Aug. 16, 2005
ATLANTA–Senior Salih Besirevic is one of the most experienced players on the Georgia Tech offensive line, and easily the most versatile.
Besirevic, 6-7 and 295 pounds, entered camp as Tech’s top backup at tackle, but with injuries thinning the line and both starting guards, Matt Rhodes and Nathan McManus, sidelined, he began working as a first-team guard in Tuesday’s morning practice.
“He looked pretty good,” said Tech head coach Chan Gailey after practice. “I was impressed with what he did today. I still have to look at the film, but I know there weren’t the busts (assignments) that we had the day before.”
With Rhodes and McManus not likely to return this week, the first unit currently has Besirevic and LeShawn Newberry at guards, Kevin Tuminello at center, and Brad Honeycutt and Andrew Gardner at the tackles.
“Salih’s played every position except center in the last three years,” said Gailey. “So he is a utility player. But if these guys keep playing well and we start to mesh, I don’t know who will start.”
For his part, Besirevic is happy to contribute any way he can.
“I’m pretty much the sixth man,” said the Denver, Colo., native. “I would have to step in if something happened in a game, so I have to be ready. You have to be ready to step in and pick up where the other guy left off. You can’t wait four or five plays to warm up, or even one play. You have to get in there and perform right away.”
Besirevic and Honeycutt are the only two seniors on an offensive line composed mostly of freshmen and sophomores.
“I know four positions, so I can help the young guys out, give them keys to look for, things like,” said Besirevic. “Playing so many positions, I’ve watched so much film that everything becomes natural. You want them to know what you know, to make it easier.”
Besirevic was quick to credit offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, entering his fourth season at Tech.
“Coach D is a heckuva coach,” he said. “We’re very lucky to have him. He is so detailed about everything, from landmarks to steps and everything – he’s one heckuva coach.”
Tech resumes practice Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday’s scrimmage is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. at Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field. Fans should enter at Gate 9 on Techwood Drive and sit in the lower east stands.
