Quarterbacks at Georgia Tech are expected to put up big numbers while leading their teams to top 25 rankings and bowl games. At least, that's the way it's been for the past five years with Joe Hamilton and George Godsey behind center.
And Suggs, the starter heading into preseason practice, doesn't expect that to change in 2002.
``If you know what you're doing and you know where to go with the ball, anybody could be successful,'' said the transfer from Tennessee. ``It's every quarterback's dream to play in an offense like this.''
Suggs won the job in the spring, using the experience of four starts as a freshman for the Volunteers to move ahead of Bilbo. In the spring game, he was 8-for-18 for 189 yards and two touchdowns, further cementing his claim to the position.
Suggs' experience ``showed through in spring training,'' new coach Chan Gailey said. ``It showed because he got better every day in spring practice, and I thought it showed in the spring game, with the lights on and in front of fans, when he played very well.''
Although he stopped short of saying Suggs would start the opener against Vanderbilt, Gailey said something ``pretty significant would have to happen'' for Bilbo to crack the lineup. Which Bilbo accepts, to a point.
``I don't think any player ever wants to be a backup,'' Bilbo said. ``I don't practice in 95-degree heat to sit on the bench. I want to play, and I want to show the coaches I can be the starter.''
He actually played in one game last year, mopping up in a lopsided victory over Navy, but was redshirted because of a recurring thumb injury. Although Gailey has said both quarterbacks will play, Bilbo knows his chances won't come often.
``I just have to be ready to play at any time,'' he said. ``It's not like I'm going to play the second series or the third series, because what if Suggs gets hot and completes like his first eight passes? He's going to stay in.
``I'm just going to have to prepare myself like I'm the starter, and then when I get in, do my job.''
But the two players are making the best of it, rooming together during the preseason to study the playbook and maintaining their friendship.
``I want what's best for the team,'' Suggs said. ``I want to play well, and I want Damarius to play well. If that happens, then it helps the team win, which is what we both want.''
Even if Suggs overwhelming outplays Bilbo, there still might be a chance for Bilbo. Since Bilbo is the more athletic of the two, he could be inserted in certain situations to test the defense, an idea offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien finds intriguing.
``It's like a fastball, changeup deal for the defense,'' he said. ``It throws them off balance a little bit. But we're going to look at doing more with Bilbo. He's going to have to be able to throw the ball down the field and make good decisions.''
No matter who plays, though, wide receiver Will Glover isn't worried.
``Both of those guys can do the job,'' Glover said. ``Everybody was worried with Joe Hamilton left, but George Godsey stepped in and did even better. Everybody's worried this year, but the players know A.J. and Damarius are good.
``They'll get it done.''
http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/8/191575