CFN has Tech's preview up

[greene_dawg]

http://cfn.scout.com/2/977734.html


By Richard Cirminiello

Head coach: Paul Johnson
Third year: 20-7
Returning Lettermen
Off. 24, Def. 28, ST 4
Lettermen Lost: 11
Ten Best Georgia Tech Players
1. QB Josh Nesbitt, Sr.
2. LB Brad Jefferson, Sr.
3. RB Anthony Allen, Sr.
4. C Sean Bedford, Sr.
5. CB Mario Butler, Sr.
6. SS Cooper Taylor, Soph.
7. CB Jerrard Tarrant, Jr.
8. RB Roddy Jones, Jr.
9. OT Austin Barrick, Sr.
10. LB Steven Sylvester, Jr.
2010 Schedule

Sept. 4 SC State
Sept. 11 at Kansas
Sept. 18 at North Carolina
Sept. 25 NC State
Oct. 2 at Wake Forest
Oct. 9 Virginia
Oct. 16 MTSU
Oct. 23 at Clemson
Oct. 30 OPEN DATE
Nov. 4 at Virginia
Nov. 13 Miami
Nov. 20 Duke
Nov. 27 at Georgia
Paul Johnson has manufactured a charmed life in two short years at Georgia Tech. How will he and his Yellow Jackets to a little bit of adversity and raised expectations?

Practically overnight, Tech has gone from the hunter to the hunted, winning its first ACC championship in two decades and even stealing some of the spotlight from rival Georgia in the process. However, all of the program’s success has come with a price tag, as more than half of last year’s all-stars, RB Jonathan Dwyer, WR Demaryius Thomas, DE Derrick Morgan, and S Morgan Burnett, opted for early entry into the 2010 NFL Draft. Had the quartet remained on the Flats, the Jackets would have been prohibitive favorites to repeat. Without it, there are holes on both sides of the ball that could bring them back to the pack.

Having already proven that his version of the run-heavy spread-option can win big, Johnson is planning to maintain the level of success he’s achieved in Atlanta. The encouraging news is that the Yellow Jackets retain some key parts to that heralded ground game, including All-ACC first team QB Josh Nesbitt and big-play backs Anthony Allen and Roddy Jones, who are itching for a chance to supplant Dwyer. While the general consensus is that as the running attack goes so goes Tech, the team is still aiming for a turnaround on defense as well. Enter Al Groh, a coup of a hire, with an eye on revamping an underachieving group. He, as much as anyone else, could hold the key to back-to-back BCS bowl bids.

Now that Johnson has soared beyond his blueprint for success, what does he do for an encore? He can start by overcoming some huge losses to the NFL, which is a sure-fire way to enhance a budding legacy with the program.

What to look for on offense: An Allen sighting. Wherever he’s played, be it in Louisville or as a backup with Tech, Anthony Allen has had a penchant for long runs and trips to the end zone. Literally hitting the ground running upon transferring, he turned his first 64 carries with the Yellow Jackets into 618 yards and six touchdowns. Now that he’s slotted in at B-back, the feature position in this offense, there’s no telling how prolific he might be when he gets his hands on the ball 20-25 times a game. If the line blocks, the senior has all-conference potential, at a minimum.

What to look for on defense: The return of SS Cooper Taylor. When Taylor was lost in September to Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, a rare heart disorder, the Jackets lost much more than a starter. They were robbed of an emotional leader and one of the best all-around athletes on defense. Well, one heart surgery and countless frightening moments later, he’s back and ready to pick up where he left in his breakout debut in 2008. In a secondary pining for leaders and playmakers, his return will be both timely and inspirational considering how close he was to never playing again.

The team will be much better if … Groh can help transform the defense. Even with two All-ACC performers, DE Derrick Morgan and S Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech was downright mediocre on defense a year ago, ranking in the bottom half of the ACC in many statistical categories. Too often, the Jackets were dragged into shootouts. Now, they won far more than they lost, but the program would prefer not to live so dangerously for a second straight year. If Groh can weave a little magic on this side of the ball, out scoring the potent Tech offense becomes markedly more difficult.

The Schedule: It's not going to be easy. The first half of the year is sneaky-tough with three road games in four weeks after starting out against South Carolina State. Going to Kansas will be interesting with a key Coastal battle at North Carolina coming up the following week. Having to go to Virginia Tech all but kills hopes of repeating as the ACC champion with a brutal three-game stretch of at Clemson, at Virginia Tech, and against Miami. If you thought the first part of the slate was interesting, that's nothing compared to the finishing kick with a trip to Georgia to close out the brutal finishing kick. The week off comes in between road games at Clemson and Virginia.

Best Offensive Player: Senior QB Josh Nesbitt. The light went on for Nesbitt a year ago, and ACC defenses were left squinting throughout the season. Looking completely comfortable running the spread-option, he parlayed big numbers and a league crown into a spot on the All-ACC first team. The undisputed leader of the attack, he did it all, rushing for 1,037 yards and 18 touchdowns, while averaging over 20 yards a completion. The staff feels he’ll be even more at ease with the system this fall, troubling news for Tech’s opponents.

Best Defensive Player: Senior LB Brad Jefferson. Finally healthy, Jefferson put his repertoire on display in 2009, leading Tech with 95 tackles, eight stops behind the line, and two forced fumbles. Simply a beast against the run, he’ll patrol the Yellow Jacket D from one of the two inside linebacker positions. He diagnoses plays quickly, locking in on his target and lowering the boom with textbook tackling fundamentals.

Key players to a successful season: Defensive ends Jason Peters and Izaan Cross. Morgan had 12.5 sacks a year ago, which matched the rest of the entire roster. So, it’s sort of obvious that no single player can adequately fill his pads. That said, if Tech wants to make any progress on defense, especially versus the pass, it has to find rushers, who can keep opposing quarterbacks from having all day to throw. Peters and Cross, a converted tackle and exciting sophomore, respectively, are first in line to start on the new three-man front.

The season will be a success if ... Georgia Tech wins at least nine games for a third straight year. As tempting as it may be, resist the temptation to set the bar at another ACC championship. The Yellow Jackets aren’t quite at that point yet, especially playing in a very deep division. They are, however, talented enough to pick up nine wins and finish the year at a very nice bowl game. Anything more is a triumph considering a schedule that includes tough road games at North Carolina, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Georgia.

Key game: Sept. 18 at North Carolina. While nothing that happens in September will serve as a death knell, this is one of those games that’ll be a tone-setter for both schools. In the tightly-packed Coastal Division, which also includes Miami and Virginia Tech, every head-to-head match up could wind up being pivotal when tiebreakers begin getting discussed in November.

2009 Fun Stats:
- Third down conversion percentage: Georgia Tech 52% – Opponents 41%
- Average yards per catch: Georgia Tech 22.7 – Opponents 11.

 

[greene_dawg]

Offense:
http://cfn.scout.com/2/977733.html

What You Need To Know: Can the spread-option be a perennial force in the ACC? You bet. His offense cranking on all cylinders and his roster beginning to reflect his vision, Paul Johnson has the Jacket attack buzzing after just two seasons. Georgia Tech really turned it up a notch in 2009, leading the ACC in rushing, scoring, and total offense; only Miami, Georgia, and Iowa kept it under 28 points. While the early departures of RB Jonathan Dwyer and WR Demaryius Thomas, and the rebuilding of the O-line are legitimate concerns, Tech doesn’t plan on going in reverse. First team All-ACC QB Josh Nesbitt is back to pilot the offense, and a new wave of B-backs and A-backs are poised to pad stat sheets. In particular, Anthony Allen, who averaged 9.7 yards a carry is preparing for lift-off. Young Stephen Hill is aiming to become the next big-play receiver on the Flats, while unproven linemen Nick Claytor, Omoregie Uzzi, and Nick McRae could carry the fate of the offense on their pads.

Returning Leaders
Passing: Josh Nesbitt
75-162, 1,701 yds, 10 TDs, 5 INTs
Rushing: Josh Nesbitt
279 carries, 1,037 yds, 18 TDs
Receiving: Embry Peeples
8 catches, 244 yds, 1 TD
Star of the offense: Senior RB Josh Nesbitt
Player who has to step up and become a star: Junior A-back Roddy Jones
Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore G Omoregie Uzzi
Best pro prospect: Senior RB Anthony Allen
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Nesbitt, 2) Allen, 3) Senior C Sean Bedford
Strength of the offense: The ground game, big plays in the passing game, the pivot, third down conversions, red zone scoring
Weakness of the offense: Uncertainty on the offensive line, wide receiver, depth

Quarterbacks

Projected Starter: After two seasons of running the spread option, 6-1, 218-pound senior Josh Nesbitt is set to contend for honors beyond just the ACC. The league’s first team quarterback, he ran for 1,037 yards and 18 touchdowns on 279 carries, while going 75-of-162 for 1,701 yards, 10 touchdowns and five picks through the air. A tough and physical runner, he has a knack for bouncing off would-be tacklers, and is constantly getting better with his pitches and decision-making. More of a big-play passer than an accurate one, he might not be the same threat through the air now that big-play WR Demaryius Thomas is a member of the Denver Broncos.

Projected Top Reserves: With the transfer of Jaybo Shaw to Georgia Southern, Tech will be green off the bench. Nesbitt’s caddy will now be 6-1, 203-pound sophomore Tevin Washington, who gets one more year as an apprentice before bidding for the job in 2011. He made one appearance last year, but did all of his learning in practice and from the sidelines. Consistent with all of the school’s quarterbacks since Paul Johnson arrived, he’s a gifted all-around athlete, with a quick release and underrated accuracy as a passer.

Barring the unforeseen, no other quarterback will get significant reps this fall. There will, however, be some jockeying for next summer. Redshirt freshman Jordan Luallen is one of those players looking to narrow the gap on Washington. A possible gem out of Indiana, he’s atypical in this system at 6-4 and 217 pounds, yet has excellent speed to go along with the best potential as a pocket passer.

Watch Out For … Nesbitt’s ankle. He’s had problems with his ankles in the past, undergoing minor surgery on the right one in February. He’ll be fine for the start of summer drills, but as one of the most indispensable players in the ACC, his recovery warrants close scrutiny.
Strength: Toughness. The Jacket quarterbacks, namely Nesbitt, are more than just terrific athlete. They are tough and rugged runners, who will dish out as much punishment as they absorb. Nesbitt picks up a ton of yards after contact and is especially to stand up as he approaches the goal line.
Weakness: Proven depth. The loss of Shaw to a transfer could wind up hurting this team more than most anticipate. He had some experience, which is a luxury that this year’s squad will not enjoy. As often as Nesbitt gets hit, he’ll have Tech fans holding their breath whenever he’s slow to get off the turf. Outlook: Nesbitt was not an ideal fit for the spread option when the new staff arrived two years ago. He is now, using his legs and his arm to pick apart opposing defenses. A safe bet to rush for 1,000 yards again this season, the coaches would now like to see him improve as a passer. They’re looking for more accuracy, a quest complicated by Thomas’ early departure.
Unit Rating: 8

Running Backs

Projected Starters: Yes, the Yellow Jackets wish Jonathan Dwyer hadn’t left early for the NFL. No, they won’t be destitute in the backfield. Senior Anthony Allen, a former transfer from Louisville, has been itching at the opportunity to be the feature back, or B-back, in this attack, rolling up some impressive numbers in limited opportunities last fall. Averaging over 10 yards a touch, he carried 64 times for 618 yards and six scores, adding five receptions for 112 yards and another touchdown. Not unlike his predecessor, he runs with the power of a fullback and the speed of a tailback, setting the stage for a monster final season in Atlanta.

Out of the slot, or A-back, Georgia Tech has a bona fide dynamo in 5-9, 195-pound junior Roddy Jones. An explosive play waiting to happen, he’s averaged 7.7 yards a carry during his career, running 53 times for 345 yards and three touchdowns in 2009. Never quite right last season after injuring his wrist in the summer, he’s prepared to rebound and pick up where he left off at the end of 2008. With the quickness of a jackrabbit and crippling stop-and-start moves, he can bring a defense to its knees when he’s not bogged down in traffic.

Aiming to fill out the backfield when the triple-option is employed will be 5-10, 177-pound junior Embry Peeples, one of the team’s many speedy and elusive A-backs. Although somewhat lost in the crowd, he got increased playing time as the year progressed, finishing with 31 carries for 170 yards. He has also soft hands out of the backfield, turning eight receptions into 244 yards and an 87-yard touchdown catch.

Projected Top Reserves: Challenging Peeples at one A-back spot is 5-8, 173-pound junior Marcus Wright, a diminutive player with the speed to gash defenses. Reminiscent of Jones in the open field, he has explosive tendencies, but doesn’t have the thickness to absorb too many hits. As a reserve in all 14 games last season, he carried 33 times for 190 yards and three touchdowns.

Behind Allen, 6-0, 213-pound junior Preston Lyons is the favorite to be the No. 2 B-back once he returns from a shoulder injury. A tough inside runner, who’s wisely added more muscle since arriving, he played well in his first year removed from Colgate, running 30 times for 139 yards and a touchdown.

Providing breathers for the bigger backs will be 6-0, 232-pound senior Lucas Cox , a more prototypical fullback in other offenses and a former A-back. A starter for much of 2008, he saw his playing dip in 2009, finishing with just nine carries for 31 yards. While limited athletically, he offers a bruising change-of-pace in short yardage, and is the most physical and effective blocker among the backs.

One of the wild cards of a deep backfield is 6-1, 215-pound sophomore Chris Jackson , who sat out last season after transferring from Alabama. An original commit to Georgia Tech, he has the best size among the A-backs, enough giddy-up to go the distance, and the hands of a former wide receiver. The staff would like to get him into the mix as early as possible to see what he can do.

Watch Out For … Allen to erupt in his expanded role at B-back. From his days at Louisville to his debut at Georgia Tech, he’s been productive at every stop along the way. However, he has always had to share the load ... until now, that is. If he can get 20-25 touches in this offense, he could be in store for national notoriety.
Strength: Diversity. Whatever the requirement, this backfield has someone capable of filling it. Even without Dwyer, Allen has complete back potential, and Jones, Peeples, and Wright are the long ball hitters. With so many unique options out of the backfield, the Jackets will be able to keep defenses guessing all season long.
Weakness: Depth at B-back. Okay, so Allen is established as the feature back, who has his back? While Lyons filled in nicely last season, he’s not the heir apparent, and Cox is a glorified blocking back. With Allen in his final season, the Yellow Jackets might want to dedicate some of this year to developing his successor.
Outlook: Although Dwyer’s presence will be missed, Allen is around to minimize the damage. He’s going to pile up huge numbers as the new focal point of the backfield. More output, however, will be needed from the A-backs, like Jones, Peeples, and Wright, who were a little too quiet a year ago.
Unit Rating: 9

Receivers

Projected Starters: Yes, even on a team that runs the ball far more than it throws it, Tech is going to sorely miss first round NFL Draft pick Demaryius Thomas. He was that dangerous as a receiver and a downfield blocker. The heir apparent? It could be 6-4, 196-pound sophomore Stephen Hill, who gave hints of his enormous upside during practice and by making six grabs for 137 yards and a score. He also turned five carries into 84 yards and a touchdown, showing off great wheels and terrific hands for such a young player. Opportunity is calling and he’s poised to follow in the footsteps of Thomas and Calvin Johnson.

Over on the opposite side is 6-0, 206-pound junior Tyler Melton, a starter in 17 games over the last two years. Not your typical wide receiver, he’s used more like a blocking tight end, selflessly getting down the field and putting a helmet on a linebacker or safety. Despite all of those snaps, his production speaks volumes about his usage, catching just five passes each year for a total of 99 yards.

Projected Top Reserves: Senior Kevin Cone, a walk-on transfer from Shorter (Ga.) College, was actually a starter in the first three games and played in six before breaking his ankle. The B team’s version of Melton, he’s 6-2 and 206 pounds, failed to catch a pass, and is at his best when he’s springing one of his teammates for more yards. An unselfish player, he has the good size to get his hat on someone and not let him go.

One of the program’s up-and-coming young receivers is 6-3, 197-pound sophomore Quentin Sims . He’s added some weight since the end of last year, yet maintains the straight-line speed that’ll allow the coaching staff to use him in a variety of different ways. He’s expected to show up in more boxscores this fall after failing to catch a pass in 2009.

Watch Out For … fewer deep balls and more end-arounds. Without Thomas, Tech won’t have nearly as many opportunities to connect with a receiver who gets behind the secondary. However, the unit does have a decent crop of young athletes capable of making things happen with the ball in their hands.
Strength: Length. In Hill, Sims, and redshirt freshman Jeremy Moore, Georgia Tech has three long and lean thoroughbreds, who can stride past defensive backs and elevate high in the air to win jump balls. There’s no Thomas in this group yet, but there are some very good, young athletes.
Weakness: Proven pass-catchers. Obviously, the drop-off from a season ago is going to be substantial and unavoidable. There’s limited experience on the outside, and among the holdovers, Hill is the leading returning receiver with just six receptions.
Outlook: An underutilized position in this offense, Georgia Tech needs to unearth another outside weapon in order victimize teams that press up too many troops to stop the run. After the way he played in limited opportunities a year ago, Hill is a logical choice to be Josh Nesbitt preferred target to catch the opposition napping and keep them honest.
Unit Rating: 6

Offensive Line

Projected Starters: Just two starters return to an offensive line that holds the key to the success of the vaunted Tech ground game. Depth is going to come at a premium in 2009. The new line leader is going to be 6-1, 274-pound senior Sean Bedford , last year’s All-ACC first team center. A revelation in his first year as a starter, he’s come a long way since being a walk-on defensive tackle four years ago. Though undersized, he’s rugged and agile, and plenty smart enough to flourish at calling signals for the group.

The team’s other returning starter at right tackle is 6-3, 284-pound senior Austin Barrick , who’d started 13 consecutive games before injuring his lower leg and missing the final four games of 2009. He’s added considerable weight since arriving as a running back, yet remains one of the best athletes among the offensive linemen. Having bounced around and finally found a permanent home, he continues to evolve and hone his technique as one of the pillars of the front wall.

There’s cautious optimism that this is the year junior Nick Claytor begins to blossom into a bona fide star. The 6-6, 284-pound favorite at left tackle arrived as a signature recruit in 2007, but has been hampered by back problems that have slowed his progress. When at full-strength, he’s got the right blend of size, athleticism, and attitude to emerge into a force up front for the Yellow Jackets.

It’s a good thing that 6-3, 305-pound sophomore Omoregie Uzzi got 12 games of experience as a backup last year because he’ll call upon it often as one of the starting guards. One of the nation’s top interior lineman recruits of 2008, he plays raw power, light feet, and a quick burst off the snap. While he still has a lot to prove, the raw ingredients are in place for him to develop into an ACC star.

At left guard, Tech believes it has another rising pillar in 6-4, 296-pound sophomore Nick McRae . A versatile blocker, who can also play center, he appeared in four games in his first season after redshirting. Strong in the base and tough at the point of contact, he needs to be more effective when he’s pulling and getting out into space.

Projected Top Reserves: In the event that Claytor has any kind of physical setbacks, 6-6, 276-pound sophomore Phil Smith will be first in line to take his place. He got a heap of experience a year ago, lettering with 13 appearances and four starts after Barrick was injured. He slides down the line nicely and uses his hands well, needing to just add a few more pounds to a frame that’ll handle it.

Senior Zach Krisch is the type of lineman that every coaching staff loves to have on the roster. A former walk-on, he doesn’t do any one thing great, but he can play multiple positions and has a work ethic that rubs off on the younger players. A 6-5, 279-pound veteran of just four career games, he could see increased action at either right tackle or right guard.

Watch Out For … any updates on Claytor’s back. He was fine through the spring, refreshing news for a player who has been saddled with problems for the last couple of years. With little margin for error up front, Georgia Tech desperately needs him to get through the season without incident.
Strength: Agility. By design, the Yellow Jacket offensive linemen move extremely well, laterally and when getting into the second level. If you’re not quick off the snap and in good shape, you’re not getting off the sidelines, so endurance should not be an issue for the first-stringers.
Weakness: Depth. Tech has been hit hard in the offseason by graduations and transfers. While Smith is nice piece to have on the second team puzzle, he’s the only potential backup with any relevant experience. For a unit that’s had some issues with injuries, the staff is going to hold its collective breath if anyone goes down.
Outlook: Not many opponents can stop the Jacket ground game. This offensive line, however, just might do it. Yes, there’s considerable potential. There’s also plenty of uncertainty, as the program holds out hope that Claytor, Uzzi, and McRae can all excel once the season begins and the training wheels come off.
Unit Rating: 6.5

 

[greene_dawg]

Defense:
http://cfn.scout.com/2/977732.html

What You Need To Know: Georgia Tech needs some answers on defense. Former Virginia head coach Al Groh was brought in to provide them. In one of the best coaching maneuvers of the offseason, Paul Johnson landed a long-time veteran and one of the game’s better defensive minds. For as mediocre as the Cavaliers were for years, the defense was perennially sound. He brings a new look and attitude that’ll include a shift to the 3-4 defense, and an intimate knowledge of the ACC. After wallowing the last two seasons, the Jackets need a fresh voice to ignite the defense. No higher than sixth in the league in any major category, Tech yielded almost 25 points a game and lost its only all-stars, DE Derrick Morgan and S Morgan Burnett, to early entry into the NFL Draft. Helping the unit get over the hump of mediocrity will be LB Brad Jefferson and corners Mario Butler and Jerrard Tarrant.

Returning Leaders
Tackles: Brad Jefferson, 95
Sacks: Steven Sylvester, 3
Interceptions: Mario Butler, Jerrard Tarrant, 2
Star of the defense: Senior LB Brad Jefferson
Player who has to step up and become a star: Sophomore SS Cooper Taylor
Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore DE Izaan Cross
Best pro prospect: Jefferson
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Jefferson, 2) Sophomore SS Cooper Taylor, 3) Junior CB Jerrard Tarrant
Strength of the defense: Takeaways, red zone D, overall depth, linebackers, the nose
Weakness of the defense: Pass defense, Stuffing the run, creating pressure, third down defense

Defensive Line

Projected Starters: Georgia Tech loses just one regular from a year ago, but, oh, is it going to hurt. ACC sack-leader Derrick Morgan left for the NFL after his junior year, leaving the Jackets with a sinkhole in the pass rush. Sophomore Izaan Cross is bucking to become the biggest beneficiary. One of just seven true freshmen to play in 2009, he started a pair of games and finished with 10 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. Even as he’s blossomed into a 6-4, 272-pounder, he’s been able to maintain the quickness and intensity that first landed him an offer.

On the opposite side, 6-4, 273-pound junior Jason Peters has likely found a permanent home after bouncing between end and tackle in recent years. A key recruit from three years ago, he’s yet to put it all together, starting just four games last season and making 11 stops. There’s hope that in this system, he’ll have the size and strength to stuff the run, and the quick first step to get into the other team’s backfield.

At the new nose tackle position, the Yellow Jackets are holding out hope that 6-2, 275-pound senior Ben Anderson can make it all the way back from a season-ending knee injury. Prior to getting hurt, he’d started all 12 games, making 15 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks. He’s a battler in the trenches, who uses his hands well and will fight until the whistle if it means making the play. An inspirational figure on the inside, Tech needs him for reasons that extend beyond just the numbers.

Projected Top Reserves: The Yellow Jackets broke the seal on massive sophomore tackle T.J. Barnes, and like what they’ve seen so far. The 6-7, 341-pound man-child appeared in all 14 games as a rookie, starting one and making 16 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. A classic space-eater, he needs to play with a little more of a mean streak on every down and improve his endurance in order to see more of the field.

Further depth at the nose will be provided by 6-2, 286-pound junior Logan Walls , who has lettered in each of the last two seasons, starting 10 games and making 25 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks in 2009. Slowed earlier in his career by a hereditary heart issue, he’s overcome that obstacle to become a key member of the rotation and a gritty competitor who holds up at the point of attack.

Watch Out For … the status of 6-3, 259-pound senior Robert Hall . Tech desperately needs reinforcements at end. Hall was returning from a knee injury to provide just that for the defense. However, he’s been suspended indefinitely after being charged with battery in June, casting a pall over the D-line depth.
Strength: Depth at the nose. Walls and Anderson have plenty of starting experience. Barnes is the starter of the future. With this many reinforcements at a single position, Tech might have the luxury of shifting one of the smaller veterans outside if needed.
Weakness: The pass rush. With Morgan goes 12.5 sacks and at least that many pressures. After him, there isn’t a returning end that had more than one sack last season, a situation complicated by Hall’s off-field problems. If Cross and Peters don’t deliver, it’ll force the defensive staff to blitz more that it’d like.
Outlook: By the rest of the ACC’s standards, this is an average collection of talent on the defensive line. Is there an obvious all-star? An end you can pencil in for six or seven sacks? While Georgia Tech has the parts to improve in run defense, the pass rush is a work-in-progress that will negatively impact the secondary.
Unit Rating: 7

Linebackers

Projected Starters: The switch to a 3-4 means more jobs on the two-deep and a greater need for quality linebackers. The only casualty is Sedric Griffin, and imports from the defensive line are becoming commonplace. At one of the two inside spots, the leader will be 6-2, 242-pound senior Brad Jefferson, who’s going to flourish in this system. One of the emotional and physical leaders of the defense, he had a team-high 95 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles to earn honorable mention All-ACC. A physical tackler in the open field, he’s ideally constructed as a run defender.

Looking to join Jefferson on the inside is 6-2, 233-pound junior Steven Sylvester , who started eight games and played in all 14 on the outside. In fact, he’s lettered in each of his first two seasons, making 40 tackles, four tackles for loss, and three sacks. A physical wrap-up tackler, he’ll make plays from sideline to sideline and has the burst and natural technique to be an effective pass rusher on blitzes.

Tech fans have been waiting for 6-3, 230-pound senior Anthony Barnes to arrive since he signed as a heralded recruit four years ago. He’s started just seven career games and had 16 tackles in 2009, but now there’s a golden opportunity to land an outside job at jack linebacker. He has all of the physical tools to be a success, now needing to get more snaps and remain healthy for an entire season.

After playing defensive end last season, 6-4, 255-pound senior Anthony Egbuniwe has moved to one of the outside position, a much better fit for his size and skill set. Despite starting nine games, the former Tulsa transfer only managed to make 19 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. With a chance to perform in space, he’s hoping to get a clearer path into opposing backfields.

Projected Top Reserves: After missing all of last season to recover from foot surgery, 6-0, 239-pound junior Kyle Jackson could not be returning at a better time. It seems like a long time ago, but it was just two years ago that he started 10 games and made 61 tackles, vying for ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. He has good range and diagnostic skills, and has added the weight needed to hold up in run defense.

While no one’s exactly sure where 5-10, 221-pound sophomore Julian Burnett will fit in, he played well enough in his first year to be in the rotation. In just his first season out of high school, he started three times and made 41 tackles on defense and special teams. Although his height is a concern for pass defense, he plays much tougher than his size and has the quickness to cover big chunks of real estate. If he gets lost in the shuffle, the staff might consider a position switch to get him on the field.

Watch Out For … this situation to be unsettled right through the month of August. The Jackets were working through the alignment changes in the spring, juggling players around in an effort to find the best combination. What the pecking order looked like a few months ago could be very different by the time South Carolina State visits Sept. 4.
Strength: Depth. Considering the fact that the two-deep now means eight players instead of six, Georgia Tech is going to be surprisingly deep at linebacker. With the relo of Egbuniwe and return of Jackson, the Jackets have eight kids who have lettered in their career, all of whom are going to be employed in the fall.
Weakness: Sure-things on the outside. While the inside linebackers will be in good shape, there’s a degree of uncertainty on the outside that’ll need to be addressed before the opener. Egbuniwe has spent much of his career at defensive end and Barnes has been a disappointment, which provides little margin for error.
Outlook: With Groh in town, it’s a whole new world for the linebackers, which are learning all different assignments and working hard at improving their communication as a unit. While there’s enough talent for the group to be fine, it could take the first month of the season before everyone meshes.
Unit Rating: 7

Secondary

Projected Starters: As one high-profile player departs, another returns. Sure, the Yellow Jackets were sad to see Morgan Burnett leave early for the NFL, but the return of 6-4, 208-pound sophomore Cooper Taylor will soften the blow. Coming off a terrific debut and starting the first three games of 2009, he was diagnosed with a rare heart condition that required surgery. He has recovered, and is set to pick up where he left off in 2008, using his good size and blazing speed to make stops all around the field from the rover position.

The frontrunner at free safety will be 5-11, 198-pound senior Dominique Reese . One of the more versatile members of the secondary, he bounced around in 2009 and battled nagging injuries to start six games and make 28 tackles, two tackles for loss, and an interception. Also a vocal leader in the defensive backfield, bringing a contagious attitude to the group, he excels in coverage, but lacks the physicality needed to be an effective run defender.

The Jackets should be in good shape at cornerback this season. The team’s most consistent cover guy will be 6-1, 182-pound senior Mario Butler, who has started the last 27 games dating back to the beginning of 2008. He enjoyed his best season in Atlanta last year, making 45 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and two interceptions. More steady than spectacular, he keeps the play in front of him and has enough size to match up with the league’s taller receivers.

At the other corner, 6-0, 202-pound junior Jerrard Tarrant is the inverse of Butler, an inconsistent defender who’ll supply the periodic flash. He has next-level physical ability, but still lack discipline and needs refinement, which will come with more reps. His legal issues behind him, he had a breakthrough 2009, making 58 tackles, two interceptions, and recovering two fumbles. One of the ACC’s top punt returners, he scored all four of Tech’s non-offensive touchdowns and is a player with a very high ceiling.

Projected Top Reserves: At cornerback, 5-10, 185-pound junior Rashaad Reid returns to his natural position after struggling at free safety a year ago. He’s played a lot of football in two seasons, starting 14 total games, but making just a dozen tackles and two pass breakups a year ago. He’s better suited as a cover guy, where he can show off his ball skills and quick breaks on passes.

Pushing for playing time behind Reese is 6-1, 216-pound senior Mario Edwards , who actually had the edge in this duel late last year. In fact, he started the final five games of the season when the staff sought more help for the run defense. He responded with 36 tackles and can deliver the payload like a linebacker, but does not have the same athleticism or coverage skills as Reese.

Watch Out For … Taylor’s health in his return from heart surgery. The sophomore is a different player than Burnett, but is every bit the difference-maker. He brings a nice mix of size, speed, and attitude that this group was missing after he was lost early in the 2009 season.
Strength: Depth. You want ample reserves? How about 11 returning letterwinners and eight players with starting experience? The Yellow Jackets will be loaded with options and competition, which is going to benefit all parties involved.
Weakness: Defending the pass. Tech had too many breakdowns a year ago, allowing more touchdown passes than all but Florida State in the ACC. Plus, the Jackets were 88th nationally in pass efficiency defense, a number aided by Burnett’s presence and four interceptions.
Outlook: Although there’s a fair amount of talent and athleticism in the defensive backfield, will it be parlayed into improved result? It’s a quest this defense has been working on since the end of the Orange Bowl. Even if the Burnett-Taylor dynamic winds up being a wash, improved play and tighter coverage is going to be needed from the rest of the holdovers.
Unit Rating: 7

Special Teams

Projected Starters: Although PK Scott Blair improved his accuracy in his second year as the regular, there’s still a feeling that he can do more. The senior and one-time starting punter went 14-of-20 on field goal tries and showed better range than earlier in his career. He’ll do whatever is necessary to assist this unit, consistently getting downfield in a hurry and doing an unusually good job of making tackles as a part of the coverage unit.

Sophomore Chandler Anderson returns after a solid debut as the team’s full-time punter. He averaged 42.3 yards, and only 10 of his 37 punts were returned, a big reason why Georgia Tech led the ACC in net punting.

With junior Jerrard Tarrant and sophomore Orwin Smith back, Tech will once again have one of the ACC’s most threatening return games. While Smith averaged a healthy 24 yards on kickoffs, Tarrant was menacing on punt returns, ranking No. 13 nationally at over 13 yards a clip and returning two for touchdowns.

Watch Out For … Anderson to spend plenty of time watching idly from the sidelines. Thanks to those long, time-consuming drives of the Yellow Jackets, the team didn’t use its punter very often last season. In fact, only Florida had fewer attempts in 2009, and at one point, Tech went 22 consecutive possessions without using the punter.
Strength: The return game. Tarrant and Smith are kinds of athletes that can go the distance with even a sliver of daylight to squirt through. Tarrant proved that point on multiple occasions last season, and Smith won’t be far behind now that he has a full year of experience in the vault.
Weakness: Blair. Sure, he’ll knock the stuffing out of you on the perimeter, but the Yellow Jackets need him to become more consistent as a placekicker. Even as his accuracy improved, he remained spotty outside of 30 yards and his leg strength is questionable.
Outlook: In just a single season, Georgia Tech has done a terrific job of regrouping on special teams, now boasting one of the league’s crisper units. The punter and kicker have upgraded from 2009, the coverage teams are tight, and the return men will take back at least two for six in the fall.
Unit Rating: 8.5

 

[Doc_Holliday23]

very in-depth, although no mention of Orwin Smith at A-back. I think he's the most complete AB on the roster and look for him to fill Allen's shoes as the #1 option at AB. I'm expecting the typical 1200-1400 yards from Allen, 1000+ from Nesbitt and another 500+ from Smith. Roddy Jones was hurt much of last year but I'm hoping he'll bounce back, but I really expect Smith to supplant him. Hopefully Chris Jackson will have the sure hands at AB that we've been lacking. The offense is gonna be fine.

Who knows about the defense?

 

[Nitram4891]

Maybe Nesbitt finds his arm this year and we can start talking Heisman.

 

[greene_dawg]

very in-depth, although no mention of Orwin Smith at A-back.

Yeah... CFN does a pretty good job in general but they always seem to miss something important along the way.

 

[MCBUCK]

Hey Doc!! I have a local kid from Chatswoth on the o-line at GT. Be sure to look for him, and let me know how he is doing. He is more of a brainiac than a true o-lineman, but he should get some PT in theis year as a long snapper on FG/PA, and maybe some time in at center--6'2" and abouit 280. His name is Pritchett ( no relation) Super good kid, and an academic for sure ( I think there is more academic $$ right now than there is athelectic $$)

 

[Doc_Holliday23]

I'll keep an eye out for him.