Tech’s spring just turned into open tryouts at quarterback
Tech's spring update: No Josh Nesbitt (hurt) or Jaybo Shaw (transferring). (Johnny Crawford/AJC)
We all found out how important a college team’s spring football game was two seasons ago when Georgia Tech had 14 fumbles and a muffed snap on a field goal and went on to have pretty remarkable first season anyway under coach Paul Johnson. In other words, it’s not that important.
But this spring just took on added interest for the Yellow Jackets. Quarterback Josh Nesbitt is out after ankle surgery. And now it appears his backup, Jaybo Shaw, will be out, period.
Although there is no confirmation yet from Georgia Tech, according to our Doug Roberson, all indications are that Shaw, presumably tired of mostly sitting and watching behind Nesbitt, is going to transfer to Georgia Southern. In Statesboro, he can start and run the same option offense for former Tech assistant Jeff Monken.
Even if this isn’t perceived as a huge deal for Georgia Tech, it’s no minor concern, either. A few reasons why:
♦ Quarterbacks take a beating in the option offense. Nesbitt’s a tough kid and even he got beat up last season. There’s no guarantee he’ll make it through 12 to 14 games next season. The fact he’s coming off surgery just adds to that. (I know the school labeled the surgery “minor.” But I’ve got this thing about calling any ankle surgery minor when it comes to an athlete, let alone a 215-pound option quarterback playing Division I football.)
♦ Even Nesbitt will tell you it took a while for him to get a feel for this offense. Shaw obviously wasn’t at Nesbitt’s skill level. But he could run the offense and figured to get a bulk of the work this spring, which would have better prepared him for potentially more playing time next season.
♦ The three quarterbacks behind Nesbitt are Tevin Washington, Jordan Luallen and David Sims. Of those three, only Washington took snaps as a redshirt freshman. He went 1-for-1 against Jacksonville State. (It was a 21-yard pass, giving him an efficiency rating of 276.4.)
So how big of a concern do you think this is?
Photos from AJC.com: Jaybo Shaw’s QB career at Ga. Tech
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240 comments Add your comment
Dogz
February 24th, 2010
1:55 pm
Does this mean that Jaybo will have to eat his words about beating UGA 4 years in row, like he said when he signed with the nerds! All mouth!
SEC Place to Be
February 24th, 2010
1:57 pm
The SEC will have a rep in the NC game and win it again. Sorry folks, but we are just that much better than any other league right now. I am a credible source because I have as many bowl victories as the great PJ eats too many sandwiches.
MR
February 24th, 2010
1:58 pm
Rumor is his dad is getting coaching job and there is a girl involved. Just goes to show you that football is not everything for the kid.
MR
February 24th, 2010
1:59 pm
@I predicted it, you are an idiot.
REGGIE BALL
February 24th, 2010
2:03 pm
i said we would beat uga 4 times also. calvin was right. what a mistake we made
Jerry
February 24th, 2010
2:04 pm
The reason we don’t throw the ball is because we can ram it down our opponents throat on the ground. Passing is for sissies.
Go Jackets!
Eaasssyy
February 24th, 2010
2:05 pm
Just in time for the begining of pool season in the Boro. Man is that a beautiful time of year in Statesboro.
James
February 24th, 2010
2:06 pm
I remember Jaybo taking over at Duke 2 years ago and doing a great job, and getting a HUGE first down against UGA 2 years ago as well. We owe him our thanks for those things, and many more. Now, if he wants to play QB as a starter ASAP, he probably should go to Southern. But he could also wait and see at Tech–and at the very least leave with a great degree. Good luck either way, Jaybo! I hope you stay!
Cosmo
February 24th, 2010
2:06 pm
If he leaves does that open up any scholarship options for additional recruits?
NFL @ tech
February 24th, 2010
2:07 pm
NFL …………No Football Left at tech. Wow ………with Nesbitt gone with that ankle AND his knee issue ( yes, family member is an ortho specialist MD ) and no one left to fill in @qb, spells major trouble for Tech.
This is like a Delta flight losing the TWO pilots in the cabin. tech better have auto pilot. Imagine how their only decent players on offense feel. They probably now think that they made a huge mistake going with tech and maybe they should have taken their Samford or Millsaps College offers, after all.
The triple option requires a wreckless, ball handler par excellance and tech does not have one beyond the BADLY DAMAGED senior ……….with all of his injuries. Wall St would DOWNGRADE tech tremendously on this very bad news, if tech were a firm. Wow!
As an advisor, I would advise tech to declare Chapter 7 to forestall the season and no bowl revenue coming in. Glad that tech did go to the Urange …………..it will be the ONLY BOWL for them for the next two to three years. Wow.
Tech82
February 24th, 2010
2:07 pm
CPJ has a great relationship with Shaw and his father (the coach at Flowery Branch). My guess is that Shaw was counseled to transfer because he was going to be number three or four on the depth chart next year.
East Cobb Hokie
February 24th, 2010
2:09 pm
Spring practice IS a huge issue IMO, with or without Jaybo. Teams need to leave spring with their 2 deep set…and then be pleasantly surprised with any freshmaen that can break into the 2 deep in August. Spring practice is why grey shirting gets a few guys on the field next fall.
If Nesbit is healthy next fall, Jackets should not be affected. In addition to his being very tough, he is also incredably deceptive with the ball. To restate teh obvious, losing Shaw does not hurt…unless Josh is hurt. Then it IS a huge issue IMO.
Tech diplomas
February 24th, 2010
2:10 pm
What were the degrees for Dwyer and Bay Bay and the D End that bolted from tech?
Seriously ………………fans wanna know.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA 30-24 and St Simon ain’t no saint.
Mike L.
February 24th, 2010
2:11 pm
Im a Georgia Southern grad and have no problem admitting that Tech degree carries more weight. Still, you get one 4 year chance to play college football. I can’t blame him. I make good money, but it took longer to get there than it would have with a specialized Tech degree. Still,I would have killed to have the talent to play 1-AA QB.
Besides, walk in to an interview with an ACC championship ring on your finger and say you started a few ACC games at QB, you’ll get the job… with any degree.
Not Disappointed
February 24th, 2010
2:11 pm
toss a coin!
SLY TOWN
February 24th, 2010
2:14 pm
Hey Road Scholar not everyone wants to be a dork like you!! Have you ever heard of a coaching degree that Tech doesn’t offer and Georgia Southern does?? MR–football IS everything
HardTruthSoldier ..
February 24th, 2010
2:14 pm
HEY JUNEBABY, Why don’t you and Jeff get together for lunch, and call Peta, and ask them why there not admonishing the lady who left a Pitbull with a fiw day old child! As for Shaw, you could,ve went to GSU, stayed right here in the city and got the starting q.b. job. it wouldn’t matter though you still would get beat by the top Dawg, UGA!
Dogz
February 24th, 2010
2:15 pm
jerry, how did that ramming the ball work last year vs UGA…ohh the great PJ thought so highly he tried to pass it the last 4 plays of the game..and we all know how that worked out..30-24
Fillin' up @ Juniors
February 24th, 2010
2:16 pm
It was clear when they didnt redshirt him this year that Jaybo was not seen as the future starter after Nesbitt is done. So I don’t blame Jaybo one iota, and further more wish him and Georgia Southern the best of luck. Honestly the Jaybo I will remember will be the one that stepped in as a real freshman for a hurt nesbitt and played out of his mind. Thank you Jaybo for your time on the flats, I’ll be cheering for you whereever you go.
TW
February 24th, 2010
2:16 pm
Yeah, the novelty of this flag-football offense is wearing thin…
Ted Striker
February 24th, 2010
2:16 pm
Maybe a lot of you are just overlooking the obvious. Shaw didn’t like having a coach with man-boobs.
OBAMA
February 24th, 2010
2:17 pm
i need to take a serious look and see whats going on with Paul’s Johnson. YES YOU CAN oneday be as good as your big brother,but CHANGE has to happen. maybe talent redistribution may be in order
The Tar and Feathers Party
February 24th, 2010
2:17 pm
If Josh is hurt, Shaw at QB could beat a weak team, but not a strong one. Only Josh could do that. It is just as well that Jaybo is moving on, we have three quarterbacks who need snaps and game experience. I believe they could also beat a weak team, and maybe by the end of the season, be ready to beat a strong team.
The fax machine of CPJ is a hummin
February 24th, 2010
2:19 pm
CPJ is now sending his resume to middle schools and high schools all over the state, trying to land a co-ordinator’s job. He knows that w.o. a capable first and second team Broken Bone QB, that his chance of any success is gone. Poof ………..like a uff of smoke.
Sort of like when UGA’s Waushan and Caleb sprinted past him. Woooooooooooosh gone they were, like his faxed resumes are gone …………. “anywhere, just get me outta here” CPJ is thinking.
CPJ and Bobby Dodd do have one thing in common ……….BOTH of them had trips to the Urange in their final days as HC at Tech. AAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA 30-24
Maybe ............just maybe CPJ is thinking
February 24th, 2010
2:26 pm
CPJ might be thinking that he could drive for Dwyer or maybe Thomas, when they sign their NFL contracts. Otherwise ……………….2010 is SUDDENLY LOOKIN BAD for the jellowed stained jackets.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHHAHAHA
1-9 it will soon be vs UGA. Man, with all the off season tech Urange Bowl bravado ………..this is absolutely hillarious. Tech will do no better than 7-5 or 6-6 in 12 games. The trip to Athens? Cannot wait for that. Tech’s new motto for coaches is 4 and out. 4 years and they are out ………one way or other.
Sic em. AAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHHA
Jon Heisman
February 24th, 2010
2:26 pm
Too bad, but I understand Jaybo wants playing time–and he will likely not get it at Tech as the job is Nesbitt’s this year and Luellan’s the 3 years after that. We wish you luck and thanks for all you did for Tech!
Dogz
February 24th, 2010
2:27 pm
Didn’t the great PJ recurit Jaybo, the I will beat UGA all 4 years I am at Tech.. nice job PJ..NERDS!
Ladies Lock In
February 24th, 2010
2:27 pm
Jaybo got tired of the “girls” at tech and getting begged for change on the way to class. Also, Ga. State is a joke waiting to be told. I’ll see y’all thursday night at Rudys.
Rhodes,Fulbright and Truman scholars in one year!
February 24th, 2010
2:28 pm
Did I mention? 30-24. 8 of 9. Ho Hum
Ric Flair
February 24th, 2010
2:28 pm
No worries. After spring practice, not sure he would have been #2 on the depth chart anyway. Was effective his freshmen year, but then everyone figured out that he wouldn’t pitch the ball. Kind of had a weak arm also. He probably realized his future.
To be the Man, you have to beat the Man…………wooo!!!!!
JLC
February 24th, 2010
2:30 pm
It’s no big deal. Jaybo was never going to start at GT. He is much better suited for 1-AA ball (or whatever it is called now?). GT has 3 guys Washington, Luallen, Sims who are all great back ups and the future starter. Not to mention incoming Fr. Bostic in the future.
Sad Parent
February 24th, 2010
2:32 pm
Very sad that this young man would walk away from a Tech education for a degree from Georgia Southern. This is beyond foolish, short-sighted, short-term gain. He will realize the severity of his transfer right after he starts applying for jobs after football and school are finished. His parents should be slapped upside the head for allowing their son to do this.
Wow ,the real GSU?
February 24th, 2010
2:32 pm
Will the real GSU please stand up …..
The real GSU being in downtown? How many National Championships have you won, oh wait how many actual games have you played?
THE VOICE OF TRUTH
February 24th, 2010
2:34 pm
Can’t blame Jaybo,,good luck kid and thanks,,you did a lot for GT especially your freshman year,,win em all at GSU.My guess is that the backup position will be just fine since we have guys who have been in the system a couple of years and were option type guys to begin with.There certainly would be a dropoff if Nesbitt goes out but that’s true of any top shelf QB,and make no mistake Nesbitt is a top shelf guy.But if somebody needs to step into the fray you can bet they will be ready.This ain’t Paul Johnson’s first trip to the rodeo.
Rainy night in Ga.
February 24th, 2010
2:35 pm
Slow and sloppy schultz…hes already gone. this annoucement is SO THIS MORNING!!!……lol.
Fillin' up @ Juniors
February 24th, 2010
2:37 pm
Bostic is tiny. Dude needs to bulk up. These dawg fans haven’t said one thing that pertains to Jaybo that is correct. I wish they would find a thread where their mindless banter can be appreciated. Like their own threads… We are talking about a young man’s future, transfering schools for the love of the game, and a young man who stepped in and help Tech big time in a few games as a true freshman. Be jerks on some other thread. its very unclassy to write that dribble here.
Dogz
February 24th, 2010
2:41 pm
Hey Fillin up it was Jaybo that claimed on signing day he would be 4-0 vs UGA, if the truth hurts so be it. You nerds act like he did so much for your program..give me a break if he was the starter you would have been 5-6 at best the last 2 years.
south
February 24th, 2010
2:43 pm
Who cares…just pick any running back on the team and teach them the offense. When you can’t throw the ball, how hard is it to fill the QB position???
THE VOICE OF TRUTH
February 24th, 2010
2:43 pm
hey Dogz..Blow me
louisville slugger
February 24th, 2010
2:44 pm
Good luck to Jaybo, probably a good move for him. Realistically, he’s too small/slow to play in this offense in an FBS school. Here’s hoping one of the youngsters grows up in a hurry and is ready to fill in if/when JN gets injured again.
martin
February 24th, 2010
2:47 pm
Not concerned. For this style offense, an athlete is more important than a passer for the QB position.
F-105 Thunderchief
February 24th, 2010
2:50 pm
The real GSU is going to give Ga. State a huge beatdown each and every time they play.
Dogz
February 24th, 2010
2:51 pm
hey voice of truth, go spoon with Jaybo..NERD!
JayboShaw
February 24th, 2010
2:52 pm
I’m leaving cause I ain’t got nobody to throw it to. Thanks BeBe
THE VOICE OF TRUTH
February 24th, 2010
2:55 pm
Hey Dogz,Jaybo would pimp slap your punkass,you dope
Sporty Black
February 24th, 2010
2:55 pm
It take a very physical QB to run this offense. Athletically, Shaw is not as talented as the other three backups. At best, Shaw would of been 3rd on the depth chart, only because he knows the offense.
Now the real potential starters (once Nesbitt leaves) can get more reps. Washington is the smoothest of all the QBs (including Nesbit). Sims has that school-yard juking athleticism and he can fly. Luallen is a great passer that is athletic, but not a runner.
With that being said, Sims will be the backup. Sims came in a little heavy last year and was in CPJ’s doghouse, so he has something to prove. I would not be surprised to see all three backups play early in the season. CPJ will do a better job at resting Nesbitt now that he has real help at QB.
Jaybo…Holler at your boy!
AceDawg
February 24th, 2010
2:57 pm
It’s a concern, but most option schools seem to have success with the next guy too. Its hard to beat major programs week after week with an option offense unless you do it really well, but I’d think good QB decisions are more important than athleticism as long as the O-Line is good and tailbacks are good.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
February 24th, 2010
3:00 pm
Jaybo leaving would be a much bigger deal than the AJC finally going out of business.
Nativebird
February 24th, 2010
3:00 pm
Jaybo Shaw is twice the quarterback Nesbit will ever be. But that’s not saying much.
Dogz
February 24th, 2010
3:03 pm
Hey voice, I really am not scared,, he tucked his tail and ran from tech, so I know what he is made of.. just like you..NERD 30-24 ohh so sweet