Aug. 9, 2008
ATLANTA – While Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson was not totally satisfied with Saturday’s two-hour scrimmage at Bobby Dodd Stadium, he did see the Yellow Jackets make big plays on both sides of the ball, he was able to better assess who can contribute in 2008, and no one was seriously injured.
“I thought on offense we had some big plays and the defense did some nice things as well,” Johnson said. “All in all, I saw some positives in places.”
Sophomore quarterback Josh Nesbitt, getting more comfortable with Tech’s spread offense each week, directed the first-team offense.
True freshman quarterback Jaybo Shaw, playing mostly against the second unit defense, had a big day statistically. He completed 3-of-6 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown to wide receiver R.B. Clyburn, and he ran for two touchdowns. He also tossed completions of 59 yards to true freshman Quentin Sims and 52 yards to true freshman Embry Peeples.
“I thought Jaybo played very well,” Johnson said. “He’s getting better and better. You have to feel good about what Jaybo is doing.”
Sophomore Jonathan Dwyer got the scrimmage off to an electric start by sprinting 70 yards for a touchdown on the second play of the morning. Dwyer finished the day with 99 yards on 13 carries.
Other highlights and statistics from Saturday:
– The leading rusher was sophomore transfer Anthony Allen, who is sitting out 2008 after transferring from Louisville. Running against the second-team defense, Allen carried 17 times for 105 yards and a touchdown. Allen scored on a 57-yard touchdown run up the middle early in the scrimmage.
– True freshman quarterback Tevin Washington carried eight times for 75 yards, most of which came on a long run late in the scrimmage.
– Peeples ran for 46 yards on four carries.
– Sophomore kicker/punter Scott Blair converted 2-of-3 field goals including a long of 52 yards.
– Senior cornerback Jahi Word-Daniels recorded a nifty interception on a pass from Nesbitt that was intended for Demaryius Thomas.
– Redshirt freshman Jason Peters and senior Vance Walker both recorded sacks.
– Anthony Egbuniwe, Dominique Reese and Robert Hall all recovered fumbles.
– Reserves Preston Lyons and Paul Reese scored touchdowns.
The Yellow Jackets will take Sunday off before resuming two-a-days Monday at 9:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. at Rose Bowl Field.
