Saturday marked the first scrimmage for the football team and the results were positive on the offensive end. B-back Jonathan Dwyer (pictured) established his spot as a feature back right off the bat with a 70-yard touchdown run on the second play of the morning.
Dwyer finished the day with 99 yards on 13 carries. If Dwyer is the present for Tech’s running game, the future may be Louisville transfer Anthony Allen, who is sitting out the 2008 season. Running against the second-team defense, Allen rushed 17 times for 105 yards, including a 57-yard touchdown. Quarterback Josh Nesbitt continued to show his grasp of Paul Johnson’s offense, but freshman Jaybo Shaw also shined, completing three of six passes for 148 yards and a touchdown to wide receiver R.B. Clyburn. He also ran for two touchdowns. Scott Blair attempted to put away doubts about the kicking game by converting two field goals, including a 52-yarder. Defensive highlights included an interception by cornerback Jahi Word-Daniels on a Nesbitt pass to Demaryius Thomas, and a Vance Walker sack.
Safety Mario Edwards, a transfer from Virginia Tech, was cleared by the ACC on Thursday to play football for this season. Edwards, who spent two years at Virginia Tech, has been practicing at free safety since last week, where he is a potential starter. Edwards transferred to Tech to be closer to his ailing father. An all-state performer at Westlake High School, Edwards recorded four interceptions, six sacks, two fumble recoveries and a blocked punt as a high-school senior.
PREVIEWING THE DEFENSE
While the defensive unit is Tech’s best and the one with the greatest set of expectations, it will also have an array of new faces. Gone is linebacker Philip Wheeler, now playing in the NFL. Tech is also without Gary Guyton, Djay Jones and Avery Robertson. The rock of Tech’s defense will be its defensive line, which includes preseason All-ACC performers Vance Walker and Michael Johnson. Johnson will be a starter for the first time this season and has the potential to be one of the nation’s best. Darryl Richard will provide bulk and leadership up front. There are also big changes in the coaching booth where Jon Tenuta’s blitz-crazy style has given way to Dave Wommack’s more conservative style. The defense will be asked to maintain consistency this season while the offense catches on. Tech’s youth in the secondary, including potential star Morgan Burnett, is a major concern, but if Tech’s experienced front four can get to the quarterback and stop the run consistently, the Jackets may be able to capture a number of low-scoring games.
The football team will begin the upcoming season on Aug. 28 at home against Jacksonville State at 7:30 p.m. Fans can catch the inaugural game of the Paul Johnson era on ESPN 360 and 790 The Zone.
Crosskey can be reached at jcrosskey@aol.com.
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