|
TB
P.J. Daniels |
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2004
Statistics |
Coach:
Chan Gailey
21-17,
3 years |
2004
Record: 7-5 |
|
SAMFORD |
WON
28-7 |
at
Clemson |
WON
28-24 |
at
North Carolina |
LOST
13-34 |
MIAMI
FL |
LOST
3-27 |
at
Maryland |
WON
20-7 |
DUKE |
WON
24-7 |
VIRGINIA
TECH |
LOST
20-34 |
at
North Carolina State |
WON
24-14 |
CONNECTICUT |
WON
30-10 |
VIRGINIA |
LOST
10-30 |
at
Georgia |
LOST
13-19 |
CHAMPS
SPORTS BOWL |
vs.
Syracuse |
WON
51-14 |
|
2004 Final Rankings
AP-UR, Coaches-UR, BCS-UR
|
2005
Outlook |
For
nearly a decade, Georgia Tech has
been a good team, but has not attained
levels with the college football elite.
And even though making their eighth
bowl trip in as many years matched
what only seven current teams have
done, at 7-5, their defensive superiority
has to be seen as having been squandered.
Stellar, commanding defenses are what
those rare, national championship-caliber
teams are built upon, so the Ramblin'
Wreck is lucky to have their superior
group (10 of 11 starters) back in
force. Good enough again on D to take
them all the way, this team will therefore
go only as far as the offense can
muster. The skill positions are so
good they can sting anybody, but they're
also so inconsistent they can look
bad against anybody, too. Oh, the
dichotomy
Gailey has to turn
Ball into the mature game manager
needed to win, not the free-wheeling
improviser who seems to lose as many
as his talents win.
2005
has, so far, started out rough, with
head coach Chan Gailey suffering a
minor heart attack during spring drills.
He was back on the field within a
week, though, and should be healthy
enough to lead Tech into what will
again be a tough slate (our Strength
of Schedule rated Tech's '04 campaign
as the second-toughest). Seven bowl
teams again pepper the lineup. Tech
went 2-5 against them in '04. Four
of the staunchest - Auburn, Virginia
Tech, Miami and Virginia - are all
on the road. With just one gimme (at
Duke, 10/15/05), Georgia Tech will
need to go 5-1 or 6-0 at Bobby Dodd
Stadium/Grant Field to keep its bowl
streak alive, but that is unlikely.
You just can't ever count a team out
with such a phenomenal D, so make
sure you keep an eye on how the offense
progresses. If it can, you will see
the Boys on Bobby Dodd Way really
start to haul in more of those valuable
in-state recruits, and then the program
can find that consistency it has so
desperately lacked.
Projected
2005 record: 7-4
|
|
GEORGIA
TECH
*POWER RATINGS |
Offense |
Defense |
QB
- 3.5 |
DL
- 4 |
RB
- 4 |
LB
- 4 |
WR
- 3.5 |
DB
- 4 |
OL
- 3 |
.. |
|
RETURNING
LEADERS |
Passing:
Reggie Ball, 330-164-18, 2147 yds.,
16 TD
Rushing: P.J. Daniels, 154
att., 714 yds., 8 TD
Receiving: Calvin Johnson,
48 rec., 837 yds., 7 TD
Scoring: Travis Bell, 15-17
FG, 31-31 PAT, 76 pts.
Punting: Ben Arndt, 73 punts,
38.5 avg.
Kicking: Travis Bell, 15-17
FG, 31-31 PAT, 76 pts.
Tackles: Gerris Wilkinson,
119 tot., 53 solo
Sacks: Chris Reis, 8 sacks
Interceptions: Reuben Houston,
3 for 16 yds.
Kickoff Returns: Eddie Ivery,
2 ret., 26.5 avg., 0 TD
Punt Returns: Patrick Carter,
26 ret., 8.4 avg., 0 TD
|
|
|
LB
Gerris Wilkinson |
|
|
|
GEORGIA
TECH |
|
|
OFFENSE
- 6 |
----RETURNING
STARTERS---- |
DEFENSE
- 8 |
|
KEY
LOSSES |
OFFENSE:
Jimmy Dixon-FB, Nate Curry-WR, Levon
Thomas-WR, Darius Williams-TE, Leon
Robinson-OT, Andy Tidwell-Neal-C, Kyle
Wallace-OT |
DEFENSE:
James
Butler-FS, Darryl Richard-DT (injured),
Travis Parker-DE (academics) |
|
|
2005
OFFENSE |
Quarterback
At times, Reggie Ball is one of the most
exciting players in the country, but his
play has frustrated Tech fans, and that's
why his job wasn't safe heading into spring
practice. After starting every game for
two years, we know he is just as dangerous
running as he is throwing, and his numbers
aren't bad. But he threw more INTs than
TDs (18:16) and completed only half his
passes. The job is still Ball's to lose.
Taylor Bennett and Kyle Manley, a pair of
redshirt freshman fighting to unseat him,
both provide more drop-back skills than
mobility. Bennett had the edge in 2004,
as he traveled with the team, but Manley
made a good impression on coaches while
running the scout team. Then there's WR
Damarius Bilbo (4.4-sec 40), who has taken
about 80 snaps at QB for Tech, and since
he is now a starter on the wing, his number
will get called when defenses are least
expecting it. We expect Ball to hold off
all challengers, reduce his mistakes, and
have a strong(er) year - as long as he manages
games for wins and doesn't try to win them
alone.
Running
Back
Most teams wish they could have the depth
Tech has here. P.J. Daniels is a former
ACC rushing champion who had his junior
year limited by injuries. This NC.net all-American
(Honor Roll) is the epitome of their home-spun
term "Ramblin' Wreck" - his compact,
solid frame often hurts defenders who are
looking to do the same to him. Even injured,
Daniels still put up great numbers, showing
great toughness against Georgia when, though
hurt himself, he came in after his replacement,
Grant, went down, too. Accordingly, Chris
Woods and Rashaun Grant shone well given
their chances. Both are small and speedy,
but need to strengthen to give this offense
that strong presence Daniels provides between
the tackles. Dual-sporting (baseball) Drew
Gause has the hands and size-speed combo
that will get him reps. At fullback, Mike
Cox primarily blocks, while Ajenavi Eziemefe
has been plugged in like a tailback in the
past, so his presence should send up red
flags for opponents (22 touches). The Jackets
had a decent year running the ball (ranking
49th in the country), but with so much talent
now available, they'll be even better -
when they eclipse 2004's 11 ground scores,
you'll know they're ramblin'.
Receiver
Although just a sophomore, Calvin Johnson
is already one of the nation's top receivers.
A first-team all-ACC performer as a freshman
in '04, Johnson still has a tremendous amount
of upside. With his size and athleticism,
he can be dominant (especially deep), which
he will (have to) be, because he doesn't
have much experience next to him. Damarius
Bilbo is the only other wideout with much
real-game knowledge. Tech is expecting his
size and speed can make him viable underneath
and over the middle. Newbie Greg Smith represents
a deep, varied cross-section of fast guys
who will just need reps to have an impact.
Although the receivers are green, Johnson
alone makes this group a formidable one,
and they'll step up to make life easier
on Ball.
Tight
End
Michael Matthews is athletic for his huge
stature, and if he still lacks in size,
he makes up for it with potential. His prep
numbers show he is a legitimate deep threat,
so we expect he will open things up otherwise
by occupying safeties/LBs regularly. Wayne
Riles and George Cooper both have to show
more consistency, and Riles, though tough
and willing to prove it, needs to shake
his reputation for being injured. Both are
extremely versatile, too, so expect the
role here to expand with much capable depth.
Offensive
Line
Going into spring practice, head coach Chan
Gailey's main concern was the offensive
line. Three starters are gone and little
experience is left. Brad Honeycutt is the
leader of the line, but even he has his
work cut out (moves from right guard to
right tackle). That will allow him to make
better use of his strength and quickness.
Mansfield Wrotto, a two-year starter at
defensive tackle, will take Honeycutt's
old spot at guard. His physical prowess
was being wasted weekly by only going 20
reps as a DT, so his impact by being in
60-70 plays per game will maximize the line's
push. LG Matt Rhodes will feel the least
pressure as he is the only lineman returning
to his position. Andrew Gardner gained about
50 pounds while red-shirting, and coaches
feel his potential means he is ready to
make an impact at the all-important left
tackle spot. Ample youth here will slowly
catch on, which means that, early on, keeping
the play-calling simple will be the key
for the entire offense to later be able
to effectively shift itself at will.
OFFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
The potential is there for this side of
the ball to be very good, but how much better
it gets from a year ago (80th total offense)
will go a long way toward defining 2005.
There are too many question marks, and only
by having one of the nation's top 50 offenses
can Tech ultimately produce itself a top
25 result. The development of three new
starters on the line and WR-depth is crucial,
but more than anything, the Yellow Jackets
need Ball to become more consistent and
more accurate. His natural talent suggests
he can become an electric player, but until
he does, the only jackets in Atlanta won't
be yellow, but the straight kind. His receivers
- other than Calvin Johnson, maturing and
developing into threats, will help Ball
tremendously. But Ball's inability to deliver
means that the running game can be predictably
stopped, so his role is essential. He may
be able to run (if that happens), but Tech
can't hide from the dismal results that
will then ensue.
|
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WR
Calvin Johnson
|
|
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GEORGIA
TECH 2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
OFFENSE |
QB |
Reggie
Ball-Jr (5-11, 195) |
Taylor
Bennett-Fr (6-3, 213)
Kyle Manley-Fr (6-2, 200) |
FB |
Michael
Cox-So (6-1, 248) |
Ajenavi
Eziemefe-Sr (6-1, 240) |
TB |
P.J.
Daniels-Sr (5-10, 210) |
Tashard
Choice-So (6-1, 205)
Chris Woods-Sr (5-10, 190) |
WR |
Damarius
Bilbo-Sr (6-3, 225) |
Pat
Clark-So (5-11, 180) |
WR |
Calvin
Johnson-So (6-4, 225) |
James
Johnson-Fr (6-0, 190) |
TE |
Michael
Matthews-Jr (6-4, 270) |
George
Cooper-Jr (6-5, 260) |
OT |
Andrew
Gardner-Fr (6-6, 280) |
Jacob
Lonowski-Fr (6-5, 280) |
OG |
Matt
Rhodes-So (6-3, 280) |
LeShawn
Newberry-So (6-0, 300) |
C |
Nate
McManus-So (6-3, 290) |
Kevin
Tuminello-So (6-4, 280) |
OG |
Mansfield
Wrotto-Jr (6-3, 310) |
Salih
Besirevic-Sr (6-7, 290) |
OT |
Brad
Honeycutt-Sr (6-4, 310) |
A.J.
Smith-Fr (6-7, 265) |
K |
Travis
Bell-So (6-0, 210) |
Kyle
Belcher-So (6-4, 210) |
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|
2005
DEFENSE |
Defensive
Line
This was one of the strongest D-line units
in the country (13th against the run), and
just about every key player is back. Eric
Henderson and Travis Parker create one of
the nation's best pairs of ends. Henderson,
a second-team NC.net all-American, is the
pass-rush specialist, but saw his production
in that area drop significantly in '04 (three
sacks, after 11 in '03). He will pick that
up again as his controlled burst rarely
leads to overpursuit. Parker is the best
run-stopper, while junior Joe Anoai's great
size and quickness make his efforts in all
areas work well. Although Wrotto was moved
to offense, replacement Darryl Richard just
had a tremendous true freshman year, despite
the limited playing time. The reserves are
strong as well, so the ability for this
group to again reach 38 sacks is there and
expected. Here, Georgia Tech is amongst
the best - they will again hold foes to
around 68 rushing first-downs and a 29%
third-down completion rate, and will significantly
reduce allowing 13 rushing TDs.
Linebacker
Coaches in the ACC know all about Gerris
Wilkinson, who shifted from defensive end
to middle linebacker and flourished. The
second-leading tackler in the conference,
Wilkinson has speed, strength and size,
and he will be even better. KaMichael Hall
moves from weak to strongside, and although
he's small for a strongside backer, his
speed is exceptional and he's one of the
top pass rushers on the team. The one hole
is at the weakside spot (as Reis moves to
safety), where Philip Wheeler (Shaw/Columbus,
Ga.) is the leading candidate here. This
is a strong group of athletes who won't
have to compensate for another weak unit,
so, along with the D-line, this corps will
form one of the best run stopping efforts
in the nation.
Defensive
Back
Five former starters and 10 letter winners
return. That includes Chris Reis, a former-LB
who is moving back to his original position
at strong safety after leading the team
in sacks. Reis' size is better suited for
safety, and he'll be a great backfield mate
with free safety Dawan Landry, who himself
moves over from the strong side. Landry
is a big play-maker and a powerful hitter.
CBs Reuben Houston and Kenny Scott started
every game last campaign; these solid cover-corners
were big reasons the pass defense was so
good (ranking 24th). Dennis Davis is also
back after a shoulder injury. His starting
experience, along with nickel guy Jamal
Lewis, round out a well-sized crew - each
can go one-on-one in coverage and/or open-field
tackling. With such talent in the front
seven, more chances will be taken so that
2004's total of 10 INTs is eclipsed.
DEFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
The Yellow Jacket's 21st-ranked scoring
D held six opponents to 14 points or less,
but then Miami, North Carolina, Virginia
and Virginia Tech - all bowl teams - scored
an average of 31+. Now that we've shown
you weakness here, realize how it is only
found when conjuring the past. Lessons will
be learned. With only one starter leaving
and experience throughout the three-deep,
we think this defense can again be leaned
upon by the offense to win games no matter
how that other side of the ball looks. There
are few weaknesses on this defense, but
with so many top teams on the schedule in
'05, Tech is sure to give up a few points
sometime. Still, speed and size coexist
in the entire unit, so watch all 11 Yellow
Jackets swarm to the ball no matter where
the play may go.
|
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DE
Eric Henderson
|
|
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GEORGIA
TECH 2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
DEFENSE |
DE |
Eric
Henderson-Sr (6-3, 265) |
Darrell
Robertson-So (6-5, 220) |
DT |
Elris
Anyaibe-Fr (6-3, 265) |
Travis
Rogers-So (6-2, 230) |
DT |
Joe
Anoai-Jr (6-3, 270) |
David
Brown-Fr (6-2, 260) |
DE |
Adamm
Oliver-So (6-4, 260) |
Michael
Johnson-Fr (6-7, 215) |
OLB |
KaMichael
Hall-Jr (6-0, 225) |
Gary
Guyton-So (6-3, 230) |
MLB |
Gerris
Wilkinson-Sr (6-4, 230) |
Travis
Chambers-So (5-11, 220) |
OLB |
Philip
Wheeler-So (6-2, 221) |
Eric
Williams-Fr (6-3, 210) |
CB |
Reuben
Houston-Sr (6-0, 190) (susp.) |
Jamal
Lewis-So (6-0, 185) |
CB |
Kenny
Scott-Jr (6-2, 185) |
Dennis
Davis-Sr (6-0, 185) |
SS |
Chris
Reis-Sr (6-1, 215) |
Joe
Gaston-Jr (5-11, 190) |
FS |
Dawan
Landry-Sr (6-2, 215) |
Djay
Jones-So (6-1, 190) |
P |
Ben
Arndt-Sr (6-0, 180) |
Kyle
Belcher-So (6-4, 210) |
|
|
|
2005
SPECIAL TEAMS |
Kicker
One year after going into the season unsure of
its kicking game, Tech now has no worries. Travis
Bell missed the first and last field goals of
his freshman year. In between, he was 15-for-15
and was perfect inside 45 yards. The one concern
could be with his leg strength, but that will
get better as he matures. As a bonus, the Jackets
blocked seven kicks. As good as Bell was, the
kickoff coverage unit was terrible (102nd nationally),
putting pressure on kickoff-specialist Kyle Belcher
to improve.
Punter
Ben Arndt was inconsistent, and, because of his
38+ average, he'll have to fight off Belcher to
keep his starting position. One thing that helped
Arndt was the team's efforts in net results (ranked
11th), while not allowing any TDs or any of Arndt's
punts to be blocked. The Tech defense, meanwhile,
blocked four punts (returning two for touchdowns).
Return
Game
Both return units lost their primary ball handlers
from last year, so competition is wide open. Rueben
Houston, Pat Clark, James Johnson, Kenny Scott,
Chris Dunlap and Chris Woods are all auditioning
for these important roles, and it's too early
to predict impact here. But speed and desperation
(by reserves to see reps) will cause both areas
to improve as candidates vie for the spots.
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