Nesbitt is going to be better than last year, that we know for certain. With a year under his belt he's going to be able to command this offense much better and make the correct reads. In Birddog's post below, read the part where he says if Nesbitt makes the right read, a certain play is a TD. I think he's an okay passer-certainly no Sam Bradford but serviceable. Kind of reminds me of Tommie Frazier in terms of throwing ability. The backup QB race will be interesting to see. Jaybo Shaw was really the only option last year behind Nesbitt. Shaw is okay-he'll never wow you with athleticism but he could command the offense if needed. RS Fr Tevin Washington has really started to progress, especially with his passing. I think incoming freshmen Jordan Luallen and David Sims will get a chance to win the backup spot. Luallen knows the offense because he ran it last year in Indiana. Sims is the wildcard. I think he ends up on the field somewhere this year because of playmaking ability-whether that be QB, Aback, receiever-not sure yet. GT is definitely in better shape at this position than they were a year ago. Light years better.
RB:
This could well be the best backfield in the country (Sporting News agrees) in terms of quality and depth. Dwyer is just a beast and will be even better this year because of the natural maturation process and because everyone around him will be better. GT will lead the country in rushing and there won't be a close 2nd. Roddy Jones really came on late-see his 250+ day against Georgia. Jones fractured his wrist this summer so he may not be back in time for the Jacksonville State game. It looks like Louisville transfer Anthony Allen is slated to start at the other A Back spot. Kind of interesting as he is not the prototypical smaller Aback at 228 lbs. I had heard at times last year that Allen was the best RB on the team, while he sat out a year due to transferring. There is incredible depth and experience behind the starters. Both Embry Peeples and Marcus Wright played last year as true freshmen. Wright is a former Texas high school player of the year and he really impressed in the spring. Coach PJ lauds his toughness and tenacity and he appears set for a breakout season. Lucas Cox also has experience and impressed at times last year and can play both A and B back. If there's one true freshman I think will play it will be B-back Daniel Drummond. It might be tough to beat out Richard Watson (another Dwyer in the waiting?), but Drummond simply has too many physical skills to sit on the bench. Drummond is a weightroom freak and is going to cause opposing defenders to leap out of his path. Consider that Drummond is 6'3 250 with a 415 lb bench press, 600 lb squat and 330 lb power clean. That's stronger than any player on last year's Tech team! Read this article on Drummond here.
One other interesting thing that has leaked out of summer workout is the emergence of true freshman walkon A Back Robbie Godhigh. Godhigh, whose limited offers were obviously because of his small stature, is apparently tearing it up during workouts. Godhigh is only 5'7 and 185 but he is incredibly strong-like Darren Sproles strong. Here's a picture of Godhigh who was an all-state player last year from Kennesaw Stone Mountain HS. Just looks and sounds like the kind of player that could make a huge splash in the offense-if not this year, at some point in the future.
Needless to say, Georgia Tech is absolutely stacked in the backfield. It reminds me of the talent and depth that Nebraska had on their team during the mid 90s stretch. Even when they get to the 3rd and 4th stringers, you're going to see incredible production.
Receivers:
Like old school Nebraska, receivers in this offense are blockers first and pass catchers after that. In other words, you can pluck a non-highly recruited receiver like Tyler Melton and make his contribution to the success of the team the same as a Calvin Johnson. Despite that, this should be a pretty serviceable group. We all know what Bebe Thomas can do. Melton was actually contributing heavily last year until a midseason injury slowed his progress. Kevin Cone was impressive at times this spring. I think most expect top flight recruit Stephen Hill to come in and contribute right away. His talent level is undeniable and GT was lucky to hold on to him after the late offer from Georgia. I'm guessing since Melton was able to pick up the offense last year, it's not out of the realm for a true freshman receiver like Hill to also see the field.
Offensive Line:
Of course, Georgia Tech's ultimate success on offense will be determined by what happens up front. I remember a Navy beat writer saying it takes an offensive lineman a full 3 years in this system before Paul Johnson can implement his full arsenel. Like every other group on offense, GT will be far better this year than last year. Too much inconsistency and too many errors a year ago. Even despite that, things clicked well at times where you could really see things coming together. Due to graduated Andrew Gardner's mid-season injury last year, every starter will return to the line. Several missed the spring with injuries but all are expected to be back in time for the start of the season. Great news-I'm hearing Barrick is well above 270 right now so it looks like a servicable group. I would love to see Omoregie Uzzi come into his own, after redshirting a year ago. Maybe a true freshman or two sneaks in to provide some depth. I really like Ray Beno, a powerlifter roadgrader type of OL-reminds me a bit of the old school Nebraska linemen. Beno could make an instant impact at C or G. Beno is strong as hell, with a low center of gravity & flat-back drive blocking style. And he is NASTY. In fact, I think this OL group coming in is going to be outstanding down the road. Jay Finch, Antonio Foster, Beno and Will Jackson were all highly recruited with quality offers and by all accounts, each one has the nasty streak that is required in this offense. I'm especially excited about what I hear about Finch. Here's a pic from the spring game of Finch (middle), Beno (right) and 2010 prospect Oestmann.
Summary:
The Jackets have a chance to be one of the top offenses in college football this year. Johnson's 2nd season at both Georgia Southern and Navy saw significant improvement in execution and in terms of statistics. His first Georgia Tech team was right in line with what Georgia Southern and Navy did in their first year. Therefore, it's realistic to expect the 2009 Jackets to average close to 330 YPG rushing this fall. I think Nesbitt can throw the ball if he's given time to pass. He was a passing QB in high school but last year he ran for his life because of the poor protection. Depth development needs to take place up front as well. Even with Dwyer likely headed out to the NFL after this year, keep in mind this is still a very young offense (and team). Projected starting OL Dan Voss and Cord Howard are the only seniors, along with backup Brad Sellers, to even crack the preseason depth chart. But as PJ recently said in the AJC, “It’s a night-and-day difference, the speed at which we play, the execution level, I think the intensity. They know what we are looking for. It’s an easier flow, and an easier way to get things done because they’ve done it for a year.”
And as PJ said in the spring "We will be better on offense. Now I don’t know if we’ll win any more games, but I guarantee you we’re better than we were a year ago.”
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