What I'm Hearing

-Nesbitt is almost a whole different player now that the ankle injury he played through last year is healed up. Words used include quicker, more decisive and better command of the offense. I don't think there's been a stronger QB in college football since Scott Frost graduated. At 215 lbs Nesbitt can hang clean 350 lbs (they stopped him so he wouldn't get injured). Scott Frost set the Nebraska position record with a 372 hang clean.

-I love the likely starting OL of Smith/Claytor, Uzzi, Bedford, Jackson and Barrick. Uzzi and Bedford are all-conference players and Jackson is a future AA. The offense is starting to take shape up front.

-LB Kyle Jackson is back and as good as ever. He was the team's best LB a year ago before the foot injury kept him out for the year. He's pushing Jefferson, although I doubt he'll unseat the Gladiator. Watts, Jefferson, Sylvester/Barnes and Egbuniwe/Munroe should round out the starters. Jeremiah Attachou is going to be one hell of a player. He's going to skip a redshirt-probably won't start but I think he'll play a major role on this team.

-Jamea Thomas will redshirt. Isaiah Johnson looks like he'll get the nod to start as a true freshman.

-Too Tall and Euclid Cummings have really turned the corner. The youth on the defense is scary but in a year or two when Paul Johnson has a top 20 defense to go along with his offense, there's no reason why GT won't be a national championship team.

-Told not to expect a miracle from the defense this year. I do believe they will be better coached and put in a position to be successful though.

-Brian Bohannon's comments yesterday were interesting in regards to the competition at B-back. It's apparent that Anthony Allen, Lucas Cox, Preston Lyons and Richard Watson are a formidable group. It will probably be a share by committee position. Bohannon mentioned the ability to bring in fresh players and wear an opposing defense down in the 4th quarter. Needless to say, we're just loaded here.

-Bill Bellichik stopped by practice on Thursday

-Scrimmage today-waiting for a report.

New commit Vad Lee from Hillside NC is the absolute perfect QB recruit to run CPJ's offense. He can run, throw and throw on the run. Of course he's going to have to beat Synjyn Days who Brian Bohannon says plays QB with a LB mentality. The competition to replace Nesbitt next year will be fierce. Tevin Washington, David Sims, Days and Lee will be something to watch next spring and fall. Lee's commitment also means that Airyn Willis will likely end up at WR. Lee opened his senior season last night with 302 yards passing and 5 TD.

Vad Lee Jr Season Highlights

Fall Camp

As with probably any other fanbase around the country, enthusiasm is running high for the upcoming season. Year three of the Paul Johnson era.

Several times CPJ has said this will probably be a better team than he's had but might not win as many games. Coach Johnson has been around long enough to know that you have to show up. I personally believe this will be his best team yet. Year three at all his stops has been the best. There is finally a full 85 players on scholarship. The offensive line has depth, experience and talent, along with the first wave of CPJ recruits. When you have an All-ACC center fighting to hold on to his job that should say something. Nesbitt is healthy, there's a plethora of riches at the RB position and another year of understanding the offense.

The reason why this team will be better though won't be because of the offense. Al Groh knows what the hell he's doing and the players trust him, unlike they did when they gave up on Dave Wommack. There is absolutely no chance the defense is worse, even with learning a new system.


And this year GT is playing in what is arguably the toughest division in college football. Road games at Va Tech, Clemson, UNC and Georgia will be incredibly tough.

Based on what I'm hearing here are some things to chew on (remember it's early):

Isaiah Johnson might end up being a starter. I think he'll be the best freshman safety in the country this year.

Synjyn Days is exactly what we're after out of the QB spot. It's early but this kid can pass and run. And he already knows the offense.

Remember the name Brandon Watts. Superstar.

Nesbitt is fully healthy and is running the offense with more speed and efficiency. You'll remember last year I told you that Ricky Dobbs of Navy runs the offense better because he runs it quicker. I'll be interested to see how it comes together.

SC State will be a good first game. This is a very talented I-AA team that finished #7 in the country last year. Anymore, you can't take these games for granted.

I'll post up some articles regarding media days and the early practices tomorrow.