Vad Lee Staaaaaaaaaaaaays!!
He is the future of GT. He could very well be the play that takes GT from a mediocre team to a National Championship team. That would certainly put him in the mix for Heisman.
Delbert D.
December 6th, 2011
4:11 pm
Lex – Looks like your guys got the next CJ Spiller. Great head on his shoulders, too.
CPJ 2K11
December 6th, 2011
4:12 pm
LeeGooooo, its not a question of will he win us a national championship or will he win a heisman, but rather HOW MANY national championships and HOW MANY heismans will he win? With me and him working together, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish…I shall put him on my back and ride of into the sunset of college football lore…
CPJ 2K11
December 6th, 2011
4:14 pm
*ride off
Tim Tebow
December 6th, 2011
4:15 pm
Where would Tim Tebow be today if he had not powered through the tough times and gave it everything he had to overcome?
Vad, this is part of becoming a man. As a GT alum, we all went through the freshman year. It’s tough. That’s what makes the GT degree so valuable.
Stick it out. You’ll be glad you did. All of GT is behind you in this adventure. You’re part of the hive now!!
Delbert D.
December 6th, 2011
4:17 pm
I’m not ready to give up on Tevin Washington. I watched the Maryland defense at the game, and TW often had no good decision on whether to pitch or keep. They strung out the option very well.
Golden Tornado
December 6th, 2011
4:19 pm
Don’t worry about UGA “ruling” the Atlanta Journal/Constitution. The Bulldog hierarchy has to pay plenty of cold cash to get those big headlines and news space. What you must worry about is whether Tech is going to get big, strong, and fast defensive players. We had guys like that when we won our fourth National Championship in 1990. UGA had defensive guys like that when they won their one-and-only National Championship in 1980.