ATLANTA -- Two years ago, the Georgia Tech football team came to practice with many questions to answer -- mainly surrounding the new coach and his new offense.
Two years later, those questions have largely been answered after an 11-3 record in 2009 and an ACC championship, but this offseason others have popped up -- this time surrounding the defense.
And, once again, they surround a new coach with a new system.
Al Groh has taken over as defensive coordinator for a Tech squad that looked lost at times last season. And as good as the Yellow Jackets' offense was a year ago -- leading the ACC in scoring and ranking among the nation's leaders in rushing offense -- the defense looked equally bad at times.
Whether it was allowing 31 points each to Vanderbilt and Mississippi State, giving up 44 points to Florida State or not forcing a single punt from Clemson in the ACC Championship, Tech's defense had serious problems forcing the other team's offense off the field. And that was with a pair of standout defensive players in ACC sacks leader Derrick Morgan (seventh overall draft pick by the Tennessee Titans) and safety Morgan Burnett (third round pick by the Green Bay Packers).
Groh takes over the Tech defense after an up-and-down head coaching career at the University of Virginia that included two ACC Coach of the Year awards but also a 3-9 record last season. He brings an impressive coaching resume to the table, both in college and the NFL, but more importantly he brings a big change on the field with his 3-4 defense.
Two years ago, the offensive players quickly bought in to Johnson's offense with immediate results. Tech is hoping for a similar turnaround this season on defense.
"It's been like a complete 180 from last season," said former Flowery Branch standout Izaan Cross. "We've been putting a lot more time in than I've ever put in since I've been here, trying to get everything right. Trying to be a collective team."
Cross has a chance to make an impact for Tech this season and should get plenty of snaps at defensive end. He played in 13 games last season, starting two, as a true freshman.
"Overall, I was content with the way I played last season, just to get alittle experience under my belt," Cross said.
Cross will try to fill the void opened with the loss of Morgan on the defensive line.
And while Cross looks to improve at defensive end, playing next to him this season could be Dawson County's Logan Walls, who should see time at nose tackle.
Walls played in all 14 games in 2009 for Tech, and moved into the starter's roll in late September, opening up in 10 games and recording 25 tackles.
"I think I played well [last season]," said Walls. "Little things I could've done better, but overall I think I played well."
And as far as the change in defensive philosophy this season, Walls keeps it simple.
"This year is a new team, new coaches, new everything," Walls said.
And if Walls and Cross have anything to say about it, it will be a far different result for the Jackets defense in 2010.
While the defense deals with a new system, the offense should continue to put up solid numbers for Georgia Tech.
Just like the defense, the Jackets' offense lost two big playmakers to the NFL in wide receiver Demariyus Thomas (22nd overall pick to the Denver Broncos) and running back Jonathon Dwyer (sixth round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers).
While Thomas led the team in receiving all three years at Tech, Dwyer was the 2008 ACC Player of the Year and led the team in rushing his last two seasons on the Flats. Despite the losses Johnson says, if his offense is working properly, the featured B-back should be able to get close to 1,000 yards in a season.
Anthony Allen will try to prove Johnson right this season. Allen racked up over 600 rushing yards in 2009 as Dwyer's backup, while also being featured as an A-back.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Stephen Hill enters his sophomore season afer a year behind Thomas. Hill had just six receptions last season for 137 yards but was rarely thrown to in Tech's run-oriented attack. Hill showed good speed and hands last season, and has the body (6-foot-5, 200 pounds) to stand out in a crowd.
There should be plenty of familiar offensive players as well.
Quarterback Joshua Nesbitt is back for his senior season, after compiling over 1,000 yards each rushing and passing, as well as being named ACC first team quarterback. He is listed on several preseason watch lists, including the Davey O'Brien Award.
Tech also returns three starting offensive linemen and several others that received playing time last year. A-backs Roddy Jones, Marcus Wright and Peeples also all return to add speed and an outside rushing game.
The ACC media picked Tech to finish third in the Coastal Division, finishing behind both Virginia Tech and Miami. And although the Jackets have overachieved the last two seasons, a quick look at the schedule shows that it could be a serious challenge for Tech to repeat as conference champs.
Almost every major game the Jackets play is on the road, including Sept. 18 at North Carolina, Oct. 23 at Clemson, Nov. 4 at Virginia Tech and Nov. 27 at Georgia. The Jackets get a break by playing Miami at home on Nov. 13, but Tech's road warriors status will be tested early and often.
Last season the team wasn't picked to win the ACC, and the Yellow Jackets wound up having their most successful season in almost 20 years. It will be tougher this year, but with a new defense and the same old offense maybe the team is set to turn some heads again.
Thursday
October 31st, 2024
9:26AM
