<p>Georgia Tech is finally getting some positive feedback from prospects, hoping to increase the talent level of the 2005 incoming freshman class before national signing day on Feb. 2.</p><p>The Yellow Jackets, whose class is ranked No. 60 by Rivals.com, hadn't received much attention from the top recruits in the country. But in the last week, Tech was able to collect some nonbinding commitments.</p><p>Jonathan Garner of Dayton Beach, Fla., gave Georgia Tech a verbal commitment, after initially being committed to Florida. Garner, rated the 19th prostyle quarterback in the nation by Rivals.com, also picked the Jackets over Louisville, Memphis and Ole Miss.</p><p>Garner understands that assuming the starter position will take time. But inconsistency has loomed junior Reggie Ball _ who threw 18 interceptions and only 16 touchdowns last season.</p><p>Plus, sophomore quarterback Taylor Bennett performing well in game time situations is another uncertainty.</p><p>"Maybe it will take me a year or two to get a lot of playing time, but I'm going to practice everyday like I'm starting and I'm going to study film like I'm starting just to learn the offense," He told Rivals.com.</p><p>Tech also gathered commitments from Vance Walker of Fort Mills, S.C., Cordaro Howard of Phenix City, Ala., Will Miller of Centre, Ala., Matthew Braman of Longmount, Colo., and Jake Blakwood of West Palm Beach, Fla.</p><p>___</p><p>RESTLESS VLADIMIR: When Feb. 2 arrives, Vladimir Richards will be a happy man. The 6-4, 255 pound, defensive end has been pressured by various institutions on his final decision.</p><p>Richards of Sunrise, Fla., told TheInsiders.com that he's tired of recruiters and coaches, and can't wait until the whole recruiting process is over. Georgia, Tennessee and Florida are his top choices.</p><p>Jeff Owens, friend of Richards, has played the role as a recruiter. Owens, who already committed to Georgia, has talked with Richards every night about joining the Bulldogs.</p><p>___</p><p>GATHERING MORE TALENT: Linebacker Tavares Kearney and cornerback Bryan Evans committed to the Georgia Bulldogs over the weekend. Both players, who are rated as four-star prospects by Scouts.com, were impressed with the atmosphere of Georgia, from the coaches to the facilities.</p><p>Kearney of Tucker, Ga., who gave his decision on local radio station V103, said he's finished with visiting schools.</p><p>After playing in the U.S. Army All-American game last weekend, Evans visited Georgia and gave a verbal commitment to the Dawgs.</p><p>"I have family in Atlanta and Albany, Georgia, so it will be easy for them to come see me," Evans told Insiders.com.</p><p>___</p><p>SLEEPER?: It wouldn't be a surprise if safety Jake Blackwood became a star at Georgia Tech. Blackwood has been around football all his life, having a father and uncle play in the NFL.</p><p>Glenn and Lyle Blackwood both started at safety for the Miami Dolphins in the early 1980s. The duo was well known throughout the league as the "Bruise Brothers."</p><p>As a utility player in high school, Jake led his team with 38 receptions for 805 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also had 62 tackles and four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.</p><p>___</p><p>STAYING HOME: Duane Long of Bucknuts.com reported that linebacker Taalib Tucker, who had a visit at Ohio State over the weekend, was no-show and decided to hold his commitment with Georgia Tech.</p><p>The Atlanta native had 96 tackles after missing half of last season.</p>
