March 21, 2003
Georgia Tech’s trio of sophomore running backs have performed well through the Yellow Jackets’ first four sessions of spring practice, according to Tech head football coach Chan Gailey.
“I think all three of them are doing a nice job,” Gailey said Friday of Michael Sampson (Lewisville, Texas), Ajenavi Eziemefe (New Orleans, La.) and P.J. Daniels (Houston, Texas). “I think Michael, Ace and P.J. are doing an excellent job right now.”
Those three are carrying the load at tailback as Tony Hollings continues his rehabilitation from last year’s knee injury. Hollings was the nation’s leading rusher (633 yards, 11 touchdowns) after the first four games of 2002 when he suffered a season-ending knee injury. He will not participate in spring drills but is expected to be ready for next season.
Of the three sophomores, Eziemefe was the most productive last fall with 282 yards and two touchdowns on 70 carries (4.0 average). However, most of his yards came in a 136-yard effort against North Carolina, for which he was named Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Week, before he was slowed by an ankle injury.
Daniels had his best game with 95 yards and a touchdown in Tech’s win over Virginia. He finished the season with 255 yards and two scores on 72 attempts (3.5 average).
Sampson played in just four games but earned a start against Fresno State in the Silicon Valley Classic. He carried 13 times for 35 yards on the year. He has added about 10 pounds to his 6-1 frame and is now listed at 198 pounds.
Tech continues to search for a fullback, however. The position took a blow this week as junior Jimmy Dixon sustained a broken ankle in Wednesday’s practice. He could return next fall. Sophomore Brian Johnson and walk-on junior Gavin Bourgeois are working at the position.
“We’re still struggling to find a fullback, but all three running backs are doing a nice job,” said Gailey.
The Yellow Jackets will practice Saturday at 11:15 a.m. at Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field as Gailey looks for the offense to continue to make progress.
“It’s still a little sloppy on the offensive side, but I see a lot of individuals getting better,” said Gailey. “I think the defense is way ahead of the offense right now. I hope a lot of that is because we’re putting in a new system, but we’ve still got to improve.”
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