Breaking down Tech o-line
Greetings
A few spring practice notes, from an interview with offensive line coach Mike Sewak:
1. I’ve noted this before, but injuries have been a negative/positive this spring. Having Omoregie Uzzi and Will Jackson out has given players like Nick McRae and J.C. Lanier more reps than they would have gotten otherwise, but it has also forced coach Mike Sewak to shuffle players more than he probably would like.
Injuries to Lanier and Shaquille Mason in Saturday’s scrimmage left the line with seven of the 12 scholarship offensive linemen in the scrimmage.
2. Tackle Morgan Bailey, until an injury last week, was shaping up as one of the most improved players on the team. Bailey, a rising redshirt sophomore, has plus athletic ability but has had injury challenges since he arrived at Tech. He was putting things together this spring. Not sure if he’ll be able to come back this week.
“He seems to be enjoying the playing time and seems to be enjoying the camaraderie and seems to be enjoying the leadership role he’s taking in that meeting room now, because I can point to him and say, ‘That’s how it’s supposed to be done,’” Sewak said.
3. Bailey’s health could be a crucial factor this fall. Sewak wants three dependable players at that position; you’ll remember there was a three-tackle rotation last season. Tech has two returning starters in Ray Beno and Tyler Kidney, but after that are rising redshirt freshmen Bryan Chamberlain and Errin Joe, who haven’t made the progress Sewak was hoping for this spring. The loss of Phil Smith was not insignificant, obviously.
4. Guard is the most secure position as spring ends, with returning starters Uzzi and Jackson and rising sophomore Mason, who ended the season splitting snaps with Jackson and acquitting himself well. Trey Braun is coming on.
5. The project to make Catlin Alford a center continues. There were more center-quarterback exchange snafus on Saturday, although it’s hard to pin on one player or position. To a degree, it’s a function of different players at both positions rotating in and out.
McRae, you may remember, was the backup last season at center and started against Clemson in place of Jay Finch.
“I’d like to see [McRae] continue to develop there, too, but Catlin Alford is too good of an athlete not to be playing,” Sewak said.
Sewak wants a little more from Finch.
“I’ve been pleased with his effort at times,” he said. “Obviously, his off-the-field willingness to put the extra time, to understand it, I think has benefited him.”
6. The Tech defense is working on some different things, which has been a benefit to the offense when th e units have gone against each other.
“We are getting a bunch of twists and blitzes, which helps us,” Sewak said. “We are getting some even front (4-4), which helps us, too, because we see a lot of even front in the fall.”
Notably, Virginia Tech is one of the teams that typically plays an even front against Tech.
In case you missed it, a couple stories I wrote for the weekend, one on Tech’s internship program for its athletes and the notebook from Saturday’s scrimmage. Both are longer than the print version. Thanks for reading.
Ken Sugiura, Georgia Tech blog
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616 comments Add your comment
FL Jacket
April 16th, 2012
12:59 pm
HT…
People far more Conservative than me like to say “Freedom isn’t Free”…hence we have to put up with WnE
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
1:00 pm
@ HT……don’t we all? LOL
HighTech
April 16th, 2012
1:05 pm
Gollum becomes hysterical when confronted with his own words.
FL Jacket listed what I would call depth at the A-back postition, but somehow this is a failure of kung fu panda recruiting. Unbelievable.
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
1:05 pm
To show y’all how much worse it is for Tech fans in Augusta, one of the local TV stations had crews in Athens, Columbia, and Clemson Saturday for those three spring games. I sent a Facebook message to that station Saturday night asking if they were going to provide equivalent coverage for the Tech Spring game Friday. I just got a response from them apologizing for not having had any coverage of the Ga Southern Spring game, which I didn’t even mention in my post to them. The fact that they were apparently unable even to read what I sent them doesn’t give me much hope for coverage in Augusta of T-Night. Sadly, that doesn’t surprise me, since Tech gets virtually ZERO coverage here. To further indicate how bad it is here, Jason Morris, on the basketball team, is from Augusta, and not once have any of the local media given him any (ANY) coverage. SICKENING !!!!
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
1:07 pm
@ HT……I was amazed last week that gollum actually finally began addressing the Vad Lee issue. Of course, all he had was flimsy excuses, but even that was more than he has done in the past. So apparently our tireless badgering of the creep IS beginning to pay off.
HighTech
April 16th, 2012
1:10 pm
Supersize…please provide a link to the tv station’s Facebook page in case one or more of us want to post comments. They may want to rethink their plans for Friday night.
FL Jacket
April 16th, 2012
1:11 pm
Super…
Tech’s lack of media coverage is traced to one irrefutable truth…We don’t let everybody in
So a school that graduates people at a rate 3X greater than Tech, and because of the in-state/out-of-state mix at Tech…the rate who graduate AND stay in Georgia must be 8X greater or so (3X and I think Tech is 40% out-of-state).
What it means is that we don’t manufacture unusable degrees, but we limit our fanbase as a result.
HighTech
April 16th, 2012
1:16 pm
Supersize…I don’t know if we will ever hear the truth regarding Vad Lee. Gollum’s latest excuse is that he was a Twiiter noob and didn’t know what the @ symbol meant. Here’s what he had to say about it back in 2010…
Ol’ Wrecks aka WrecksNEffect
December 29th, 2010
8:59 pm
re:
Paul in RDU
December 29th, 2010
5:43 pm
_______________________-
Be honest with YOURSELF Paul-in-RDU:
If your Son was Vad Lee and was 6ft-2 coming out of HS and there was an “outside shot” that he could develop into a NFL Prospect at QB, WHICH School and HC would you want your OWN SON to play for; GT with CPJ’s Offense or NC State with O’Brien as the HC?
Would you HONESTLY want CPJ wasting your son’s shot at playing NFL QB while his arrogant ego tries to prove to the CFB World that “His System” will work at the BCS Level?
Be HONEST Paul, you KNOW that you wouldn’t let your SON play QB for CPJ, so why would you want to see Vad waste his shot at playing QB in the NFL, no matter how slim we “internet experts” think it is.
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
1:24 pm
@ HT……I would LOVE it if some of you guys sent messages to that TV station in Augusta. The FB link is http://www.facebook.com/wrdwtv
And they didn’t say they were not going to cover it; they completely ignored what I posted, addressing their lack of coverage of the GA Southern spring game, which I didn’t even make reference to. I sent them a nasty note back; it will be interesting to see their response to that. But, PLEASE, if you get the chance, send them one yourself, just reminding them that they covered the 3 other area BCS schools, so they should also cover Tech.
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
1:26 pm
@ HT…..yeah, I read all those flimsy excuses gollum made about being new to Twitter and not really sending anything to anybody—-he said he was just posting them for his own satisfaction, or whatever. They sure seemed to me to be directed directly at Vad and his family.
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
1:28 pm
@ HT…..maybe I should FB the TV station and tell them that I am going Friday night if they would like for me to cover it for them. I wonder what response I would get to that. LOL
HighTech
April 16th, 2012
1:33 pm
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
1:28 pm
@ HT…..maybe I should FB the TV station and tell them that I am going Friday night if they would like for me to cover it for them. I wonder what response I would get to that. LOL
———————————————-
They should take you up on it since you are going to be there anyway. I would give just about anything to see a broadcast end with, “Coverage of tonight’s game has been brought to you by Supersize that order, mutt.” lol.
Georgia DAWGS
April 16th, 2012
1:39 pm
For one reason or another the defense under this administration has under performed for one reason or another…. WHY???? He’s had two different coaches niether defense is worth a flip..
Tenuta defense was one of the toughest defens the dawgs faced all year…I got to give his credit. Thats saying alot comparing with an SEC scheduel. Now its oneof the softest defenses! Aside from this year we could do nothing with that TO,
Defense wins games sorry look how it improved for us… if you want to win the costal then do something about that porous defense!!
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
1:39 pm
LMAO @ HT !!!!!
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
1:40 pm
@ Georgia DAWGS, I think we ALL know that.
George Stein
April 16th, 2012
1:42 pm
Georgia DAWGS isn’t wrong. The defense has been problematic for a long time now, save a couple games a season where things go right (luck?). The Tenuta system was always high risk, high reward. The difference now is that we have an offense that could overcome the defense in the games where they sucked.
1 4 GT
April 16th, 2012
1:42 pm
Yester day I kicked a Georgie red neck in the butt!!
1 4 GT
April 16th, 2012
1:45 pm
I swear! Took 3 three to get my comment thru. How stupid!! Yest erday is day b/4 today! What offense? We’re smack in the middle of rendeck country!! AGAIN!! HOW STUPID!! GROW UP AJC!!
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
1:46 pm
1 4 GT, you should have “smacked him in the MUOTH” too…..LOL
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
1:47 pm
@HT,
While we’re on the subject of Gollum and his “tweets”, what is his excuse for the name-calling he laid on YOU? He specifically called you out for whatever reason…..
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
1:47 pm
And let’s not forget the “pancack eaten” contest that superDawg mentioned, whatever the hell that was all about.
Tokyo jacket
April 16th, 2012
1:49 pm
Reasons for optimism heading into the season:
1. More seasoned 2-deep offensive line, plus a decent recruiting class
2. More mature team overall means improved strength and understanding of system.
3. An entire defense with 3 years in the system.
4. VT first game of the year (many analysts agree that this is pro-GT because defending the option is hard enough when you’re in mid-season form, much less right out of the chute)
Frankly, I can’t understand the doom and gloom of many people on this blog. We were LITERALLY three plays away from 11-2 last year (helmet punch, holding on a 60 yd TD at UVA, and a miffed punt return inside the 5). I think the more experienced team on the field this year can avoid those mistakes and produce more wins. Also, if we can make it out of September in good shape, the schedule lines up nicely.
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
1:49 pm
@ GT Lee, I’m sure he would say that he is new to the blogs and didn’t mean for that to go anywhere and didn’t think that it would. That was just him posting for his own enjoyment……just like those endless Tweets to Vad Lee. Yeah, riiiiighhhhhtttt!!!
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
1:50 pm
and speaking of Gollum, the king of name-calling (Kung-Fu Panda, Boot-licking Toadies, etc) notice how he whined the other day about us calling him Gollum and other assorted troll-related names?!!!!!
I say we keep ignoring his drivel and continue to hammer him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 4 GT
April 16th, 2012
1:52 pm
LOL SS!!
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
1:52 pm
oh? I guess I missed his post complaining about us calling him names. I agree though. Make him hate us as much as we hate him.
FL Jacket
April 16th, 2012
1:54 pm
4. VT first game of the year (many analysts agree that this is pro-GT because defending the option is hard enough when you’re in mid-season form, much less right out of the chute)”
Tokyo…
I also think this is a benefit seeing them earlier int he year. VT has to replace David Wilson, Danny Coale, and will have an more inexperienced team this year compared to 2011. Our offense wasn’t the problem last year against VT…although in the 4th quarter our pass protection decided to take a quarter off and Tevin couldn’t find the open receiver on the blitz.
Our defense didn’t have to let them score 37 though…
HighTech
April 16th, 2012
1:56 pm
Gollum becomes hysterical and flies into a rage anytime I post HIS WORDS. Gollum is an ELITE NUTJOB.
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
1:57 pm
GT Lee, did you get the “group email” I sent out? I included word-for-word your request. I hope if 48 can’t go that you get another offer for a ride. I have only received two responses so far, and neither are able to go.
1 4 GT
April 16th, 2012
2:03 pm
Agree with TJ!! This year could be very good. IF (the biggest word in the English language)!! Hope springs eternal! Guys–decent play by the defensive front with occasional critical 3rd down stops–improved passing, not record setting, just more consistent,–improved special teams play–this team can be pretty dam good. I am optimistic!! gooo awaayyy gollllluuummmm GOOOOOOOOOO JACKETS GOOOO S HILL THWGeorgie
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
2:09 pm
Super, Got the email…if 48 doesn’t go I may go anyway, sprayed the belt with No Squeal and it calmed down a lot…..
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
2:12 pm
@ Lee……great. Are you interested in joining us in getting something to eat, or can you not get there that early?
nodrug testing at techie
April 16th, 2012
2:16 pm
would one of the great minds at this techie blog explain to me how techie spends more money on football recruiting than Georgia and get the results it does and could one of the techie people explain why they dont have a drug testing policy as I saw that they were not listed as doing so. I know that thier thinking is if you dont test you dont have anyone to fail and do not have to suppend anyone I bet half of the football and basketball player are on drugs.
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
2:18 pm
and I’ll take that bet. Hope you have plenty of money, because you’re going to lose a helluva lot.
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
2:20 pm
Supersize, here is part of Gollum/WeeniE’s whining about namecalling…It was on the blog about Stephen Hill being invited to NY for the draft….
It seems that GT fans like you and me that want to talk CFB & analyze GT FB are in the minority and the majority would rather name-call and attack rather than seriously answer tough questions that are directed at CPJ’s decision making & use of talent
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
2:22 pm
@drug testing,
So do you have concrete facts to support your babbling or are you just talking out of your ass for the hell of it?
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
2:22 pm
@ Lee, and then he turns around and calls HT every name in the book. What a hypocrite!!!!
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
2:23 pm
@ drug testing……I’d like to know how Tech spends more money recruiting also. Again, give us facts, bubba.
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
2:25 pm
oh, wait, maybe the Georgia legislature (hence Georgia tax payers) pay for UGA’s recruiting, thus resulting in Tech spending more. After all it was the legislature 40 years ago who funded the building of the basketball barn in Athens, at taxpayer expense. I doubt anything has changed.
1 4 GT
April 16th, 2012
2:26 pm
Awwww, he’s jist a pore butt sniffer…..he cain’t he’p it.
George Stein
April 16th, 2012
2:29 pm
I’d be curious to know where no drug testing got his facts. The more likely answer is he does not have any facts and is simply trolling.
http://www.aolnews.com/2010/12/20/fanhouse-report-bcs-football-program-drug-policies-revealed/
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
2:29 pm
LOL @ 1 4…..also Super, when you got Gollum on the athletes not taking Calculus argument, I believe he called you an “effing douchebag”…..
Gollum, the King of Name-calling
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
2:31 pm
Lee, I think it was effin’ douchebag……LOL
George Stein
April 16th, 2012
2:32 pm
You didn’t catch him on anything, SS. It was minutiae!
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
2:32 pm
now that’s just SEMANTICS, Super….
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
2:33 pm
1 2 3 tag you’re IT George
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
2:35 pm
@ George, and in that link you posted, it clearly says for Tech —
Georgia Tech: (1) none; (2) 10 percent of games; (3) one year; (4) dismissal.
True, that’s not as tough as the policy at UGA, but maybe there’s a good reason for that. Regardless, Tech meets the standard, and that contradicts what “drug testing” said.
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
2:36 pm
semantic….minutiae….truth….Gollum doesn’t know the difference or care. As long as he has his precioussssss and his lottery ticket, all is good.
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
2:37 pm
semantics, not semantic
1 4 GT
April 16th, 2012
2:38 pm
Just imagine how his mind must work to try & downplay the article about the GT system preparing S Hill for the NFL. Calling it a “fluff piece”, even though Dled quoted NFL people. He should be one hell of a defense attorney.