April 12, 2008
ATLANTA — With one week remaining before next Saturday’s T-Day Spring Game, Georgia Tech showed significant signs of improvement on both sides of the ball in the Yellow Jackets’ 12th spring practice at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Most of the two-hour practice, delayed one hour because of inclimate weather, was dedicated to scrimmaging. And while Tech had too many fumbles for head coach Paul Johnson’s taste, the ball hit the turf much less often than a week ago and the offense more than held its own against the defense.
“I’m encouraged because we’re making improvement and we’re giving good effort,” Johnson said. “We still have many, many things to work on and improve on and we still need to learn to take better care of the ball.”
One of the standouts Saturday was redshirt freshman quarterback Bryce Dykes, a non-scholarship player from Atlanta and Norcross High School. With sophomore QB Josh Nesbitt still nursing a sore groin, Dykes took advantage of his playing time by running for a pair of touchdowns, including a 55-yard scamper. He also had an impressive 20-yard run with the final 15 yards coming after his helmet was sent flying by a defender.
“I think Bryce sees an opportunity and he’s taking advantage of it,” Johnson said. “He has worked hard and I’m proud of him.”
Several other Jackets had impressive days. Senior defensive end Michael Johnson batted down at least four passes and had a sack. Senior defensive tackles Darryl Richard and Vance Walker both had sacks. Sophomore B-back Jonathan Dwyer had three long runs.
Nesbitt was not the only veteran to sit out today because of injuries. Sophomore Demaryius Thomas tweaked his hamstring early in practice and did not return. Sophomore defensive back Dominique Reese also sat out of practice.
Tech will practice on Monday and Wednesday afternoon leading up to next Saturday’s T-Day Game, which will kick-off at 1 p.m. in Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Information concerning the T-Day Game:
Admission: No charge.
Parking: The Georgia Tech Campus Parking and Transportation office is charging $5 for parking in all lots on April 19th. Parking at Alexander Memorial Coliseum is reserved for the ACC Track and Field participants and officials. No T-Day Game parking will be allowed in this lot.
Seating: Lower level seating in the East, West and North stands. Enter through Gate 1, 4, 5, or 7.
Concessions: Concession stands will be open in the east and west seating areas. Concession vendors will also be open for business on Callaway Plaza near Gate 7 before kickoff of the Spring Game.
Pre-game Activities: Activities for kids run from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. outside the stadium on Bobby Dodd Way. A DJ will play music and lead games for kids and adults. Face painters, inflatable games, a giant inflatable slide, a golf driving cage and more will all be part of the festivities.
During the Game: The marching band, cheerleaders and Ramblin’ Wreck will all be on hand. Several Georgia Tech football legends will be interviewed on the sidelines during the game and shown on the video board.
