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
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
5:49 pm
I too prefer white gravy on country fried steak. Anyone else like Folks (formerly Po Folks)? Fried green tomatoes……mmmmmmmmm good
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
5:50 pm
yeah, Lee, Folks is awesome. LOVE IT !!!!
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
5:52 pm
Super that was TOO funny (Gollum, rear, dwagfan)
WnE
April 16th, 2012
5:53 pm
re:
@ WnE, I wanted Tenuta gone long before Johnson was ever hired. He had all the personality of a cardboard box, and his defenses were totally unmotivated and undisciplined. Did UVA have one of those first-round draft picks at QB? HELL, NO, and yet he still managed to lose the majority of the games Tech played against the Cavaliers while he was at Tech.
____________
You’re way off SS.
Tenuta got no help from our offense, too many 3-and-outs (Chan’s fault), and as far as having the personality of a cardboard box, our current HC is the same way and he’s called a “no nonsense guy”, and a “straight shooter” to explain his personality and his horrible recruiting.
With Tenuta dry personality is bad, but with CPJ dry personality is a good thing.
When fans like you are able to fairly assess and talk about our HC, only then will you have any credibility.
He’s a $2.5 million HC at a school with a small Athl. Budget and yet no one wants to hold him accountable for our passing game, defense or STs or Recruiting.
He’s a HEAD COACH, not a glorified OC!
And we wouldn’t have a new STs coach unless our 2nd OL Coach got caught committing NCAA violations and had to be fired, so don’t act as if CPJ is “evolving” and adapting to being at the BCS level.
Had that OL coach not gotten fired CPJ would NOT have made the tough decision to fire someone and then bring in a STs coach, that’s the reality that GT fans like refuse to recognize.
BLT
April 16th, 2012
5:54 pm
Gollum likes raw fish straight off the bone.
Super, If I go it will be for the game and not all of the hoopla. I would a have a nephew or two with me. I won’t make the get together.
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
5:56 pm
WnE, do you ever have anything nice to say? I hope you are having a nice day and all is well with you and yours. It’s really not hard. We all know you hate CPJ and CAG and the offense, defense, special teams, recruiting, etc. The reality is if CPJ does not succeed Tech will find a new coach. Regardless of your opinions Tech will still field a team this year and years to come. You should try and be a little positive once in a while. Blessings to you and may you find some peace.
GOLD PANTS
April 16th, 2012
5:57 pm
Although this has a lot to do with nothing, I’ll Join in. How bout Country fried steak with white gravy, turnip greens with pepper sauce, fried yellow squash, and corn bread. Thank God I’m a country boy (John Denver.) !!
WnE
April 16th, 2012
5:58 pm
re:
@ WnE, I wanted Tenuta gone long before Johnson was ever hired. He had all the personality of a cardboard box, and his defenses were totally unmotivated and undisciplined. Did UVA have one of those first-round draft picks at QB? HELL, NO, and yet he still managed to lose the majority of the games Tech played against the Cavaliers while he was at Tech.
______________
SS:
No Uva didn’t have a 1st round NFL guy at QB, but they did have a 3rd NFL guy at QB, a guy named Matt Schaub.
Maybe you’ve heard of him!
Now imagine what a Matt Schaub would do against GT teams with the DCs that CPJ has hired?
BLT
April 16th, 2012
5:58 pm
Wrexie, the guy got fired for texting a recruit. Does that ring a bell? The difference is he was not stalking him like you did.
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
5:58 pm
where’s your favorite Southern eatery or BBQ joint Gold Pants?
BLT
April 16th, 2012
6:03 pm
I’d imagine he’d do good against just about any of the teams he faced WnE. What a stretch. You really like to create a story line and run with it.
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
6:05 pm
WnE go tie a couple of pork chops around your neck-maybe then the dog will play with you
WnE
April 16th, 2012
6:05 pm
re:
BLT
Wrexie, the guy got fired for texting a recruit. Does that ring a bell? The difference is he was not stalking him like you did.
_____________
Please share with us WHY CPJ would hire a cheating, rouge asst. coach that cannot follow NCAA rules?
Shouldn’t a $2.5 million HC be able to choose his staff more wisely?
George Stein
April 16th, 2012
6:08 pm
But we had a pro-style offense under Gailey!!! I thought that was the silver bullet!
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
6:08 pm
troll hard, Gollum
GOLD PANTS
April 16th, 2012
6:08 pm
A place called Carol’s on Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw is my favorite. John Boys on Canton highway Marietta district is good too. Thanks for assking GT Lee.
George Stein
April 16th, 2012
6:09 pm
I’m shocked I haven’t seen any love for Fat Matt’s here.
GOLD PANTS
April 16th, 2012
6:09 pm
That’s asking not assking.
superDawg
April 16th, 2012
6:09 pm
All PUFFED UP!
George Stein
April 16th, 2012
6:10 pm
Johnson’s teams have beaten teams quarterbacked by T.J. Yates, Tyrod Taylor, Mike Glennon (who will get drafted in the future), and Christian Ponder.
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
6:11 pm
WnE, please share with us why Arkansas would hire a coach who QUIT on his previous team without even giving them notice, and apparently couldn’t keep his pants on. Please with us why UGA would hire an AD who couldn’t keep his pants on. Please share with us why UGA keeps winning the Fulmer Cup when the have such an outstanding man for HC (and he IS an outstanding man—not putting him down). Shouldn’t multi-million dollar programs be able to choose recruits, coaches, and AD’s more wisely????
George Stein
April 16th, 2012
6:12 pm
“Please share with us WHY CPJ would hire a cheating, rouge asst. coach that cannot follow NCAA rules?”
Because he wasn’t a rule breaker when he was hired, WnE. Unless you have evidence to the contrary, I suggest you move along.
GOLD PANTS
April 16th, 2012
6:13 pm
Guess some of us have not eaten dinner yet. I am starving. My wife says it will not be ready until 6:30. Sigh.
BLT
April 16th, 2012
6:13 pm
OK Wrexie, CPJ posted the position in a few major newspapers across the US. Requirements: Cheating, ability to be a rogue and willingness to not follow NCAA rules. How’s that work for you? It should fit your narrative. It’s completely untrue but that’s never stopped you before.
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
6:13 pm
WnE has more holes in his arguments than a wedge of swiss cheese
1 4 GT
April 16th, 2012
6:14 pm
BLT….I don’t know if SS has left already and am not answering for him, but he told me he was including his cell number so everyone could hook up at BDS and maybe sit together. You might check with him on that.
George Stein
April 16th, 2012
6:15 pm
That’s par for the course, SS.
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
6:16 pm
WnE, did you like O’Leary? His personality and that of CPJ are VERY VERY SIMILAR—-both outspoken, often brash, and total turnoffs to UGA fans like you. It’s no wonder you don’t like CPJ, because he calls it like it is.. Tenuta had NO personality AT ALL; the man was a total bore. I hope you notice that Notre Dame didn’t keep him around for long.
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
6:16 pm
Gold Pants I work in Kennesaw, haven’t been to Carol’s, where is it? Been to John Boys, pretty good. I’ve heard Fatt Matt’s Rib Shack is pretty good, George; I’ve never been there
George Stein
April 16th, 2012
6:17 pm
I don’t think Tenuta wanted to stay here. Even if Johnson had offered the chance to do, he would not have.
If I’m wrong on this, provide proof.
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
6:18 pm
Lee, I am back, but only for a second. Yes, I am giving my cell phone number for guys to contact me Friday night if they want to meet. And BLT, other than possibly eating dinner, there is no get-together. We just hopefully will all sit together or at least in the same area of the stadium. No problem with you having your nephews with you, unless you think we might embarrass you. LOL
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
6:19 pm
That last post of WeeniE’s makes me think he’s just lonely and wants someone to talk to. Again, weenie (Gollum) go tie some pork chops around your neck-the dog will play with you then
1 4 GT
April 16th, 2012
6:19 pm
GOLD PANTS—ever been to Donny’s on Wade Green in Kennesaw? Whole deep fried catfish last Friday–collard greens & pinto greens, YYUUUMMMMM!
Supersize that order, mutt
April 16th, 2012
6:19 pm
I’m gone now. Lee, you can be my correspondence secretary until about 9PM. LOL
George Stein
April 16th, 2012
6:20 pm
Johnson has also beaten a team quarterbacked by Matt Stafford.
Ghost
April 16th, 2012
6:20 pm
Fl jacket are you serious, your going to compare the tech dlines recruited by gailey to whats there now?
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
6:21 pm
Did anyone ever eat at the Rio Vista in Forest Park when it was open? all you can eat fried catfish and fried chicken….mmmmmmmmmmmmm
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
6:22 pm
Ghost you like BBQ? what’s your fave place to eat????
BLT
April 16th, 2012
6:24 pm
Does not fit the story line George.
1 4 GT “pinto greens” LOL. I know what you mean.
WnE
April 16th, 2012
6:25 pm
re:
Johnson’s teams have beaten teams quarterbacked by T.J. Yates, Tyrod Taylor, Mike Glennon (who will get drafted in the future), and Christian Ponder.
_______________
I know you love being argumentative Mr. Stein, but the ACC has gotten much weaker since CPJ was hired and UGA has been much weaker since CPJ was hired, CPJ has been very lucky as GT’s HC and he still went only 14-12 the last 2 years.
CPJ has faced much weaker opposition than previous GT HCs and he still hasn’t really capitalized on it like he should have.
Ghost
April 16th, 2012
6:26 pm
GT Lee love bbq , In North Atlanta Pig n Chik , do you know a good bbq restaurant?and the Rio Vista was to die for.
1 4 GT
April 16th, 2012
6:26 pm
GT Lee yeah Rio Vista was really good. My ex & I would pig out there at least once a month on US41 in Marietta. All you could eat–catfish–fries–salad–hushpuppies–yeah buddy.
George Stein
April 16th, 2012
6:27 pm
“I know you love being argumentative Mr. Stein, but the ACC has gotten much weaker since CPJ was hired and UGA has been much weaker since CPJ was hired, CPJ has been very lucky as GT’s HC and he still went only 14-12 the last 2 years.
CPJ has faced much weaker opposition than previous GT HCs and he still hasn’t really capitalized on it like he should have.”
I don’t like being argumentative; I like being factual, and I think that makes you uncomfortable because much of what you say can’t be substantiated. For example, you offer no proof of your statement above. Offer some, then I’ll listen.
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
6:28 pm
Ghost I like Southern Pit in Hampton and JD’s in Woodstock, and BBQ Kitchen in Hapeville
Ghost
April 16th, 2012
6:29 pm
Super, Georgia hasn’t come close to winning multiple Fulmer cups. Only 1 resides in Athens.
1 4 GT
April 16th, 2012
6:29 pm
Poor Gollum not gettin’ any tonight?? He keeps trying to insert his 2cents worth, but he doesn’t realize he’s off subject. Sleep typing????
GOLD PANTS
April 16th, 2012
6:30 pm
@GT Lee …. Carol’s is located at intersection of Bell’s Ferry Rd. and Barrett Parkway in an old & dying strip shopping center. It could be called a greasy spoon but I love it. Thanks.
George Stein
April 16th, 2012
6:31 pm
The entire concept of the Fulmer Cup, while humorous, means nothing. I mean, who really cares if football players are smoking weed or getting parking tickets. As long as they don’t get behind the wheel when they’re high or drunk, I just don’t care.
GT Lee
April 16th, 2012
6:31 pm
Thanks Gold Pants, I’ll have to try it sometime…..where are YOU located?
1 4 GT
April 16th, 2012
6:32 pm
I’ll show my ignorance and ask. What the dingdong is the Fulmer Cup?