Aug. 2, 2001
ATLANTA– – Georgia Tech head coach George O’Leary has been praising the collective talents of his latest freshman class, and the results from weight room testing support his confidence.
The 30 freshmen, including 22 scholarship athletes, were tested on the pro bench press, and 15 of 30 did 10 or more repetitions at 225 pounds. Fourteen freshmen turned in vertical jumps of 30 inches or more.
“I’m very pleased with the athletic ability and the overall size and speed of the class,” said O’Leary following the last of four freshmen workouts.
“The kids are starting to understand the tempo of the game and what has to take place. I’ll make an evaluation as we try to see what freshmen might be able to help us this year. Others will be a little bit slower in maturing, but I’m overall I’m very pleased with the class.
“I’m especially pleased with the poise and leadership shown by the three quarterbacks,” continued O’Leary of the trio of Damarius Bilbo of Moss Point, Miss., Rahshan Johnson of Middleburg Heights, Ohio, and Dawan Landry of Ama, La. “I think all three quarterbacks have performed very well. They all can throw the ball, which is the number one priority, and they’re all athletic. They have a good understanding of defense and where to go with the ball, so obviously they were well coached in high school.”
On Friday, the day the varsity reports to campus, the freshmen will spend the day in academic orientation in preparation for the start of the fall semester Aug. 20.
“They will have a couple of days to rest and get ready for Monday, when they practice with the varsity for the first time. They’re freshmen, and you’ve have to understand what you’re dealing with, but it’s important that they can keep up with the speed of the game when the varsity pulls in.”
The entire team will conduct Media Day on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field and then take Sunday off before hitting the field Monday.
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