Tech starts second week of fall camp
Greetings
A pretty important week for Georgia Tech in its preparations for Virginia Tech and, more broadly, the season. Tech will have seven practices in five days, followed by the Saturday scrimmage. Scout-team work for the Hokies will begin probably either late this week or at the start of next week, so this will be the final concerted effort to drill fundamentals as opposed to preparing for opponents.
Some notes from Saturday that didn’t get into the post from that day.
The offense worked on pistol stuff, which it did in the spring. Coach Paul Johnson had mentioned that the offense was “was pretty good at what we do. When we started in the auxiliary stuff, not so good.”
I’m not positive that the “auxiliary stuff” was the pistol, but that jibes with something guard Will Jackson mentioned. You will recall that guard Omoregie Uzzi missed all of the spring when the team worked on it and Jackson missed much of it with an ankle sprain, so they both missed a lot of time working out of that formation. Guards Trey Braun and Shaquille Mason also missed time in the spring.
Saturday, Jackson said, “we were kind of getting our feet wet with” the shotgun stuff. But, he noted, “we were killing it” on the fullback dives. “So that’s always good to have to go to.”
Regarding the fullback spot, we’ll see if B-back David Sims will return this week to practice. Johnson called it “day to day.” Quarterbacks and B-backs coach Brian Bohannon was noncommittal about what the prolonged absence will mean for him.
“We’ll just have to see when he gets out there,” he said. “Like I said, there’s some good competition at B-back and I’m impressed with some things that guys are doing.”
Besides Sims, we’ll see about the returns of quarterback/A-back Synjyn Days, cornerback Rod Sweeting, offensive tackles Ray Beno and Morgan Bailey and Sims, all of whom were held out of the scrimmage. Johnson didn’t disclose injuries on any except Bailey (concussion), but didn’t betray concern about any other than that. He said Days should be back this week and that he didn’t participate because “It was just a question of, if he wasn’t 100 percent, there was no use to put him out there [Saturday].”
A couple quotes
Al Groh
Tackling “seemed to be pretty crisp. We had some real good contact plays, really limited open-field misses, which is where the real issues are. You’re going to have some. Look, it’s their job to make you miss. If you don’t miss any, then you’re not playing against a real good runner. It’s their job to make you miss, but I thought overall, up to standard.”
Bohannon
On Vad Lee: “He didn’t really have a great day altogether. Usually, Vad does a little better throwing, and he’s still, as far as making the reads on the option, there’s still a learning process, but he wasn’t efficient back there throwing the ball as we’d like for him to be, which has been the thing.”
David Walkosky
On development of coverage and return units:
“Good, real good. We have a ton of work to do. The No. 1 thing is always punt protection. Until that’s solidified, you really can’t move on to other things, but they are really picking up everything. We’ve gotten better on all phases, really, not trying to move forward too much on stuff, but kick return got a little bit already better from the spring. Punt return already got a little bit better, so it’s nice having a spring football with them to have an introduction, because the guys know what we’re looking for and now they’re trying to do it, which is awesome.”
More later today. Thanks for reading.
Ken Sugiura, Georgia Tech blog
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104 comments Add your comment
Ken Sugiura
August 13th, 2012
2:18 pm
about menocal – don’t know what happened on the play. i plan to ask him tomorrow. my guess is he had an angle on him. i’m not sure what the plan is for him. there’s a school of thought that one of the true sophomore linebackers who played last year (menocal, travis, mcnair) may redshirt this season.
i did post last night. that happens on occasion, i think when i’m not logged into wordpress.
just saw the VT helmets. a different look, for sure.
juvenal – i’d agree with you. the more stuff (within reason) tech can give an opponent to work on, the less time it has time to prepare for the basic stuff.
Max
August 13th, 2012
2:23 pm
I hope this is a case of Johnson downplaying Vad and that he is really ready to contribute. Tevin, while solid and provided over 1,000 yards last year, is not going to take over a season if this team needed. We need a playmaker and why not get Vad the experience early?
George Stein
August 13th, 2012
2:32 pm
Interesting that the fellow who keeps changing his name first said “we Tech guys” then said he has no alliegence.
As to the topic at hand, my expectation is that Johnson won’t run any of the pistol stuff because he has been successful with the other stuff. I still don’t know that I see much value in introducing it, anyway. I’m not worried about Vad at all; he’s a RS-F. I remain worried – but hopeful – about the defense and special teams.
HighTech
August 13th, 2012
2:38 pm
George Stein…You identified another troll worthy of being ignored. He’ll have a new blog handle shortly.
Jacket Detective
August 13th, 2012
2:40 pm
If one of the other QBs can beat out Tevin, fine.
But he has done a good job.
And might get better.
His play against Clemson was close to excellent.
The first loss last year to Virginia, we got beat on the line of scrimmage.
You need a solid, experienced QB to win on the road.
Starting one of the others against VT would probably mean more TOs and a loss.
I am glad we have the depth there.
Probably our strongest position.
HighTech
August 13th, 2012
2:46 pm
Right. There is some depth in the backfield. While I’m sure the blocking ability of Roddy Jones will be missed, I like what I’ve read about Robby Godhigh and his blocking ability.
Actually, George...
August 13th, 2012
2:50 pm
…I said I had no allegiance to any particular school, and that I do have season tickets and contribute to various universities and their scholarship funds, including GT, so it was, and is, appropriate for me to use the term “we” when referring to GT…but, if you prefer to refer to me as a “troll” then so be it…
Max
August 13th, 2012
2:52 pm
Rationally, I want the senior to start at QB and I understand all of the advantages that comes with having experience there. I was at every game last year and saw his game against Clempson, but I guess I Emotionally just want to see us catch lightning in a bottle with a talented kid like Vad that can maybe spark something.
You are 100% correct that Tevin and Vad will not be the main worry of this team, everything will again hinge on Defense and Special Teams.
George Stein
August 13th, 2012
2:55 pm
I prefer having a constructive dialogue, whatever your name is now.
I wished Broderick Snoddy could have played A-back last year so we could have the Snoddy & Roddy backfield, HT.
Actually, George...
August 13th, 2012
2:58 pm
…most of what I write is constructive, even the constructive criticism that sometimes gets written…
Jacket Detective
August 13th, 2012
3:01 pm
I’ve has season tickets starting with 2009 and have attended many games for decades.
There is another plus to Tevin starting the season as our QB.
His first game was at VT’s stadium.
That could be huge.
Our STs have costs us games so I am sure of improvement.
I am really thinking there could be huge improvements.
Like vs VT.
In 2009, some VT fans sitting next to me in the West stands were leaving after we went up by ten or eleven in the 4th.
I nearly said “Don’t go. U r going to run back the kickoff”. They almost did but I think our last guy tackled their guy around their 40.
Maybe I am drinking the koolaid but I think we will be better in practically every area.
VT is a tough place to win but we can do it.
Gailey’s best team did it, was it 39-28?
juvenal
August 13th, 2012
3:09 pm
one of Reggie’s great days….
Supersize that order, mutt
August 13th, 2012
3:15 pm
troll-light is not bad. He HAS posted some decent stuff. But I DO wish he would pick one name and stick to it. That’s why I am now referring to him as “troll-light”
yeller bug
August 13th, 2012
3:23 pm
It wasn’t Reggie—it was Calvin Johnson day in Blacksburg. He had a couple of break aways and we got a big lead and held on to win. VT is notorious for slow starts—JMU and East Carolina gave them trouble early. Their O line is all new—may be talented, but still new. Logan is really good, but he’s no Cam Newton. He can’t carry the team by himself. Their D is always good, but we seem able to move the ball against it. Jump on them early with a score or two to keep the crowd noise down and win the TO battle and we should come out a winner.
How could anybody...
August 13th, 2012
3:42 pm
…who gives money to a school to which he has no ties “be bad”…LOL
1 4 GT
August 13th, 2012
3:47 pm
I kinda disagree yeller bug. I thought we had VT stopped last year. Except for Thomas! GT could not stop him! I think he did carry them last year & won the game. He was getting from 5 to 10 or 12 yards on QB sneaks. He was so tough to stop that “Sneezy” (I love that nick name someone gave him on here) lost his cool & took a swing at him. The turning point in a GT win. If we can stop him this year, we will win. GOOOOO JACKETS REMEMBER 9/3 THWGeorgie
George Stein
August 13th, 2012
3:49 pm
I can’t imagine you’re a bad person, whatever your name is. Hell, dawgfan and WnE aren’t bad. They are odd and abnormal, but they aren’t bad. All we’re talking about here is football.
JM
August 13th, 2012
3:53 pm
Hope the team continues getting better with the “auxiliary stuff” It’s good to completely surprise a defense from time to time.
juvenal
August 13th, 2012
3:57 pm
anybody who gives $ to any schools general fund is a great citizen…
HighTech
August 13th, 2012
3:58 pm
George Stein…Gollum is bad. There is no good in him. Unless you are a handle-burglar and not the real George Stein, you should remember the tweets Gollum had with Vad Lee.
HighTech
August 13th, 2012
3:59 pm
juvenal..I’d call such people taxpayers.
George Stein
August 13th, 2012
3:59 pm
Nah, it’s me, HT. I am very hesitant to label someone a bad person.
Agreed, George...
August 13th, 2012
4:31 pm
…all I like to talk about is sports and their ancillary activities, too…though I do make comments now and then when guys get off topic or get too emotionally involved in their own rhetoric…
Jacket Detective
August 13th, 2012
4:40 pm
@juvenal.
Reggie had a number of great days, in addition to that one, like beating Auburn twice and starting our 4 game win streak against the Canes.
Not very many defend him though when he is getting knocked about not beating Uga.
I think that was more Gailey and Nix than him.
Big Crimson 75
August 13th, 2012
4:54 pm
Stein — harassing a young man after he just made one of the most important decisions of his life may not constitute a person being “bad”, but it’s pretty damn close!!
Can You imagine being Vad’s Father & dealing with some tool-box tweeting your son telling him what a terrible decision he just made?
GT Lee
August 13th, 2012
4:57 pm
I agree with BC75!!!!!!!!!!!!
yeller bug
August 13th, 2012
5:03 pm
1 4 GT: I guess I wasn’t very clear in my comment—I agree with you about last year’s game. Thomas was incredibly effective, but THIS year he does not have a single returning offensive lineman and he lost his best running back and WR. I just don’t think all those replacements on offense are going to be up to speed by 9/3 and Thomas, as good as he is, IMO can make up the difference in all that loss of talent. We have no WRs returning this year—imagine if we had no WRs, O-lineman, nor O. Smith coming back this year—that’s what VT is facing this year on their Offense. I think VT may lose 3 games in the ACC this year. I do not think they will be very good.
yeller bug
August 13th, 2012
5:04 pm
I meant “cannot” make up the difference—hope that wasn’t a Freudian slip
yeller bug
August 13th, 2012
5:12 pm
I said “this year” 3 times in one sentence (albeit a long & hyphenated one) and then left out a “not” in the previous sentence—what poor blogging skills—guess I need to go to the writer’s penalty box.
BLT
August 13th, 2012
5:12 pm
I’m not an expert. I tend to agree with Mr. Casey. Even if the “pistol” is not used it’s something for the opponent to think about. I would not judge Vad Lee on a poor scrimmage. I’m looking forward to an explanation about how Menocal ran down Thomas. My guess is he cut and changed his angle allowing the strip. Got to wrap that ball up! Even if all you see is open field!
As for the rest…bark, bark, bark! Sniff…
Big Crimson 75
August 13th, 2012
5:12 pm
y’all worry too much!!
The Institute will roll VT by 2 TDs.
VT is a notorious slow starter to begin the Season.
Johnson’s got a few things up his sleeve, notably Justin Thomas!!
The game should give y’all a good early read on the D.
VT isn’t the ‘99 Rams!!
Their Offense is pedestrian.
macrotech
August 13th, 2012
5:31 pm
I believe it’s the “game to game” schedule that makes our schedule tougher than uga’s. ALL they have to do is beat USC and Tech…other than that, they’re not very challenged. As I said earlier, Tech’s September is a brutal enough to win the ‘battle of schedules’. To the poster that stated that uga’s schedule it automatically tougher because they’re in the sec…really? THAT’S your argument? Apart from USC, who do y’all play? In the end, both teams will have to do their part to get to their league’s championship. GO TECH!!!
BLT
August 13th, 2012
5:32 pm
Not worried at all BC 75! Looking forward to 9/3 and avenging last year. When you say “pedestrian”, do you mean easy to run over? LOL
BLT
August 13th, 2012
5:34 pm
Macrotech, they have to play UF. Enough said. Bark, Bark, Bark, sniff…maybe lick something
Supersize that order, mutt
August 13th, 2012
5:42 pm
Guys, let the new rallying cry for these blogs, in addition to THWG, be “UOAD” in tribute to our banned friend, and to keep his name alive till he returns. So….
GO JACKETS !!!
THWG !!!
and
UOAD !!!!
ToeMeetsLeather
August 13th, 2012
5:52 pm
Alright folks, the notes about Sims are really starting to concern me going into the VTech game. It sounds like if the game was going to be played this weekend, Laskey lines up in the backfield for the first series. Nothing against Laskey, but I sure wish Perkins would come on during the next week of practices. Is it time to line the “Bull”(Days) up at B-Back and see what happens? What say you?
Big Crimson 75
August 13th, 2012
5:53 pm
Mac — the dwags will figure out a way to fumble their season, even with their hilarious schedule.
just for you Supe —- UOAD!!!
yeller bug
August 13th, 2012
6:01 pm
TML: Concur with concern on Sims—it seems Laskey has shown himself well lately and Perkins has the talent—could be a platooned position again. As for Days—he has put on some muscle—would be an interesting choice for B-back—-can he explode out of the 3 point stance and can he hang onto the ball? Questions to answer. Once he gets into open field running, he would be dangerous.
dagtbuzzman
August 13th, 2012
6:03 pm
Louis Young. Louis Young . What is the status of Louis Young ??
ToeMeetsLeather
August 13th, 2012
6:11 pm
I don’t think we see Mr Young until game three.
GT Lee
August 13th, 2012
6:21 pm
TML wouldn’t it be game 2? He sat out the bowl game……
yeller bug
August 13th, 2012
6:24 pm
LY has 1.4 games left on his suspension. So roughly second half of game 2.
yeller bug
August 13th, 2012
6:26 pm
Although technically, he could sit out the Presbyterian game and 1/2 of the MTSU game and be compliant with the rules. It is up to CPJ.
just asking
August 13th, 2012
6:34 pm
why do the coaches talk freely about what they are working on like the Pistol? Do we know what VT is working on? If not, then why should they know what GT is working on…just saying
1 4 GT
August 13th, 2012
6:46 pm
just asking—it was not the coaches saying that—all they have said is “working on other stuff”—the blog and related articles is where the kind of talk you are referring to came from
dagtbuzzman
August 13th, 2012
6:54 pm
I think Louis Young plays against V Tech .
macrotech
August 13th, 2012
9:00 pm
UF is the third best team in Florida…Oh…I see what you’re doing there BLT!!! GO TECH!!!
UOAD!!!!
fuzzybee78
August 13th, 2012
9:10 pm
@BC75
I know you ALA guys want to see your native son on the field but–I think JT is a redshirt for sure –Ken asked and CPJ did not see a role for JT outside of QB. Plus he and VAD would completely overlap.
@yeller
Mastering the “mesh” from Bback is probably why Days stays at A back — I hear its a bear to get right or the ball is on the ground.
Supersize that order, mutt
August 13th, 2012
9:13 pm
UOAD, macro !!!
laskey moves to #2 on depth chart for BB
August 13th, 2012
9:16 pm
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