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
Dan
February 24th, 2010
4:47 pm
No doubt, John. We had our chances against y’all this year. Bay Bay didn’t lose that game. The two plays that changed it were the pick and King’s run after the long touchdown to start the second half.
My point was more about Jaybo in that he didn’t have the arm to make the throw on the pick. Tough kid and a fine ballplayer but limited athletically.
UGAX
February 24th, 2010
4:49 pm
Shaw leaving isn’t that bad for Tech. He’s not even the 2nd best QB on the team. Look at this way: it’s probably a good thing he left because you don’t want to start a 3rd or 4th string qb because you feel obligated to versus the best QB or athlete available. My Bulldogs went with their heart this year (JOE COX) versus the best QB available (Murray, Mettenburger, and even Gray). Tech will not miss him, but if Nesbit is injured, they are done this year!!
2000 GSU alum
February 24th, 2010
4:57 pm
I guess the red dot chicks at Tech couldn’t quite satisfy Jaybo. Have fun at GSU son, you will love it. Welcome to a real college campus. Dawgs run this state anyway…
BrokeBackJacket
February 24th, 2010
4:59 pm
Now, now my techie brethren….what have we come to….several of my fellow jacket’s are here spouting off about we have 4* QB’s in waiting…after we have preached to the college football world for as long as there have been recruiting rankings that star ratings didnt matter…that they were in fact “bogus”! We cant have it both ways can we?
And the absolute heresy!!!! Some of our own are actually suggesting that one of our own forego our world class education to go to Ga. Southern???
And to top it off…this is one of CPJ’s own….one of the ones who we KNOW that when CPJ has his “own” recruits in place we will be unstoppable!!! Didnt CPJ personally recruit Jaybo? Jaybo is ONE of CPJ’s recruits…is he not?
Seriously…techies only please….do ya’ll think our honorable coach may have encouraged Jaybo to leave….surely he would not do such a thing just to free up a scholly! Would he?
Oh my! Maybe Jaybo is not typical of CPJ’s ability to recognize and recruit talent….then again…we were ranked in the mid 40’s in recruiting!
I am worried!
THE VOICE OF TRUTH
February 24th, 2010
5:00 pm
Just like you run the Circle K
THE VOICE OF TRUTH
February 24th, 2010
5:08 pm
Brokeback,,I could break it all down for ya but I might as well try to explain Quantum Physics to a garden slug,,I’d just be wasting my breath..If Jaybo goes it’s to play more..he’s a valuable player and Johnson would love him to stay ,,thats enough for you…any more analysis and your head might explode
GatorChomp
February 24th, 2010
5:10 pm
As a Gator alum (a very old one)…I remember when Georgia Tech could demand that Alabama, Auburn and even my beloved Gators had to play Tech in Atlanta. The old Grant Field actually was one of the largest stadiums in the nation (for the era) and the Dawg fans constantly beratting the current attendance at Georgia Tech is simply ludicrous. Put a professional football team, NBA team, NHL team, MLB team and several colleges inside Athens, Georgia and see what happens to attendance. Back in Tech’s glory days they were the only game in town and so everyone that was anybody attended the games there. They had a ten game edge against the Dawgs back in those days. Professional sports has changed that dynamic but for a school with less than 15,000 under grads (UGA is over twice that) they still have a large fan base. Find a school with greater attendance with a similar student body.
With that said…Glad those days are past since we now dominate the current landscape!!! And I believe we have a similar advantage over the Dawgs! LOL
Hey Voice of Truth
February 24th, 2010
5:18 pm
Speaking of physics, did Joey Hamilton have a pistol on his person when the APD LIFTED his car trunk lid? Did Reuben Houston DROP his pistol when the APD grabbed him?? Did # 37 punt returner RAISE his hands when the APD said “you are under arrest.”
The voice of reason is brought to you by Waffle House, aka the Exec Board of Directors for the GTAF. Come to the game get two waffle for the price of one. Sell out at tech is 34,000 Boy Scouts.
30-24 and it is gonna be fun laughing at tech all year w.o. a QB. AAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA
Tokyo jacket
February 24th, 2010
5:22 pm
GatorChomp, thanks for reliving the glory days.
surfrider
February 24th, 2010
5:27 pm
Tech may need 4 QB’s who are solid and can play and win with. Two for each game and two that can move up the depth chart pending playing status. It looked as if Nesbitt was playing hurt a few times. With a better Defense there should be a better passing game as well. Looks like Monken is going to have Southern running fast.
THE VOICE OF TRUTH
February 24th, 2010
5:30 pm
ya know ,i don’t ask for much so please quit using my good name and man up and use your own name,or maybe identity theft is your specialty,,worry about your own law breakers son,,you definitly run the state in that category,,by a WIDE margin,,your boyeeee Chris Terry dealin coke last month by the way,,and not coca cola,numbnuts
FairwayOaks
February 24th, 2010
5:32 pm
I sure hope the Eagles get back to the playoffs, since the end of Sewak the program has been horrid. Nothing like the 3:30 pm start at Paulson. If you Jaybo brings them back to glory it will be like shooting fish in a barrel for him. I can tell you the women in the Boro are a lot more talented than anything off North Avenue. As for Degree value, no arguing GIT over GaSou in terms of history, back if you make it out of the Boro with a degree, you’ve earned it. Just ask all the ones who tried and failed.
Jaybo is doo doo
February 24th, 2010
5:45 pm
We need to develop another option as backup QB anyway. We saw what Jaybo brings to the table- not much, other than “knowing the system.” I’ve always said he is D3 talent that gets a pass into D1 based solely on the system he ran in HS. Georgia Southern can have his undersized, twinkle toe a– along with his mop arm. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out Jaybo!!
Jaybo is doo doo
February 24th, 2010
5:45 pm
Whoever the idiot was that said he was our best QB- how are you related to Jaybo? That might be the most idiotic blog entry of all time. In Nesbitt we trust!!
THE VOICE OF TRUTH
February 24th, 2010
5:48 pm
Lay off Jaybo,,he gave it everything he had and without him we lose 2 more games last year and 9-3 becomes 7-5
Born2Buzz
February 24th, 2010
5:56 pm
VOICE, what games did Jaybo win for us last year?
I’m not going to be mean like doo doo but Jaybo would always be a back-up QB at GT. If he wants to go to GSU and be a starter then more power to him. I wish him well. If he wants to stay on at GT and be the back-up, get a few snaps in a few games next year, and get his degree from MaTech, I support that as well.
THE VOICE OF TRUTH
February 24th, 2010
5:57 pm
duke and miss st and we don’t win those with Booker
buzzy
February 24th, 2010
5:58 pm
Why are players and coaches leaving all of the sudden? I’m worried . . . do they not like Coach?
THE VOICE OF TRUTH
February 24th, 2010
5:59 pm
and yes he probably never starts,,but you don’t know that for sure,,so I support him regardless of his decision
THE VOICE OF TRUTH
February 24th, 2010
6:07 pm
ok i’m out,,peace and love to all those with a brain,,,the rest of you,,please move to Tallahassee
Craig
February 24th, 2010
6:08 pm
No concern. It’s not like shaw did anything but fumble and throw int’s when he was in.
Olddawg
February 24th, 2010
6:10 pm
GatorChomp…your stroll down memory lane was somewhat eloquent…..but totally irrelevant! Fron an old dawg that remembers well all of which you speak…the only accuracy in your monologue was the approximate time frame! That and the fact that Gator football was truly irrelevant at the time!
The demise of GT football and the state of their program and attendance/lack of is a direct result of the powers to be at the time, and more specifically Bobby Dodd thought GT was bigger than the SEC! They did not want to share bowl monies…and thought they would be the Notre Dame of the south! NOT!
You ask for an example of a school the size of GT who would not/could not sell tickets….I offer you the same Notre Dame as example 1. And the professional teams you speak of…who btw are in a metro area of at least 5 million…draw many more UGA fans than GT fans!
GT has tried for years to get back in the SEC! If they were still in the SEC their stadium would be much larger and their attendance would rival UF’s, UGA’s, LSU’s etc! People in the know at GT know that! Privately they rue the day that they “dumbed out” and left the SEC! I am retired, but I worked closely with 2 men who lettered at GT under Dodd. I have heard them say as much!
Jaybo is doo doo
February 24th, 2010
6:49 pm
That 4.8 speed and High School mop arm isn’t going to cut it at Georgia Southern either. Like I said folks, he is D3 talent at best.
Jaybo is doo doo
February 24th, 2010
6:51 pm
Synjyn Days needs to get reps early anyway. Whoever takes over as starter for Nesbitt after next year needs to cut their teeth this year. And lets face it folks, Jaybo is not starting QB material in the ACC. He’s just not…
FullMetalJacket
February 24th, 2010
7:25 pm
Jaybo: Stay. We need you. Nesbit and the offense are just one injury away from a disastrous season.
FullMetalJacket
February 24th, 2010
7:38 pm
To those genuine Tech fans and certifiable mutt lickers posting here who say losing Shaw would be no big deal: you don’t much about football and even less about the option offense. With the likelihood of significant injury to the QB in Johnson’s offense over the course of a season and a college career, a reliable backup is crucial. Of course Shaw is #2 at QB now and if he wants to go, I can’t blame him. I wish Johnson could work up some two QB sets with Nesbit’s running ability, a situational “wild jacket” which would add another passer to the list of options to defend, but I know he would have already done it if feasible.
The importance of timing and fast reads to the option requires a backup with a lot of reps and steady nerves. Shaw has proven himself capable of running the offense and winning with it. Losing him is a big deal. I’d never second-guess CPJ but I did wonder why Shaw got so few snaps after returning from his injury….I assumed he either wasn’t fully healed or he’d lost something from the season before. Of course, Josh is THE MAN, but unless we are extremely fortunate again and he doesn’t get injured next season, we’ll miss Shaw.
Technophobia
February 24th, 2010
7:40 pm
Unless Nesbitt gets hurt early in the season, this is a good move. Shaw is a decent QB but can’t run the offense at the level it needs to be run and I don’t think he can beat a good opponent. We need to get these other guys involved to prepare for the future.
Northwestgafan
February 24th, 2010
7:57 pm
Clay
February 24th, 2010
1:44 pm
This is a huge blow to Ga Tech. Losing someone with that much practice time is going to hurt.
Paul Johnson really messed this Shaw kid up, in my opinion. Shaw was committed to MTSU and Johnson stole him away. Instead of being in his 3rd year at MTSU and getting some playing time in Division I football, he’s been riding the pine and now is going to play some I-AA ball. Way to go, CPJ…
Jaybo would have never ever played in front of Dasher at MTSU.
THE GEORGIA SOUTHERN GAME IS SLIGHTLY MORE INTERESTING « The Birddog
February 24th, 2010
9:56 pm
[...] believe in his old boss’ “no transfer” philosophy; Georgia Tech quarterback Jaybo Shaw is reportedly headed to Statesboro. I’ll let our bevy of Tech readers tell us their opinion of Shaw, but at the very least [...]
jojatek
February 24th, 2010
10:01 pm
No worries
Jaybo is doo doo
February 24th, 2010
10:41 pm
FullMetalMouth,
You’re the one who doesn’t know football, son. “Situational “wild jacket” formations” for Jaybo? Are you kidding me? How is Jaybo a threat running or passing? Give me a break. About all you can say about him is that he knows the offense and can run it effectively against sorry defenses. He is a role player at best and “serviceable” when running the triple option. We need more than a serviceable backup for Nesbitt. Its time to start grooming the future QB. And anyone who has the slightest clue about football knows there is no future for Jaybo as a starting QB in the ACC. Again, D3 at best.
GTMike
February 25th, 2010
12:08 am
Jaybo is doo doo, I think you’re underestimating him a bit. He’s much better than a D3 QB and he makes a solid backup. That being said, I do agree with you to a degree. While he can manage a game, he isn’t a stellar athlete and production with him under center would be less than stellar. The reason he bolted is simply that he realizes that we have some excellent talent behind him (Luallen, Sims, and Days) and that the only advantage he has over them is understanding of the system, which they’ll acquire over time. So basically while I’m not too surprised or unhappy with his decision to leave, I do think that you’re being kinda harsh. I hope he does well wherever he goes.
UGA owns you tasty bees..
February 25th, 2010
1:21 am
Well, as a UGA fan, i will sadly miss Jaybo Flaw, as he helped us return the upset favor last year. Now your team will feel the humbling effect of losing lots of major talent in one year (i felt this with the loss of Stafford, Moreno, Massaqoui, Allen, etc.) and its not going to be pretty. And i think it sucks too, b/c what kinda idiot UGA fan wouldn’t want both of our teams undefeated when we meet, b/c that would increase the value of the game itself, win or lose. Think about it, if we’re playing each year undefeated, the winner is realistically one conf. champ. win away from a national title, right? Well, ill keep rootin for u guys on every saturday except the last in Nov… Screw this basketball, pre season baseball, gimme some damn football, b/c im starting to have withdrawls…
GATA DAWGS!!
son_sir
February 25th, 2010
6:00 am
Hopefully this will work out well for all parties involved. Jaybo may get a chance to be the starter at GSU, but that’s no guarantee at all. As a former Eagle player and forever Tech fan, I can tell you that GSU’s best QB’s in the past (Ham, Gross, etc.) were a heck of a lot quicker and shiftier than what I have seen in Jaybo up until this point. But here’s hoping he surprises. As most Eagles who long for the good ole days, I hope this turns out to be a win-win situation for all. I’d love to see some excitement and unity back on the field at Paulson and I’d love to see Tech keep building on their success.
As for Tech’s QB situation, Nesbitt needs a spring off anyway after the pounding he has taken the past couple of seasons. He has the TO down rather well. He has his own unique style with it… not quite as polished as you’d like to see, but effective based on sheer determination. Now if he can make a dramatic improvement with his throwing, things will REALLY open up for this offense. This offense can roll up the yards on the ground. Throw in a consistent passing element to keep the defense guessing even more and, ..well…. you ain’t seen nothing yet. Here’s hoping Luallen or one of the others will step it up this spring and we won’t have to fear a major drop off when the #2 guy is needed.
Having said all of that, never forget…. Defense wins championships. Much improvement is needed in Statesboro and on North Ave. in that department. Keep it rolling forward on The Flats and I hope we are about to see a Great Awakening in Statesboro. Already looking forward to next season. Go Jackets, Go Eagles, and THWG.
ACC sucks
February 25th, 2010
10:06 am
Tech is just God awful at everything. Their football program is a joke, and their hoops program is even more laughable!!!
Alabama had a great wishbone QB
February 25th, 2010
10:15 am
In Bear’s later days, he went to the Wishbone and Alabama ran it to perfection. There were also two QB Wishbone brothers that played after Todd, just cannot recall their names and one was exceptionally good but UGA in 76 did handle them nicely. 21-0? 21-7? Jeff Rutledge and — Rutledge they were.
Richard Todd was an NFL Qb for several years with the NY Jets and could really throw the ball and of course, run that option in college. Until tech gets a solid passer, the athletic teams, anticipating those BORDERLINE chop blocks by Tech, will always defeat tech. Nesbitt is their best Qb but he throws the ball like a fat girl at camp. He is also DAMAGED GOODS. Over for him. Too gimpy he is.
NEXT !!!
I am guessing that the fine coaches like Beamer at Va Tech will shut down Tech 4 out of 5 times. His players lay down often per year and I expect this year, The Hokies will jump all over Ga Tech. Miami will be too balanced AGAIN for Tech and will also handle them. There will be the usual shocking no body upset of Tech vs a NC or a Clemson. UGA? They will also be too athletic and balanced on offense. The UGA D will simply dominate tech. The UGA Lbackers will break up the option before it goes rolling in the backfield. It will be ugly w. or w.o. Nesbitt.
Remember, in 09, AJ Green did not play and Rontavious Wooten while in full stride streaking toward the goal line from the 30, dropped a Joe Cox pass that hit him in his hands. I believe that would have put UGA up 21-0 in the late second qtr. THAT DROP is far more realistic as TD effect, than the MUFF by that over rated tight end of tech. Cox threw what? 10 passes entire game??
The other Tech qbs??? They will plod, fumble and throw quick pic 6s and y’all will see why the BONE WAS SCRAPPED by the big boy schools. It takes a HERD of quality QBs to run it with injuries mounting, etc. during the season and tech ain’t got even one with Josh and his bad ankle and his even worse knee. This is the year fro you young tech fans to full grasp why the Bone will not work in big boy football …………it kills the QB and his back ups.
Tech is 2010 will limp to a 6-6 year or maybe 7-5 because the ACC is soooooooooooo weak.
Goooooooooooooooooo Dogs. Sic em!!! Woof, woof, woof.
U-R-FLEABAGS
February 25th, 2010
10:21 am
Every time I come on one of these Georgia Tech blogs there are a few ignorant Georgia fans on here talking smack. I personally have no interest in looking at a Georgia blog. You all must me closet Tech Fans.
egeagle
February 25th, 2010
11:29 am
I hope the QB we get from Yech is better than the Joe Dupree experiment of many years ago. We at least have our identity back and I am hoping for a return to our former level of greatness in 1-AA.
Ga State? Do ANYTHING at all and get back to us. I do look forward to smashing y’all a few times in the Boro and up here. When you put us down, remember that you started as Yech’s night/girls’ school.
And how can you Ga Southern folks be such Tech fans? I thought that any attention to any other team was the vilest form of treason. son_sir, turn your letter back in if you put Tech before GSC/U.
And Yechsters, Nesbitt couldn’t carry Greg Hill’s, Ray Gross’, or ESPECIALLY Tracy Ham’s jockstrap.
And our SIX NC’s are all legit,unshared, and sanctioned by the NCAA!!
FCS actually does it the right way.
UGA is so 3 DECADES AGO
February 25th, 2010
11:31 am
We really don’t play a ‘quality’ football team until week 8! That is at Clemson. Whereas in 2009, our tough games were all early – this year, they are all later. We will be just fine.
It takes 11 men on the field
February 25th, 2010
11:47 am
Hey 3 decades ago………….you need 11 men to play or they throw out a flag and w.o. Nesbitt, even though y’all might trot out some former Millsaps QB recruit, the ref will still pitch the flag. Only 10 MEN on the field he will say. AAAAAAAAAHAHAHHAHA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHHAHAHA 30-24 and there goes Caleb and there goes Washuan.
W.O. your able QB JN you will not believe the turnovers and whether he plays or not, he will be favoring his NFL bound (safety) ankle and knee and he will not be the (fair only )Qb that he has been. It is over and back to 5-7 seasons.
Besides, too many folks are jumping ship from tech, including coaches. They all know that CPJ has seen his day in the sun. Remember, Tech ALSO ran the wishbone in the 70s and JUNKED IT. It is murder on Qbs. You will see. LOL
Sic em. Woof, woof, woof.
Alabama Jack
February 25th, 2010
12:22 pm
old dawg, have you lost anything else besides your mind and memory?
Goldenrod
February 25th, 2010
12:42 pm
Goodbye Jaybo – it’s been nice, hope you find your paradise. Tried to see your point of view, hope your dreams will all come true!
Morgan Burnett
February 25th, 2010
12:44 pm
We Run This Conference!
Bigger Fish to Fry
February 25th, 2010
12:46 pm
Georgia’s Georgia. Just a speed bump. We’ve got bigger fish to fry than worrying about a 30-24 loss.
woolman
February 25th, 2010
1:23 pm
$1 vodka’s at Dingus on a Wed night and running back to the dorm room too make curfew, $10.00; Having fine ass girls come home from the bar early and sneak in your dorm window, PRICELESS! GO AHEAD JAYBO, you will have the time of your life!
SLY TOWN
February 25th, 2010
1:48 pm
To whoever post by the name of Jaybo is Doo Doo, go suck a you know what or meet us at Dingus for a real Georgia Southern a$$ kicking!! ps. i think you are gay and you sit at home playing on the internet all day!! get a life
Tech's spring just turned into open tryouts at quarterback | Jeff … | Drakz Free Online Service
February 25th, 2010
3:43 pm
[...] more: Tech's spring just turned into open tryouts at quarterback | Jeff … Share and [...]
SCJacket
February 25th, 2010
4:01 pm
It is all part of the plan. Not to worry. The other 3 are all better that Jaybo. He filled a role that we needed to fill until the recruits got in their redshirts and snaps. It will be a great spring and all Tech fans will be even more excited about the future after the spring game. The future with CPJ is almost here.
son_sir
February 25th, 2010
5:51 pm
egeagle.. You can kiss my @ss. For the record I have 3 letters at GSU, two NC rings, and All-American honors. I’m not turning a d@mn thing back in. I’ve shed more sweat and blood in my few years beside Beautiful Eagle Creek than you probably have in a lifetime. I’ve been a Tech fan since the 1970’s and went to Grant Field often to see the Jackets with my grandad well before a football was introduced to Statesboro. When the Eagles play the Jackets, you can bet that I will be in Blue and White. With that exception, I’ll still wear my Old Gold and White to Atlanta and my Blue and White to the ‘Boro. Besides, most of the my fellow GA Southern Alumni in my neck of the woods have red and black G’s plastered all over everything they own. You’d never know their shingle came from Statesboro. Most don’t seem to have a problem with that. But a Southern Alum pulling for Tech…my God…you guys flip out. Get over it.
Jaybo is doo doo
February 26th, 2010
8:47 am
SLY TOWN, how is your hillbilly a– related to Jaybo? Are you his redneck cousin?