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In doing a little studying on Georgia Tech's offense last night, I'm getting more confident about our September 2nd season opener against the Jackets.
Georgia Tech Anticipated Offensive Starters
QB 1 Reggie Ball (5-11/195/SR)
FB 40 Mike Cox (6-1/245/JR)
TB 22 Tashard Choice (6-1/205/r-JR)
LT 64 Andrew Gardner (6-6/290/r-SO)
LG 61 Matt Rhodes (6-3/285/r-JR)
C 60 Kevin Tuminello (6-4/285/r-JR)
RG 73 Nate McManus (6-3/295/JR)
RT 68 Mansfield Wrotto (6-3/310/SR)
TE 80 George Cooper (6-5/260/r-SR)
WR 21 Calvin Johnson (6-4/235/JR)
WR 89 James Johnson (6-0/190/r-SO)
PK 87 Travis Bell (6-0/210/r-JR)
Note: Players in bold are players to watch; Italics are new starters.
In looking at the anticipated Georgia Tech offensive staters, one thing you quickly notice is there are only 3 seniors. That being said, eight of them were starters for Tech in 2005 so they do have significant experience on the offensive side of the ball.
There are, however, several question marks for this Jacket squad. The most notable issue is the right tackle spot where Mansfield Wrotto, a three year starter on the defensive line, is now taking over the position. While most of the summer works I've read said he looks good, Wrotto could be a potential weakness that we can exploit. The Tech line only allowed 10 sacks last year, lowest in the ACC.
The second questionmark is at tailback, where Tashard Choice replaces PJ Daniels, who was an All-ACC 2nd Teamer. Choice did get about 120 carries last season gaining almost 550 yards, so he isn't exactly green. However, it will be interesting to see how he fares when he is the featured back in the Tech offense.
Third, and what could be very important if it's close is the GT kicking game. Travis Bell went from being a Freshman All-American to being a dog, only connecting on 11 of 21 attempts. The Jackets aren't sure which kicker they'll be getting this year and hopefully if it comes down to it, it's the latter.
Lastly, as many know, the GT receiving corps is lead by one of the best in the nation, Calvin Johnson. Beyond him, however, everyone is a virtual unknowns. In 2005, Johnson had 54 catches which accounted for over 25% of the receiver production. His sidekick in 2005, Damarius Bilbo (40 catches) graduated leaving him with James Johnson (r-SO), who had only 14 catches in 2005. Additionaly, starting TE George Cooper only had 8 grabs on the season... that's 22 catches between the other starting wideouts.
What we do know is Tech does have the talent. However, aside from a couple kids, most of it is unproven. Ultimately the game will revolve around senior QB Reggie Ball, who is a shorter version of Aaron Brooks. Both mobile and strong armed, Ball sometimes looks brilliant and at other times makes absolutely terrible decisions.
In 2005, Georgia Tech went 7-5 with key victories over Auburn (23-14), Clemson (10-9), and Miami (14-10). Their losses came to Virginia Tech (51-7), NC State (17-14), Virginia (27-17) and Georgia (14-7). They finished up their 2005 campaign with a 38-10 loss to Utah in the Emerald Bowl.
Georgia Tech Anticipated Offensive Starters
QB 1 Reggie Ball (5-11/195/SR)
FB 40 Mike Cox (6-1/245/JR)
TB 22 Tashard Choice (6-1/205/r-JR)
LT 64 Andrew Gardner (6-6/290/r-SO)
LG 61 Matt Rhodes (6-3/285/r-JR)
C 60 Kevin Tuminello (6-4/285/r-JR)
RG 73 Nate McManus (6-3/295/JR)
RT 68 Mansfield Wrotto (6-3/310/SR)
TE 80 George Cooper (6-5/260/r-SR)
WR 21 Calvin Johnson (6-4/235/JR)
WR 89 James Johnson (6-0/190/r-SO)
PK 87 Travis Bell (6-0/210/r-JR)
Note: Players in bold are players to watch; Italics are new starters.
In looking at the anticipated Georgia Tech offensive staters, one thing you quickly notice is there are only 3 seniors. That being said, eight of them were starters for Tech in 2005 so they do have significant experience on the offensive side of the ball.
There are, however, several question marks for this Jacket squad. The most notable issue is the right tackle spot where Mansfield Wrotto, a three year starter on the defensive line, is now taking over the position. While most of the summer works I've read said he looks good, Wrotto could be a potential weakness that we can exploit. The Tech line only allowed 10 sacks last year, lowest in the ACC.
The second questionmark is at tailback, where Tashard Choice replaces PJ Daniels, who was an All-ACC 2nd Teamer. Choice did get about 120 carries last season gaining almost 550 yards, so he isn't exactly green. However, it will be interesting to see how he fares when he is the featured back in the Tech offense.
Third, and what could be very important if it's close is the GT kicking game. Travis Bell went from being a Freshman All-American to being a dog, only connecting on 11 of 21 attempts. The Jackets aren't sure which kicker they'll be getting this year and hopefully if it comes down to it, it's the latter.
Lastly, as many know, the GT receiving corps is lead by one of the best in the nation, Calvin Johnson. Beyond him, however, everyone is a virtual unknowns. In 2005, Johnson had 54 catches which accounted for over 25% of the receiver production. His sidekick in 2005, Damarius Bilbo (40 catches) graduated leaving him with James Johnson (r-SO), who had only 14 catches in 2005. Additionaly, starting TE George Cooper only had 8 grabs on the season... that's 22 catches between the other starting wideouts.
What we do know is Tech does have the talent. However, aside from a couple kids, most of it is unproven. Ultimately the game will revolve around senior QB Reggie Ball, who is a shorter version of Aaron Brooks. Both mobile and strong armed, Ball sometimes looks brilliant and at other times makes absolutely terrible decisions.
In 2005, Georgia Tech went 7-5 with key victories over Auburn (23-14), Clemson (10-9), and Miami (14-10). Their losses came to Virginia Tech (51-7), NC State (17-14), Virginia (27-17) and Georgia (14-7). They finished up their 2005 campaign with a 38-10 loss to Utah in the Emerald Bowl.
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