April 2, 2003
After a strong performance by the Georgia Tech offense in the last practice, the Tech defense had the upper hand in Wednesday’s workout at Rose Bowl Field.
“The offense was very sloppy today,” said Tech head coach Chan Gailey after practice, which concluded with a brief scrimmage session. “We took two steps forward offensively on Saturday, but we took two steps back today. We can’t do that if we want to continue to get better as a football team.
“The defense picked it up today. They made some plays and got some turnovers, which is good, but that means the offense is giving it up, which isn’t good.”
Sophomore cornerback Reuben Houston, who takes over a starting position, made perhaps the play of the day with an interception in front of Tech’s top receiver, Jonathan Smith.
Tech made one personnel move this week, moving Darius Williams from tight end to defensive end. The 6-6. 265-pound junior from Clarkston, Ga., practiced on defense for the first time Wednesday. He did not catch a pass in two seasons as a reserve tight end.
Last week, Tech moved redshirt freshman Michael Matthews from defensive end to fullback.
“We’re going to take a look at Darius Williams at defensive end,” said Gailey. “We know what he can do at tight end right now, so we thought we’d give him a shot of defense. He’s a big, good-looking athlete, so we’ll see if he can try to play defense.”
The Yellow Jackets, who have completed nine spring practices, return to work this weekend with workouts scheduled for Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. at Rose Bowl Field and Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field. Fans attending Saturday’s practice are reminded that they must enter Bobby Dodd Stadium via Gate 8 on Techwood Drive and sit in the lower East stands.
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