Vad Lee shines off bench for Georgia Tech
From Michael Cunningham
Once Vad Lee got his chance to play it didn’t take long for him to show why he was a prized quarterback recruit for Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson.
Lee led the barrage of big plays against Presbyterian College Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The sophomore tossed an 82-yard touchdown pass and also ran for 101 yards with a touchdown in Tech’s 59-3 victory.
Lee’s big night came against an outmatched foe. Then again, Lee hadn’t played in an official game since leading Hillside High School to a 16-0 record and earning the AP North Carolina player of the year in 2010.
“I am just happy to have the opportunity to be here and make big plays and showcase my abilities,” Lee said.
Lee was a redshirt in 2011 and didn’t play during Tech’s season-opening defeat at Virginia Tech. His debut got off to a shaky start in the first quarter but it wasn’t Lee’s fault.
Jeremy Moore dropped Lee’s first collegiate pass and Orwin Smith bobbled the second during a three-and-out series. Lee scored on a one-year touchdown run in the third quarter but didn’t figure to get many chances to pass when he came back in with Tech leading 38-0 and starting inside its 20.
But on third down Lee dropped back and floated a soft spiral to Jeff Greene, who fought through contact from two defenders and corralled Lee’s pass near the 50-yard line.
“I seen Jeff collide with the corner and I knew Jeff would get off of him,” Lee said. “I just wanted to throw it up and lead him a little bit and give him time to go get it and make a play.”
The 82-yard TD pass was the sixth-longest pass play in Tech history. Lee wasn’t done setting records, though his second mark wasn’t what he had in mind.
On Tech’s next possession he bobbled a high shotgun snap but recovered and took off running on a QB draw. He drew clear and looked to be headed for his second rushing touchdown but was tripped up two yards short of the end zone by Presbyterian’s Brandon Leston.
Lee said his teammates ribbed him for getting caught from behind. After the game, both Tech coach Paul Johnson and athletic director Dan Radakovich told Lee his 79-yard run was the longest non-scoring run in school history.
“I did not want that record,” Lee said. “That was tough. We’ve got film on Monday and hopefully we will watch it and then it will be washed out of everyone’s mind.”
The more lasting memories will be Lee’s big plays in his first game for the Yellow Jackets.
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166 comments Add your comment
Supersize that order, mutt
September 9th, 2012
9:30 pm
Steve, I agree, and with Justin too. Vad is not ready to run the TO, but he can sure do some other things, and he’s probably ready now.
Supersize that order, mutt
September 9th, 2012
9:51 pm
Steve, were you there yesterday? Will you be there next Saturday. Would love to meet you
GTSteve
September 9th, 2012
10:19 pm
I do agree with Justin, not full time just yet…..but lets face the facts….already behind Poly Tech in the standings and Clemson and Dwags on the road this year….VAD needs some playing time, he is the QB next year…….I wish I could have made it up last night, I promise we will get together sometime this year, I usually work Saturdays until 3 so that limits me, but I will work around that soon
GT4Life (the Original)
September 9th, 2012
10:32 pm
Demaryius Thomas…just took off for a 71 yd screen TD pass (V. Cuff just wet himself again)…another Tech WR having a big day!
Supersize that order, mutt
September 9th, 2012
10:45 pm
OK, Steve, you have my email address, so let me know when you can come, and I will give the details on where at least some of us will be meeting that particular week
gt40pinhd
September 10th, 2012
12:59 am
after a year of redshirt, vad has got to know most of the TO. i don’t think he would make worse decisions than TW did at vt. i watched a replay on espn3 and was disappointed in the choices tw made. no matter what, he handed to the dive play. i say play vad now.
Heat Check: Keeping up with the Joneses (Julio and Jarvis) | Mark Bradley
September 10th, 2012
7:44 am
[...] LEE: After waiting one full season and the first game of another to make his college debut, the redshirt quarterback threw a 82-yard touchdown pass (sixth-longest in Tech history) and broke a 79-yard quarterback draw [...]
Animal Control
September 10th, 2012
8:04 am
Vad Lee is where it’s at! He made plays out of thin air when Washington would have bogged downa nd took the play as a loss. It’s time to put Mr. Lee in full time. The man has got skills!
GTJohn
September 10th, 2012
8:15 am
Agree with you Animal, Vad should be starting NOW. TW is a backup. We shouldl also get rid of that stupid Triple Opt and put in a real offense that can utiliize the skills of Vad and people like Stephen Hill and BeyBey. We could then have a chance at being a top tier team and recruiting some real talent.
ezekiel
September 10th, 2012
9:14 am
Great hustle play by Zenon, those are the type efforts that win big games. Solid first performance by Vad, like to see him play against a real team. The future looks bright. Talk more Tech football at: http://GTSportsTalk.com
TWfan
September 10th, 2012
9:17 am
I ultimately just wanna see the team win. But must admit I’m partial to TW. He’s just an all around stand up kid. Plays his heart out, works hard and stays out of trouble on top of showing up to win every time. He’s made a FEW mistakes (unfortunately at critical times) but in NO WAY is Vad is more prepared to win games for GT at this point than TW. Absolutely not.
Really??? Can you at all see him under the pressure of UGA defense? VT? Clemson? Stop…
You’re basing this on his performance against PC??? lol
AJC Article on Vad Lee
September 10th, 2012
9:21 am
[...] [...]
damngooddawg
September 10th, 2012
9:28 am
Students
1200 students represent 29 states and 7 foreign countries
50% male, 50% female
Wow, 600 male students…..Anyway, I am truly impressed with Tech again this year. They are truly a force to be reckoned with. And that Vad Lee….man what a tour de force…be afraid ACC opponents. Tech has found the answer at QB and they will never look back.
damngooddawg
September 10th, 2012
9:32 am
As a GEORGIA fan, I for one am dreading the last game of the regular season….man…this may be the year.
Bananajacket
September 10th, 2012
10:00 am
Atlxman…..Hope you do realize that college football players are recruited nationwide. Size of student body is a real issue in HIGH SCHOOL.
anti4baldheadedyankees
September 10th, 2012
10:05 am
Yellow Britches, know what you are talking about before you speak. It is public record. PC’s OL was 305, 300, 300 275, 280. Tech had no choice but to play this game, that is public record too. The lack of knowledge and wisdom on this board amazes me.
North Ave Killer Beez
September 10th, 2012
10:09 am
No one doubts TW is a great person. He will be fine without football, he is just not going to take GT where they need to be.
GTfan2012
September 10th, 2012
10:50 am
TW is the QB of this team. He will start the UVA game. Whether he finishes the UVA game depends on his play. I for one hope that we see only TW in this game, because that means he is playing well and we are likely to win. But I am glad that we have a capable back up in Vad Lee. I certainly think his passing is better than TW.
Too Easy
September 10th, 2012
10:57 am
I wear a Georgia Tech shirt because I went to Georgia Tech.
You wear a UGA shirt because you went to Wal Mart.
Dag
September 10th, 2012
11:33 am
Tevin plays and this offense goes nowhere against decent competition.
beezit
September 10th, 2012
11:37 am
I wonder if proof-reading could be made a class for a communications major..??..
GT Lee
September 10th, 2012
11:56 am
To juvenal and yeller bug; Thank You to you and your families for the wonderful hospitality. The food and the company were absolutely AWESOME!
5150 UOAD
September 10th, 2012
12:02 pm
LEE sorry I missed it….glad you found some new friends. I will be at the UVa game. Not sure if dad will be. I think we are going to send him on a Vacation to breathe and reflect.
TWfan
September 10th, 2012
12:12 pm
TW is the QB of this team. He will start the UVA game. Whether he finishes the UVA game depends on his play. I for one hope that we see only TW in this game, because that means he is playing well and we are likely to win. But I am glad that we have a capable back up in Vad Lee.
…wonderfully said! All I’m saying is right now TW is the QB of this team! We should continue to encourage him as long as he is still here. When its Vads job we should do the same. If we continue this pattern of eating our young… Vad will suffer the same burn out as TW. They get enough rebuke from opponents, isnt it our job as fans to build them back up and get them fired up for the next round??? I hardly see that as the case here!! …very encouraging for recruits eh??
damngooddawg
September 10th, 2012
12:26 pm
Hey, Too Easy, so that’s why there are so few Tech fans….you have to have gone there to pull for them or wear their gear…hum……Nah, it has to be something else…I’m just sayin….
damngooddawg
September 10th, 2012
12:28 pm
Bananajacket, soooo….size doesn’t matter???
JustinSyder
September 10th, 2012
12:40 pm
damngoodawg: It’s Monday afternoon. Most people have jobs. I’m guessing you don’t.
TWfan
September 10th, 2012
12:42 pm
Tevin if you are listening remember Tony Romo and Kurt Werner!! Clearly people doubted them too. They were undrafted and went on to be prolific quarterbacks! Continue to work hard, be smart and DONT PUT ANY STOCK IN WHAT THESE “so called fans” say!!
… They doubted Stephen Hill last year too!!! …Sad coming from your own fanbase
old dog
September 10th, 2012
12:43 pm
Good to have 2 QB’s in y’alls system, as the position is going to take a ton of licks more than the other type offenses. I hope this is not the year y’all slip up on us……….it certainly could be.
GT Lee
September 10th, 2012
12:47 pm
5150 sorry you couldn’t be there with us…..
damngooddawg
September 10th, 2012
12:48 pm
Justin Syder, so…what are you up to this morning???? I put in 40 years on my job son I could retire and engage in meaningful repartee with hard working guys like you. It don’t get no better than this.
5150 UOAD
September 10th, 2012
1:12 pm
damngooddawg……I hope you can see this.
What the first UGa female Engineering students decide to do instead of going to class.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4664180637975&set=a.2359973674241.2138569.1097255398&type=1&theater
unajacket
September 10th, 2012
1:12 pm
I recall a few years back when the Shaw guy filled in for an injured Nesbitt & lit it up like Joe Montana, but is was Duke, so don’t get so excited with Vad’s performance against the Blue Hose, he has grreat potential but we need to give him time–
GT Fan
September 10th, 2012
1:18 pm
GTfan2012
September 10th, 2012
10:50 am
TW is the QB of this team. He will start the UVA game. Whether he finishes the UVA game depends on his play. I for one hope that we see only TW in this game, because that means he is playing well and we are likely to win. But I am glad that we have a capable back up in Vad Lee. I certainly think his passing is better than TW.
——————————————–
Hang on there 2012 ……. Seeing VL in the game could also mean GT is comfortably leading the Hoos thus giving VL more playing time. This time vs much stiffer competition than the Blue Hose.
I too agree his passing is better than TW. His long pass to JG…no “happy feet” in the pocket that you see TW display so often.
GT Fan
September 10th, 2012
1:29 pm
Una Jacket … Shaw filled in for an injured Nesbitt vs. an “SEC Defense” (Miss ST), and managed the team to a 38-7 win. 3/7 43 yds, 1td. 9 rush 61 yds, 1 td. Not bad for a TRUE freshman in his first “real” playing time.
The following week Shaw led the Jackets to a 27-0 W over Duke. 9/14, 230 yds, 1 td (88 yds to BeBe).
IMO, JS had a better understanding/feel for the TO than JN, but he [Shaw] had nowhere near the physical tools (arm strength, speed, size) that JN had.
It’s easy to see that Vad Lee is far superior to Shaw in physical tools too. Only time will tell if VL can master the TO. If so, the O will be very difficult to stop again.
dawgalltheway
September 10th, 2012
1:36 pm
Wow, Lee comes in with a lead of 30+ against a Division 2 school and makes a few plays. I am so impressed. Let’s wait and see what he does when playing real defense, although there aren’t many of them in the ACC.
Michael Veli a.k.a. Jim Donnan's financial adviser
September 10th, 2012
1:36 pm
damngooddawg,
You have been at the same job for 40 years, so that means you knew Ray Croc?
GT Fan
September 10th, 2012
1:45 pm
dawgalltheway….. looking at Vad Lee in the glass-half-full mentality:
Would the Blue Hose win the North Carolina High School championship? YES, easily.
That being said, back to the glass-half-full mentality….Saturday was VL’s FIRST live-game action since high school in 2010. Not a bad effort considering….
GT Joe
September 10th, 2012
1:47 pm
Time for Vad, like I said all last week. TW looks inferior in every aspect of quarterbacking. His passes were wobbly ducks. EVERY SINGLE pass from Vad was on the money. Kid is faster, and gets into the open field faster than Tevin. Option plays looked good, but even when he makes a mistake, his athleticism can get us some yards.
Time for Vad!
TWfan
September 10th, 2012
1:57 pm
This leaves TW plenty of opportunity to silence some nay-sayers! Too bad its his own fan base!! But either way many will find something to complain about Sunday!
And hopefully we will get to see that “VL Athleticism” after TW opens up a lead again. Its pretty easy to come into a game you’re winning by 30 and play relaxed “athletic” ball against an outmatched team!! Lets see him in the game under some pressure… then we’ll talk.
damngooddawg
September 10th, 2012
2:00 pm
Michael Veli a.k.a. Jim Donnan’s financial adviser: I I was a pollice officer and then an adult probation officer. I could say something nasty about probably running into some of your family during that time, but, unlike you, I won’t get personal in a sports blog….I do note that it took you nearly an hour to come up with that witty rejoinder. Ha, Ha, Ha. Really good…well, sorta.
TWfan
September 10th, 2012
2:00 pm
The only time ANYONE gets to throw is win the game is already won. I was shocked to see TW make the AWESOME throws he did in 4th qtr of VT game.
TWfan
September 10th, 2012
2:01 pm
lol typo… when not win!
GT Joe
September 10th, 2012
2:30 pm
TWfan: TW has won what, ONE big game in his career? Clemson last year? Vad really can’t do any worse, I’d take my chances.
Lee is a better passer, better runner, and is faster. TW is a non-threat. His throws against VT? Any d1 QB can make those throws. Sadly, some Tech fans get giddy over basic pass completions.
TWfan
September 10th, 2012
2:45 pm
GTJoe: Are you a Tech fan or troll in disguise?? If any d1 QB could do it we would have seen Lee in Virginia!! But clearly the people who get paid to coach dont agree with you at this time!! Or else we would have seen him under the big lights and pressure of a big time game. Instead they protected him and sent Tevin in. Who by the way delivered the game!! It never should have gone to OT. Or do you wanna blame TW for the defense as well??
I hope you get your wish to see Lee “not do any worse”. And if he “somehow” doesnt live up to the hype… I hope you dont eat him!! Cause surely thats not gonna motivate a better effort.
I thought cheering your team on meant building them up!! If I were a potential recruit I certainly wouldn’t want to play for fans like you. But you’ll probably blame recruiting on TW too…
GT Joe
September 10th, 2012
2:53 pm
TW delivered the game? TW made the worst possible mistake a player can make: a mistake that effectively ENDED THE GAME. Small mistakes happen. TW’s mistake was gigantic. On par with Attaochu’s punch last year, but not as bad. The punch didn’t cost us the game. TW’s DID.
Don’t confuse TW being the starter with TW being better. Coaches make mistakes too. CPJ’s only gripe with Vad is his grasp of the option offense. “Grasp” is a subjective term. Sooner or later, CPJ will realize that athleticism can make up for poor option play (ummm remember Nesbitt?).
This is football. The goal is to win. Not let the “nice guy” keep his job. That doesn’t cut it in football, and it doesn’t cut it in the real world.
Time for Vad.
TWfan
September 10th, 2012
3:16 pm
Lets not play on words!! Right now TW is the BEST QB for this job that we have. Vad may or may not be all that you say he is… who knows?? He hasn’t faced ANY real game situations!! And CPJ is clearly not willing to find out right now!! At least not until the game is already won!
Yes TW made a critical turn over in the VT game at the worst possible time. But that game never should have gone to OT. It was won with 44 seconds to go!! Its easy to say that Vad WOULDVE done different but thats all conjecture now isnt it??
All im saying is as FANS at some point we need a better rally cry than tearing down the team. Whether you prefer TW or VL its not hard to praise your fave without ripping the others to shreds! Cause we need them BOTH to play well and be ready to have a good season!
GT Joe
September 10th, 2012
3:27 pm
If a QB who is 2-6 in last 8 games vs. FBS teams is the “best QB for this job”, we are in trouble. VL can’t do much worse.
How was I ripping TW to shreds?
TWfan
September 10th, 2012
3:35 pm
Whatever the gripe is… its enough to bring him in second. And actually he was third until Days fumbled in the inzone! Two weeks ago, everyone wanted to see Days start, now you’re on the Lee band wagon.
Regardless…. as long as they both wear the gold, white and blue… we should leave the bashing to opponents!
Is that how you encourage your kids!! “You’re not better than your brother… I’m gonna eat you”!
Talk about fair weather fans…
GT Joe
September 10th, 2012
3:48 pm
Is that how you encourage your kids!! Don’t worry about the results, just be a nice guy?
Ah the age of Obama: no accountability allowed!
I was on the Vad Lee bandwagon before Saturday, go read up.