Tevin Washington, part 2
Greetings-
Sorry this is late. I was detained by other work stuff, principally an interview with women’s basketball coach MaChelle Joseph and then some reporting at the South regional at the Georgia Dome. Onward to the second half of the interview with Georgia Tech quarterback Tevin Washington, covering a variety of topics.
1. On playing Virginia Tech in the opener: “I’m excited, to be honest. We don’t have to wait until game 8 to play them. We get to come out, give our best shot to them coming out of the gate. I think it’s going to be a big game. I mean, I’m excited. I know everybody on the team is excited. It’s a big game, on Labor Day. I think it’s going to be a good game.”
He said it’s a motivation to players to play Virginia Tech instead of an FCS team in the opener.
“There’s a lot on the line coming out on the first game,” he said. “It’s a conference game, we’re going to get a chance to make a statement in the conference and I’m pretty sure nationally. So everybody’s hyped up and just ready to go.”
2. He noted that in the past two seasons, playing the Hokies later in the season, players are “kind of banged up” by that point. He said he didn’t mean to use that as an excuse for losing, ” But I just think we’re coming out of the gate playing them first. We’ll get a chance just to go out, everybody’s going to be fresh and get a chance to see who’s been preparing better in the summertime.”
3. Washington said he feels like a senior already (which he should, I suppose, as he already is one in academic standing). For one thing, he said, he has teammates asking him for his opinions on professors and classes. He looks around the locker room and can remember all the past teammates who have worn numbers, played positions and lockered in stalls that have been taken over by newer teammates.
Said Washington, “It’s changed totally.”
4. On the quarterback competition in spring practice: “It’s always a competition, especially at quarterback. Everybody always wants to see who the quarterback’s going to be. You just go out there and compete. Competition brings out the best in everybody. I’ll be ready to compete and they’ll be ready to compete. So we’ll bring our best.”
5. On Synjyn Days and Vad Lee: “I think both of them are good quarterbacks. They’re both competitive and they both like to compete. Synjyn, he likes to run the ball. Synjyn likes to get more involved with everything. He’s still young but he’s growing and just learning in the offense. Vad, he’s been in the offense through the season doing the option drills and going through offensive drills during the season, but from looking at him, you can tell he’s going to be a good player. He’s real athletic and he can do a lot of good things.”
6. On how much he has paid attention to Stephen Hill’s draft status: ” You can’t miss it. Steve’s on ESPN, NFL Network. You see him scroll across the screen when they have top receivers and top prospects coming out for the NFL draft.”
7. Washington said he was happy for Hill for achieving “every college athlete’s dream” to go professional. “You can’t do anything but be happy for him,” he said, particularly knowing how much work he put in to get to this point.
(Speaking of which, LSU receiver Rueben Randle, who is about in the same draft range as Hill, has his pro day today in Baton Rouge. Hill’s place on draft boards could be adjusted up/down based on Randle’s performance today. Sports Illustrated draft expert Tony Pauline places Hill behind Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd and Kendall Wright and competing for fourth with Randle. Pauline’s blog is a good place to get an update. The 1:21 p.m. update reported Randle ran a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash.)
8. I asked Washington if Hill was the best athlete he’s played with. He hesitated, naming Morgan Burnett, Jonathan Dwyer, Derrick Morgan as other candidates, not to mention Michael Johnson and others I’m likely missing.
“I couldn’t put a finger on which one’s the best, but I’m pretty sure he’s up there with the rest of them,” he said. “You see him on the football field, but if you see him on the basketball court, you’ll see really all his athleticism. He’s real athletic. Steven can do stuff on the track, too. Steve, he’s a freak athlete.”
9. His assessment of receivers Jeff Greene and Darren Waller:
“Jeff, physically, he’s a big, tall receiver. He can go up and get the ball. Darren’s big, too. Darren’s more of a physical guy. You put your hands on him, hes’ going to let you know about it. Between the two of them, Jeff’s probably got a little more speed. I’m excited about it. Both of them are big receivers and anytime you’ve got a big receiver to throw to, they’re like two twin towers standing in the huddle. I’m excited.
“They’re both young. Both of them are eager to learn. It’s always a good feeling when you’re around other people that want to learn, want to work.”
10. On his summer plans (he interned with a law firm last summer):
“Right now, I don’t know what I’m going to do this summer. I’m looking into some internships right now, but I haven’t solidified any of them yet. But I’m going to be working an internship, get some co-op hours for the summer.”
11. On a Twitter account that apparently is trying to pass off as his:
“I had Twitter last summer, but I deactivated it. I got off it. … Real waste of time. I’ve got better stuff I’d like to be doing.”
12. His plans for spring break:
“Going home. Get some sleep in and just get ready for spring practice. That’s it.”
Thanks for reading.
Ken Sugiura, Georgia Tech blog
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550 comments Add your comment
OkieDawg
March 22nd, 2012
10:51 pm
Super..What are red pan ties? Did Red Skelton wear those? I’m confused…Respectfully submited…
FL Jacket
March 22nd, 2012
10:52 pm
Okie…
Only a recruiting philosophy as dumb as UGA’s would put themselves in competition for every undecided 4-star player…and lose on most of them.
It’s meaningless drivel to talk about how many kids you sign before their Senior year. If you’re going to take 1-2 per position like Tech will in 2013 it behooves you to wait and see it you can pluck an Anthony Autry type late bloomer.
Supersize that order, mutt
March 22nd, 2012
11:01 pm
Okie, the reason I type pan ties instead of the obviously correct way is because the homers at the AJC won’t let us put the real word on the Tech blogs. It’s ok on the UGA blogs or Bradley’s or Schultz’s blogs, but TECH bloggers get CENSORED on TECH BLOGS. And I think you know who wore red pan ties most recently in the state of Georgia.
FL Jacket
March 22nd, 2012
11:03 pm
Supersize…
Just remember though that the AJC is anti-UGA depending on who you ask…
Supersize that order, mutt
March 22nd, 2012
11:05 pm
FLJ, that absurd recruiting philosophy was made really obvious to me today in a write-up in the Augusta paper about all the “star” RB’s they have at UGA now. The last time I looked only one RB could carry the ball at a time, and usually no more than 3 or 4 ever carry it in an entire game. What are those excess RB’s going to do next Fall? Get DUI’s and steal hashbrowns?
Supersize that order, mutt
March 22nd, 2012
11:06 pm
yeah, right, FLJ…..WHATEVA. LOL
Supersize that order, mutt
March 22nd, 2012
11:08 pm
Okie, do you have anything else to say to prove your ignorance, or can I go to bed now?
OkieDawg
March 22nd, 2012
11:10 pm
Okay Super…Gotcha…my bad and very discriminatory on the part of the AJC…Even Techerheads deserve to be afforded the first amendment right…But just barely.
Supersize that order, mutt
March 22nd, 2012
11:13 pm
well, thanks, Okie. Maybe there’s hope for you yet. LOL
FL Jacket
March 22nd, 2012
11:13 pm
Okie…
I made a funny comment on Chip Towers blog piece about Isaiah Crowell working with the 1st team I’m Spring practice. I make the following harmless and funny comment…
“Didn’t IC line up with the 1st team offense before he signed?”
Guess what? It took all of 45 minutes before the comment was removed. That anti-UGA AJC hard at work.
OkieDawg
March 22nd, 2012
11:14 pm
See ya Super
OkieDawg
March 22nd, 2012
11:17 pm
Well Fl Jacket…in my weaker moment…that is funny but just barely.
William Casey
March 22nd, 2012
11:17 pm
Bye Okie, you never open your mouth that you don’t subtract from the sum of human knowledge.
Supersize that order, mutt
March 22nd, 2012
11:18 pm
When we have asked Ken about blocking comments or banning trolls, he has said that all he can do is report it to somebody else. Apparently the Chip can do whatever he wants to on his own. And they say the AJC is not biased…..HA !!!
Supersize that order, mutt
March 22nd, 2012
11:19 pm
LOL @ William Casey, but cut Okie a LITTLE slack. He did agree that not being able to type the correct spelling of pan ties on the Tech blogs was not exactly freedom of the press.
FL Jacket
March 22nd, 2012
11:22 pm
Okie…
It’s extremely funny and you are chuckling inside…no need to admit it. It’s only fair if people are going to throw around “GA Text” around here w/o impunity…that we should get to point out our secondary violations on each other’s blogs, don’t you think?
OkieDawg
March 22nd, 2012
11:24 pm
Fl Jacket…agree..goodnight.
Supersize that order, mutt
March 22nd, 2012
11:25 pm
FLJ, don’t hold your breath waiting for that to happen
1 4 GT
March 22nd, 2012
11:28 pm
CONGRATULATIONS Dawg48. I trust that both are fine and getting some well deserved rest. Being born is hard work just as is giving birth. You giving odds on how long it takes for your little princess to have you in the palm of her hand??
Supersize that order, mutt
March 22nd, 2012
11:29 pm
1 4 GT, I would imagine she already does.
1 4 GT
March 22nd, 2012
11:43 pm
Do you know if this is 48’s 1st? She’ll learn fast how to be coy, sweet and use her feminine wiles practicing on her Daddy. I trust both girls are getting some well deserved rest. Being born is hard work as is giving birth. I saw the 2 “Look Who’s Talking” movies!!
Supersize that order, mutt
March 22nd, 2012
11:48 pm
1 4, I don’t know if he already has other kids or not. Anyway, I am out for the night. Have a good one
thank God
March 23rd, 2012
12:27 am
so glad Michigan State lost so that I do not have hear anymore out of Brian Gregory about that school like they are the 2nd coming or something, shut up
lewisbuzzard
March 23rd, 2012
6:23 am
Tevin’s maturity at Tech has been the main reason he has won the support of his coaches and teamates. When a kid is willing to thanklessly put in the work to improve like he has he earns the right to be the starter. Not once have I heard a negative comment come from Tevin in the media while Tech fans have been quick to jump off his bandwagon. Whomever wins out in the battle to be our QB in the fall I will always hold a ton of respect for how this kid has represented Tech.
GT Dude
March 23rd, 2012
8:20 am
@lewisbuzzard – I agree with your respect for Tevin; however, I doubt he will be the starter come kickoff in Blacksburg. He just has too many better athletes after his job, I am sure that at least one will beat him out.
May the best man win…
Old Gold Britches
March 23rd, 2012
10:17 am
We can stop Logan Thomas if we stop trying to tackle the ball so much like against VT last year.
Birmingham Jacket
March 23rd, 2012
10:52 am
There is no doubt Stephen Hill will be under center in Blacksburg. Anyone who thinks differently is crazy. He may not win us the game, but his chances of losing the game are much, much less than Vad Lee.
The Va Tech game is likely to be a 1 possession victory for either side. You don’t hand over a set of keys to a new Corvette to a kid who just turned 16.
That being said, I sincerely hope Lee is getting significant playing time by mid-year.
BobinBuford
March 23rd, 2012
11:03 am
B’ham:
I think you meant Tevin, not Stephen. At least I hopr you did.
Would any of the UGA posters on this board (and you know they are out there) tell us how many UGA football players interned at a law office last summer?? The only person from UGA at a law office was CMR trying to keep his players out of jail.
George Stein
March 23rd, 2012
11:03 am
I feel relatively certain Stephen Hill will not be under center against VT.
5150 UOAD
March 23rd, 2012
11:11 am
Ready to see some Great Competition for All Positions.
5150 UOAD
March 23rd, 2012
11:12 am
1 4 GT The Lil Miss Dawg48 is their first.
Birmingham Jacket
March 23rd, 2012
11:16 am
Meant Washington. Sorry… Following the blogs about Hill… Who by the way IMO has about as much chance of being drafted in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd rounds as he does of being under center when we open with Va. Tech.
Go Jackets.
Ant
March 23rd, 2012
11:28 am
I appreciate the updates on the football team. This is the South and football is always in season. However, I really would like to see some balanced coverage of the entire Institute. The women’s basketball team is doing something that no other team at this school has done in years and all you guys can manage is two articles in a week. If the men were in the Sweet 16 and about to face an undefeated #1 seed, you guys would have done profiles and every coach and every player down the the ball boys. What these ladies have done is extraordinary and deserves more than token coverage. They’ve been the only team in the state worth watching for the last couple years and they deserve some attention as well. GO JACKETS
Old Gold Britches
March 23rd, 2012
11:42 am
Thanks Ken for the update. Keep up the good work.
1 4 GT
March 23rd, 2012
12:11 pm
Thanks 5150. I know he is bursting his britches with pride, joy and love. My best, sincerest wishes for the best life possible for them in all they do.
check out superdawg's girlfriend
March 23rd, 2012
12:14 pm
is there any wonder where she hides his ‘hashbrowns’?
http://failblog.org/2010/01/14/proper-hygiene-fail/
Jacket Dad
March 23rd, 2012
12:16 pm
Thanks for the article Ken – appreciate your coverage of GT. I really like Tevin and wish him the best in all he does. Seems to have a real head on his shoulders. QB competition should be strong and that’s how it should be.
Go Jackets!
hey thank god
March 23rd, 2012
12:18 pm
if you dont like hearing that than i suggest you switch to mark richt so you can hear how great uga is.
easy peasy.
dont like our coach than dont let the door hit you in the behind.
if tevin improves
March 23rd, 2012
12:19 pm
as much as he did from year one to year two we should be ok. but i do agree that we have even better athletes in the wings.
certainly cant discount experience.
1 4 GT
March 23rd, 2012
12:30 pm
To the Tevin Washington naysayers—he has earned the starting QB job thru hard work, dedication and perseverance. I readily admit he may not be the most athletic guy GT has at QB. The younger guys will push him and themselves to win the position in the spring and summer camps. I really think we will see TW start as the #1 QB at VaTech, but I won’t be surprised to see Vad Lee get playing time and Justin Thomas too. That 4.2 40 yd. time will be hard to keep off the field. But from a purely logical POV, I think we will be better served to start with a cool hand rather than a youngster in his 1st start in a game that will have a huge impact on the season with the 1st game jitters in more ways than one–his 1st start–the 1st game of the season–a big time game on national TV–the only game that night–a game with big ramifications for the season. I vote for Tevin to start unless 1 of the kids is lights out better, and I must trust the coaches to make the right call to give GT the best chance to win. Selah.
ok is we add the lady jackets to this
March 23rd, 2012
12:31 pm
discussion? they certainly deserve the print.
one thing i love is the way that cmj has Sasha Goodlett catch and shoot when she is near the basket is a work of art.
our men’s team and many other men’s teams for that matter could learn from that simple act. too often they will put the ball on the floor ant dribble when they need to take it straight to the hoop.
loved the triangle and 2 d also. that was a trade mark of bobby cremins. ahhh the memories.
sure seems like the girls are on the same track that our men’s team was back in the early to mid 80’s.
would love to see machelle in a cremins wig.
1 4 GT
March 23rd, 2012
12:43 pm
I should follow the girls better, but in all honesty, I don’t follow the boys too much either. I have just never been a real big fan of basketball. I fall in between a fair weather and a real fan. I sure did enjoy reading the article about Miss Goodlett though. It had to be hard as a young lady to be so much bigger than her peers. We could all learn from her mental and psychological growth.
GTfan2012
March 23rd, 2012
1:22 pm
Congrats to the lady jacket b-ball team, and I’ll certainly turn the game on if I happen to be at home, but football spring practice is certainly more important. Lots of good battles this spring such as at QB, B-Back, LB, and DL.
GT Rich
March 23rd, 2012
1:23 pm
Synjyn’s history of fumbling is a liability. Vad has never faced D1 competition & CPJ won’t risk giving him a try against the best defense in the ACC. Tevin will start on Labor Day.
Big Time Jacket Fan
March 23rd, 2012
1:33 pm
@Ken Sugiura
PLEASE DO AN INTERVIEW WITH Vad Lee and/or Synjyn Days, one with Jeff Greene would be nice too.
As for my thoughts on Ga Tech football: If the players are motivated and go out and execute, we are in for record breaking season, and a chance to win 11 games.
Gooooooo Jackets!
Big Time Jacket Fan
March 23rd, 2012
1:45 pm
Also Tevin seems like a great person, but we need the best passer out of our QBs to be the starter, to me it seems like that’s Vad or Synjyn, SYNJYN is a VERY UNDERRATED Passer, his throws against the mighty..
Uga defense, were incredible. Honestly, I am OK with either Vad, or Synjyn. But I really feel like Tevin was inconsistent. Like mostly against Miami, and UGA. His passes seemed very very bad, remember him throwing it to an “open” UGA linebacker.
But I wish the QBs the best of luck
GT Lee
March 23rd, 2012
1:52 pm
I don’t see the youngsters beating out Tevin, for the simple fact that the reads in this offense have to come so quickly. There is no substitute for experience. My guess is Tevin starts the opener, look for the rookies to get playing time against the “lesser” foes…..
Big Time Jacket Fan
March 23rd, 2012
2:04 pm
@GTLee,
You are right but Vad has been reasearching and I remember reading about him talking about speaking with Ricky Dobbs and learning about the Option. Vad also has the physical advantage over TW because he already is taller and stronger then Tevin. I think that if GA Tech loses to VT and Tevin does not have a good performence then we will definetly see Vad Lee getting many reps in the next game. BUT SOMETHING THAT EVERYONE IS FORGETTING: Synjyn is very talented and I am sure he is doing what he can do to actually atleast with that #2 Qb spot over Vad Lee. But we’ll see…
5150 UOAD
March 23rd, 2012
2:14 pm
check out superdawg’s girlfriend
That was a JUST NASTY photo.
5150 UOAD
March 23rd, 2012
2:22 pm
GT LEE can a person Legally wear the F… the NCAA T-shirt?