Pain-free, Tech’s Orwin Smith setting bar high
Notes from interviews this week. Camp opens next Friday.
1. Orwin Smith said he will always feel lingering effects of his toe injury, but it matters little to him as his final season at Georgia Tech nears.
“I feel like I’m good to go, 100 percent,” said Smith, an A-back. “I don’t feel any pain. … [The injury] will always be there, but it’s definitely easier to do some quickness and planting things.”
Smith suffered the turf-toe injury early in last season’s loss to Virginia Tech. He played with diminished effectiveness for the remainder of the season. He had surgery in January and missed spring practice.
On top of a summer internship in the accounting department of a local beverage distributor, Smith has attacked summer workouts. On top of participating in team workouts, he has taken yoga and trained on his own, exercising with a resistance vest and also running and jumping in a pool.
“I’m the type of guy, I feel like I can’t get fast enough,” he said. “I want to be able to hold my speed for a longer period of time.”
Last season, he had 12 offensive plays of 20 yards or longer, including a school-record 95-yard touchdown run against Kansas.
“Starting last year, I put in a good amount of time of just individual workouts, and I feel like it paid off,” Smith said. “This whole summer, I’ve been trying to do that plus more.”
He offered a whopper of an individual goal — to lead the country in all-purpose yardage. A year ago, he finished 85th in the country at 106.1 per game. The leader averaged 198.0. At the least, he likely would need to be more involved on kick returns.
Said Smith, “It’s a nice goal I feel I can reach.”
2. Quarterback Synjyn Days hopes to win the starting job over Tevin Washington, but he also has worked at A-back, B-back and wide receiver in the team’s 7-on-7 passing scrimmages. He said he has been meeting with A-backs coach Lamar Owens to go over that position.
At ACC media days in Greensboro, N.C., this past week, coach Paul Johnson said that if Days “doesn’t beat out Tevin in the first two weeks of fall camp, I don’t want him standing over there in a baseball cap [as the backup].”
Johnson wants to get Days’ powerful running style on the field, at quarterback or elsewhere. Quarterback is Days’ preference, but he’s open to being moved around.
“To be able to switch positions and be able to make plays on the field is kind of the way I was raised,” he said.
3. While he’ll use a rotation at A-back, Johnson said in Greensboro that he hasn’t determined who will start opposite Smith at A-back and that it could be “one of two or three guys” and that “the guy that blocks the best will be the one that plays.”
That could be an opening for Robbie Godhigh, a former walk-on who had a strong spring practice and for whom blocking is a strength. Godhigh said a starting job is a goal.
“I take that as an opportunity for me to make a name for myself and become the starter,” he said. “Blocking will get you chances to run.”
Deon Hill, B.J. Bostic, Broderick Snoddy and Tony Zenon are other possibilities.
4. Cornerback Louis Young and safety Isaiah Johnson fell over themselves in praise of safety Fred Holton, who is in position to start after missing last season with a torn Achilles tendon.
“Fred’s like the backbone that we didn’t have last year,” Young said. “He’s going to bring that extra muscle that we need to really get the job done.”
Said Johnson, “He can cover as good as anybody. I just can’t wait to see what he can do.”
5. At the team’s strength-and-conditioning testing, cornerback Rod Sweeting recorded a 40-inch vertical leap, a five-inch improvement from last summer. Sweeting said he figured to reach 36 or 37 inches, but then jumped 38 inches on his first attempt and hit 40 on the next.
“The new strength-and-conditioning coach, he’s the best,” Sweeting said of John Sisk. “The whole team got better working out-wise.”
6. Tech players will report for preseason practice Thursday and participate in their first practice Friday. The Jackets will hold Fan Day at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday. Festivities will begin at 3 p.m. on Callaway Plaza. Autograph signing and photo opportunities will start at 4 p.m.
Thanks for reading.
Ken Sugiura, Georgia Tech blog
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270 comments Add your comment
GT Mike
July 28th, 2012
10:30 pm
Good piece
Tech dropout
July 28th, 2012
10:42 pm
I have never seen WhinE say a single thing complimentary about the current Jackets, ever. So after 3402 posts with never a positive thing to say, it just goes to show you that he is just a troll.
Some of you people are taking the troll bait, hook, line, and sinker.
Tech dropout
July 28th, 2012
10:46 pm
Dawgs, Tech is what it is and the Dwags are what they are.
Tech is the underdog that is predicted to lose more than it wins every season but somehow wins more than it loses usually.
Dwags is the team with the silver spoon in its mouth with all the talent and preseason top 5 picks, yet somehow always finds players arrested, kicked off the team, and still can’t go undefeated with their easy schedule.
Supersize that order, mutt
July 28th, 2012
11:03 pm
@ Dwags……why don’t you talk to us about the GLARING problem you have on the O-line? Why don’t you talk to us about that chump you have as D-coach? You THINK he’s so great, but I’d be willing to be that you run him out of town before it’s all done. And you’ll be as happy to be rid of him as we are to be rid of Tenuta.
BLT
July 28th, 2012
11:04 pm
“filters are acting very sensitive again…………”
NO. that’s you “again”, go back and tell the dwags they are the bestest…
BLT
July 28th, 2012
11:13 pm
“But I will cut through all the BS “coach-speak” that deludes many of our fans from accurately assessing our FB program.”
Thanks for cutting the BS…Wrexie. You are invaluable. Do you cut other fecal matter? How about saving your post for the friggin’ dog blog. They have some dog BS that needs cutting. CMR said some serious BS the other day then back off his original BS. Go to the dogster blog and pontificate.
BLT
July 28th, 2012
11:17 pm
“Your program has GLARING problems that seem almost unfixable!! 7-5 at best this season !!”
We shall see soon enough. (laughing and pointing!) Good luck against Mizzou you miserable tool. What’s going to be the excuse this time dwag?
Supersize that order, mutt
July 28th, 2012
11:19 pm
BLT……I guess you noticed that he never responded when I challenged him to say something good about Tech, after he denied saying that there was nothing good about the team. I think his silence speaks for itself
Randy from Macon
July 28th, 2012
11:25 pm
Tech is going to have a great year. We are going to surprise some people. The offense is going to be much better and the defense will be much improved. I predict a win at VTech and anything goes from there. I think Tevin is going to get the job done for us, and our linebackers and secondary will absolutely kill some people. Go Jackets!
Long Beach Jacket
July 28th, 2012
11:30 pm
Glad the “Big O” (Orwin Smith) is back ready to go. Great that he has set a lofty goal for the season.
I’m on record (and will stand by it) that we’re headed for a 10-2 mark this year. September will be crucial. Last season, — first 4 games were against “lesser” opponents (WCU, a weak Kansas, MTSU, and UNC under an “interim” regime – although still a solid team). This year 3 of the first 4 are against teams that beat us last year in our stretch run: VT, UVA, Miami. This team is absolutely capable fo getting a W in Blacksburg on 9/3. Hopefully they convert the capable into the actual. (I like our chances). It’s always asking a lot for any team to start 4-0. If we can, with wins over the first 3 conf opponents, I’d say our chances of winning the Coastal are 80%+. If we start 3-1 (assuming we take 2 of 3 in conference) our chances are still 50/50 depending on what other teams do. Lose 2 of first 3 in conf (under any circumstance) and our chances in the Division are pretty slim. I’m setting the “over/under” at 3-1 in September. We’ll see…. GO JACKETS!
BLT
July 29th, 2012
12:21 am
Yes Super, you don’t read the dog blog but I do. His post on those blogs are always glowing. The are the best team in CFB but he comes on here and bloviates. I wish he woud just admit his allegiance. There’s really nothing wrong with that. I actually hope the dogs do well, but my allegiance is to Tech. I don’t try to hide my opinion. I wish he would just admit that he is a bulldog. His original post is very “telling” about his opinions and allegiance.
I know we should ignore the dog trolls and “they’ll go away”. I have yet to see that happen. The opposite is what happens, it becomes a hate GT blog. Anyway, I’m really excited about this season. I think we will have a great season. Big victories and some pay back plus (if things work out) an ACC Championship and Bowl win. GO JACKET!!!
BLT
July 29th, 2012
12:24 am
Sorry..GO JACKETS!!! Good night and God Bless!
Supersize that order, mutt
July 29th, 2012
12:48 am
@ BLT……I’m with you 100%. I’m outta here now. If you’re still here, have a good night. GO JACKETS !!!!
HighTech
July 29th, 2012
7:09 am
“If-Then” Methodology in the Triple-Option Offense
http://www.gridironnotes.com/2012/07/if-then-methodology-in-triple-option.html
Reality
July 29th, 2012
7:32 am
Although Washington is the starter at QB, I hope to see Vad Lee on the field this year. This team should belong to him after Washington leaves.
After losses to Missou and USC, the Dwags will be singing the all-familiar song of “fire Richt”.
Supersize that order, mutt
July 29th, 2012
7:49 am
@ HT……thanks for posting that link. It shows the absolutely necessary analytical approach that MUST be taken by any coach using the TO offense. I doubt very much that any other offense being used requires that much coaching and decision making by the QB.
ToeMeetsLeather
July 29th, 2012
7:59 am
Reality, don’t count Thomas out for next year. With a full fall under his belt and probably running the scout team this year, the spring and next fall should be a big time battle for that spot next year. Either way, I think this offense finally reaches it’s full potential with either one of these four-star athletes. It’s huming along pretty good with a two-star(Rivals) right now.
Hope Big-O (Orwin) is able to stay healthy this year. We sure did drop off last year after we lost his big play potential. Would love to see a two player rotation of Smith and Days at this A-Back spot this year(talk about some gased LB’s on the other side of the LOS).
Looking forward to seeing Holton’s blind side hit on Logan Thomas about 9:45 on 9/3.
Beat UGA
July 29th, 2012
8:12 am
The best revenge of all is to beat ugag this year, that is the cake. The icing on the cake is for all techies to fire all uga fans on their payroll, yes I know the trash will pile up without the janitors, but we all must make sacrifices.
Dawgs
July 29th, 2012
9:57 am
Beat UGA the whole Idea here is to speak fact and not trash talk…
Yes we have issues, but the are not GLARING issues… We will win the east this year still
Our schedule from an SEC stand point is easy. Of course if Tech played our schedule it would be tough for them. Again speaking relitive.
Tech does not have the horses upfront to win the coastal. Until Johnson learns to recruit.
Jan Kemp
July 29th, 2012
10:04 am
Is it just me, or do the majority of the Georgia fan posters on this website write like they slept through most of their English classes at Elbert County High School?
BLT
July 29th, 2012
10:08 am
It’s not just you Jan Kemp.
Dawgs
July 29th, 2012
10:33 am
Hey were talking sports…. Don’t get on the field and start talking Hisenburges uncertainty principal. Or Erin Schrodigers Wave Equations do we??
No this is sports!!!
BIrmingham Jacket
July 29th, 2012
10:37 am
A competition at QB between Days and Washington doesn’t portend success.
Until this regime focuses its efforts on signing better football players get (even more) accustomed to losing to UGA.
And the way Swinney is recruiting at Clemson, we will be their step-child.
Paul Johnson just aint getting it done in February.
HighTech
July 29th, 2012
10:57 am
It’s Heisenberg and Erwin Schrodinger.
HighTech
July 29th, 2012
10:59 am
Our offense will eat Clemson’s lunch because the Tigers’ D is undisciplined.
http://www.orangeandwhite.com/news/2012/jul/27/brent-venables-ready-tackle-multiple-challenges-ac/
5150 UOAD
July 29th, 2012
11:02 am
Clem&sons has added a lot of speed the last few years but Tech has been able to Win games.
5150 UOAD
July 29th, 2012
11:18 am
Clen&sons D: 11 players on Venables’ defensive two-deep are either freshmen or sophomores. Sophomores are expected to start at three of four defensive line spots, middle linebacker and a cornerback spot.
5150 UOAD
July 29th, 2012
11:21 am
The VPI game will be interesting.
Our D against a young VPI O
Our O with new WR’s against a good VPI D.
“I think we have the ability to be good on offense,” Beamer said this week at Atlantic Coast Conference media days, where Tech was picked to win the Coastal Division.
Still, Beamer said the Hokies’ game plan for success will focus on lots of defense, some good special teams play and whatever offense star quarterback Logan Thomas and company can muster.
“I think if you’re solid on defense, that’s a great start,” Beamer said. “If you kick the ball well, that takes you up one notch. I think on offense, where we are this year, if you come along and take advantage of opportunities, you certainly can win football games that way.”
5150 UOAD
July 29th, 2012
11:33 am
Olympic Basketball is not that great. Maybe when we get to the medal rounds.
HighTech
July 29th, 2012
11:33 am
“I think if you’re solid on defense, that’s a great start,” Beamer said. “If you kick the ball well, that takes you up one notch. I think on offense, where we are this year, if you come along and take advantage of opportunities, you certainly can win football games that way.”
—————————————–
This applies to us as well. Hope to see an improved Yellow Jacket D this year. Also hope to see the payoff from a special teams coach.
Supersize that order, mutt
July 29th, 2012
12:17 pm
@Dwags……you say you don’t come here to trash talk, and then you do it your self: “Of course if Tech played our schedule it would be tough for them”
That is nothing but conjecture and trash talk on your part. The fact is that the dwag schedule is probably the weakest in the SEC, and the only team you play that is, without a doubt, any better than the best teams on Tech’s schedule is USC, who will probably beat the dwags AGAIN, but lose the SEC east because they actually play somebody.
Supersize that order, mutt
July 29th, 2012
12:25 pm
@ Birmingham……I said it a couple of days ago, and I will say it again—-you are being awfully naive if you think Johnson isn’t trying to recruit. In fact, he has done quite well the past two years, and the future looks great on both sides of the ball. Could we do better? Of course, but only a few schools nationwide would not be able to say that. If we are not getting the recruits that YOU think we should be getting, I can guarantee you it’s not because CPJ isn’t trying to get them. Recruiting is often nothing more than a crap shoot, and a lot of luck is involved. Whether Tech academics are a legitimate reason for not getting the best is up for debate, but other schools definitely use academics as a tool in recruiting against us. UGA has used the “you couldn’t handle the Tech curriculum as easily as our” argument in recruiting since the beginning of time, so to speak. Bama used it for years when we were still in the SEC, and I’m sure other schools besides UGA still use that argument. Don’t come on these blogs saying that CPJ doesn’t try or can’t recruit; he’s doing his damn well best to get the best. Sometimes he gets them, sometimes he doesn’t; it is what it is. Remember 30 years ago while at Florida, Spurrier “complained” that UGA gets all the top talent, but he followed that up with the question, “but what do they do with it?” I trust CPJ to do the best with what he gets and to keep trying to get more and better athletes on the team.
Dawgs
July 29th, 2012
12:35 pm
OK Supersizer,
I did not intend for it to be a cut down…. Heck who knows if yall played our schedule you might indeed win the following.
Tennessee “they are really scared of NCST”
Vandy? could be close…Vandy gets more talent than you do because of James franklin
Florida?? If UF is as bad as last year Tech beats them… if they played up to their potential they even beat us..
Mizzu?? Give it to tech
Auburn?? Hmm dunno Clemson beat them
USC? Forget it..we will not beat them..
Kentucky? Beatable but they have the same talent as you guys…
Honestly yall would most likely have the same record with our scheduel as with your own really… I would say about the same record….7-5… maybe 8-4 if your lucky…
Again just stating facts you know if we had your schedule we would go 13 and 0 who is there to beat us?? Clemson???would you put Dabo up against Richt? VT?? Would you put VT young Offense up against our defense?
AC champ game… would you stack Dumbo Fisher against Richt?
We would go 13 and 0 and get Killed in the bowl against Alabama..
this aint no trash talk its just fact….
Dawgs
July 29th, 2012
12:39 pm
Oh lets talk Paul Johnson,
If he and his staff were instantly at UGA I’d say we would win the National Champion ship the first two years back to back… then after Rict’s players were gone we would drift down to the mediocrity of about 7-5 or 6-6 depending on our rotation of the SEC schedule..
5150 UOAD
July 29th, 2012
1:02 pm
Dabo against Richt isn’t the match up
Venables v Bobo……………Venables
Grantham v Morris…………..Morris cause of the Clemson speed. But could be Grantham If players are not suspended.
GT fan
July 29th, 2012
1:05 pm
13-0 is FACT to you, Mr Dawgs, only b/c you are a UGA fan and an SEC homer.
In reality, you are just another DDF (delusional dawg fan).
BIrmingham Jacket
July 29th, 2012
1:06 pm
@Supersize
I suspect you’re too young to remember coaches called Bobby Ross and George O’Leary.
But they used to actually pull talent in the state away from The University of Georgia. And not surprising, they used to beat UGA. It used to be a “rivalry”, because the talent was close— still UGA had a slight advantage, but it was close.
I suspect you’ve never played competitive sports…. Or have never been in a game, when you realize you have no chance, because the competition is just bigger, stronger and faster.
I don’t know if he’s trying or not.. I just know Paul Johnson isn’t getting it done in February. And we could pay someone else his $7 figures to get it done.
GT fan
July 29th, 2012
1:15 pm
DDF, Dawgs …..
UGA’s D in 2011 was a case of smoke & mirrors. Yeah, statistically, they looked really good. That’s b/c the schedule was so weak! The four constistently good teams they played (Boise, USC, LSU, Mich St) all put over 30 pts on the board. UGA was 0-4 vs. the only CONSISTENTLY good teams it played in 2011. The Dawgs’ best wins were Auburn & GT … teams that both went 8-5, and were inconsistenty good in 2011. So, UGA beat a college team that really was good in 2011, and a high school team, as so many of you refer to GT as. Nice work coach Grantham!
2012 will be the same for UGA … at this point it appears that their schedule is actually WEAKER than 2011. Unless Ole Miss, Vandy, UK, UT or UF drastically improve. Then there’s Mizzou replacing Boise. Are you aware that UT had its worst SEC season EVER in 2011? And that UF hadn’t been as bad as 2011 in 40-50 yrs?
Who knows, 2012 could be like 1980 for UGA. A team, in the 1980 Dawgs, that Sports Illustrated once highlighted as the worst team to ever win a NC.
Here’s a real FACT for you Dawgs ….. UGA will not be as good as their record says they are (see my pt about weak schedule).
Dawgs
July 29th, 2012
1:18 pm
I fear both Bobby Ross and George Oleary now!!..Heck! Oleary Beat us again back in 2010 in that bowl game with that fool George Godsey.. He put up four fingers after that game in 2010!
5150 UOAD
July 29th, 2012
1:21 pm
that FOOL Goose Godsey? I don’t think New England has many FOOLS working for them.
Supersize that order, mutt
July 29th, 2012
1:57 pm
@ Dwags……you apparently are not the unreasonable troll I took you for. In fact, I agree with much (not all) of what you said. For one, I think you underestimate Beamer and overestimate Grantham. I know you will disagree with me on this, but I think Granthams’s D is NOT what you perceive it to be. It is much like (not in style, but in temperament) Tenuta’s when he was at Tech. Sometimes it looks awesome; sometimes not so good. Obviously, overall, right now Grantham’s D is pretty good against opponents, but I would be willing to bet that before all is said and done, Grantham will be gone, and you will be glad he is. He is a loose cannon, and I think he will embarrass the university by his antics. He already has to some extent in the 2010 Florida game and the 2011 Vandy game; it will get worse.
As far as your assessment of how CPJ would do at UGA, I think he would have awesome results almost from the start, based on the talent (mostly underused) in Athens now. I don’t know enough about Murray or the other QB’s to know if they could successfully and consistently run the TO though. I disagree with you that after the first two years, with Richt’s recruits gone, CPJ’s record would slip. Unlike Birmingham Jacket, and a few others, I DO think CPJ can recruit, and it should be breeze to recruit for UGA, So I wouldn’t think there would be any slippage at all.
BTW, I find it quite humorous how you hate Godsey. LOL
GT fan
July 29th, 2012
1:58 pm
Birmingham Jacket, or should I just call you “BJ”?
The last time I checked, PJ has actually coached the Jackets to a W over UGA……
Those great coaches named Ross and O’Leary won 2 & 3 games vs. UGA, respectively.
Yeah, Bobby Ross was 2-3 vs. UGA in his 5 seasons at GT. So, by your own actt, if PJ guides the Jackets to a W over UGA in 2012 then he’ll finally be as great a Bobby Ross, and 2/3rds as great a O’Leary.
BR won 31 games in 5 seasons at GT (’87-’91), a time when there wasn’t nearly as much parity in CF as there is now. Now here’s PJ, with no talent as you claim, running a high school offense as so many of your fellow Dawg fans claim, with 34 Ws in just four seasons vs. much better parity than BR’s tenure.
And the invincible GO won 52 games in 7 seasons with 33 Ls. GO was 3-5 vs. UGA (he was interim HC in the 1994 Loss).
BR 31 Ws in 5 seasons = 6.2 Ws / season
GO 52 Ws in 7 seasons = 7.4 Ws / season
PJ 34 Ws in 4 seasons = 8.5 Ws / season
You just proved you’re not a GT fan / Alum b/c you can’t do SIMPLE MATH! 8.5 is better than 6.2 or 7.4!
Supersize that order, mutt
July 29th, 2012
1:59 pm
Birmingham……I might remind you of a couple of things about O’Leary’s and Ross’ times at Tech. During both those eras, UGA had TERRIBLE coaches, and it was easy to recruit against them.
Ol'JacketFan
July 29th, 2012
1:59 pm
Ross went 2-3 against GA in his 5 years, O’Leary went 3-5 against GA in his 8 years. Ross’ teams won 31 games in his tenure and O’Leary’s teams won 52 in his tenure. CPJ 1-3 against GA and 34 wins in 4 years. Thank you, I’ll keep CPJ.
Supersize that order, mutt
July 29th, 2012
2:04 pm
Pretty sad, isn’t it, that Dawgs (obviously a UGA fan), shows more class and intelligence than Birmingham Jacket (apparently NOT a true Tech fan)
Ol'JacketFan
July 29th, 2012
2:09 pm
And just for aruguments sake (yet once again) ………….Who would you hire to replace CPJ that could come in hit the ground recruiting and beat GA consistently??????????????
GT fan
July 29th, 2012
2:11 pm
Ga Southern football is to D1AA what schools like OU, Nebraska, Ohio St., USC, Texas, Bama, LSU, Michigan, UF are to D1. At GSU, PJ got the best of the best D1AA talent, and it showed in his 62-10, 2 NC, 1 NC runner up, record in just 5 seasons.
People who think PJ wouldn’t win NC at the D1 level of CF are ignorant.
If he were at one of the aforementioned D1 schools he’d win similar to how he did at Ga Southern.
And if he were at schools like UGA, UT, USCarolina, Clemson, FSU, Auburn, VT … places where the academic rigors don’t limit his ability to stockpile talent … he’d immediately bring those schools to championship level.
GT fan
July 29th, 2012
2:21 pm
If GT were to ever “loosen/open-up” their curriculum it would be a bad sign for UGA, UT, Bama, AU, FSU, UF, USCarolina, Clemson.
The collective football talent GT would gain from those schools, along with the the prestige of a diploma entitle Georgia Institute of Technology would be a big loss for those 8 schools.
www
July 29th, 2012
2:27 pm
“birmingham jacket” sounds like more of a uga troll than the posters who actually use “dwag” in their name.
wne jr, perhaps?
CFB fan
July 29th, 2012
2:33 pm
GTFan, 1st PJ would never be considered for a job at a big time program his inexperience in recruiting and developing talent are glaring. He would have the same problems he has at Tech, the elite players it takes to compete in major conferences don’t want to play in the service academy option.All the 4 and 5 star RB’s and skill players that don’t accept Pj offers at tech wouldn’t consider playing for him if he were at FSU,South Carolina, Clemson, Vt, Auburn either.Pj saving grace has been coaching in one of the weakest conferences in America .