Gregg Garrett, writing in the 1/11/03 issue of The Rambling Wreck."When Ga Tech returns to Rose Bowl Field for Spring workouts in 3 mos, HC Chan Gailey will have plenty of tasks to get accomplished".
1)Find out who is healthy. This season's injuries had a big impact, especially on offense. GT will need to find out asap the status of injured players, including Hollings, Hatch, Gathers, Ford, Tarquinio. Once they know where they stand with these players, the Jackets can begin the process of building a depth chart.
2)Establish a starter @ QB. Sr Suggs & So Bilbo will likely battle throughout the Spring & Summer for the spot. However, the fray will likely last into Fall practice when a group of talented Freshmen join the battle. Don't be surprised if the starter emerges from a true Fr.
3)Restore some toughness to the line of scrimmage. Tech's OL losses only Roberts-Blake, so a significent amount of experience & talent return. They need to be more physical & tough. When GT was winning 9-10 games the line was known for toughness (or the infamous QB drill, ha,ha). The Jackets need to recapture that capability &, based on the size & experience, should be able to do so.
4)Improve the defensive line. The Jackets are slowly improving across the d-line & welcome back every starter along with most every reserve. This group could be bolstered by Gathers. Terron Pullen may be the best defensive lineman on campus.
5)REBUILD & REEMPHASIZE special teams. Tech replaces the punter, kicker, long snapper & ko & punt return starters. They MUST find a way to create some positive plays. Other than the secondary, this area will need the most developement going into '03.
6)Develope secondary talent. Collins, Muyres & Hester must be replaced. The leading candidates are Butler, Landry & Houston. If these players step up to win the spots, then depth must be developed & cohesiveness.
7)Find some offensive playmakers. If Hollings is healthy, the O will be geared to getting him & Jonathon Smith the ball as much as possible. If Hollings can't go, a RB must be found.
8)Rebuild confidence. HC Gailey & Co have a tremendous amount of work to do, both on the field & with the team off the field to rebuild confidence. The 2 end losses will create self doubt that could linger. Finding the leaders of the team will be a criticle 1st step.
1)Find out who is healthy. This season's injuries had a big impact, especially on offense. GT will need to find out asap the status of injured players, including Hollings, Hatch, Gathers, Ford, Tarquinio. Once they know where they stand with these players, the Jackets can begin the process of building a depth chart.
2)Establish a starter @ QB. Sr Suggs & So Bilbo will likely battle throughout the Spring & Summer for the spot. However, the fray will likely last into Fall practice when a group of talented Freshmen join the battle. Don't be surprised if the starter emerges from a true Fr.
3)Restore some toughness to the line of scrimmage. Tech's OL losses only Roberts-Blake, so a significent amount of experience & talent return. They need to be more physical & tough. When GT was winning 9-10 games the line was known for toughness (or the infamous QB drill, ha,ha). The Jackets need to recapture that capability &, based on the size & experience, should be able to do so.
4)Improve the defensive line. The Jackets are slowly improving across the d-line & welcome back every starter along with most every reserve. This group could be bolstered by Gathers. Terron Pullen may be the best defensive lineman on campus.
5)REBUILD & REEMPHASIZE special teams. Tech replaces the punter, kicker, long snapper & ko & punt return starters. They MUST find a way to create some positive plays. Other than the secondary, this area will need the most developement going into '03.
6)Develope secondary talent. Collins, Muyres & Hester must be replaced. The leading candidates are Butler, Landry & Houston. If these players step up to win the spots, then depth must be developed & cohesiveness.
7)Find some offensive playmakers. If Hollings is healthy, the O will be geared to getting him & Jonathon Smith the ball as much as possible. If Hollings can't go, a RB must be found.
8)Rebuild confidence. HC Gailey & Co have a tremendous amount of work to do, both on the field & with the team off the field to rebuild confidence. The 2 end losses will create self doubt that could linger. Finding the leaders of the team will be a criticle 1st step.