Hoops: Well ain't that a B----

I sure don't remember this, but check out this quote from multi-talented dual-sport star Martellus Bennett, a 6'7" 252lb stand out who will play both football and hoops for Texas A&M:

That is if he doesn't jump to the NBA first. Because the Aggies' most celebrated football recruit is also their star basketball signee, a steal of a prospect who could have gone to Duke or North Carolina or Kansas, and who would have given up football to play basketball at Georgia Tech, Martellus Bennett said, if only coaches had contacted him earlier.

Like I said, ain't that a b----.......


In other recruiting notes, evidently Coach Hewitt likes the NCAA rule that prevents him from talking to recruits during the summer AAU season:

With the NCAA banning college coaches from having contact with the players during the summer, an interesting dynamic unfolds at games.


Parents and fans are restricted to one side of the gym while coaches congregate on the other. Necks crane and eyes narrow as spectators attempt to read the school names on the shirts of coaches across the court.


Signs are posted reminding players to avoid talking to coaches and the NCAA sent five certification coordinators to make the rounds in Vegas to ensure its guidelines were being followed.


"I think it's a good thing," Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt said of the no-contact rule. "It gives kids a chance to just concentrate on playing. These kids are being recruited by so many schools, it's a hassle for them. They should be able to go out and enjoy this, and then sit back and decide as opposed to being sweated all the time."


Just as Hewitt entered the gym to watch a Georgia-based team, Nick Larson made his way out after his Pump N Run team finished its afternoon game.

Here is a decent Tech team preview from a Duke basketball site. Actually, they get most of the team right..........Interesting, they seem to think that Paco Diaw is officially on the team, even though he's not listed at RamblinWreck.com on the roster at this point. Don't you just love the arrogance of this statement? Typical Dukie:

Included in the 4th best group of 2005 recruits entering the ACC is Lewis Clinch, who certainly has the potential to become an All-ACC caliber talent by all accounts. Considering that Duke was one of the teams that recruited Lewis Clinch and lost the recruiting battle to Tech, it is obvious that Clinch is considered to be a special talent.

Yes, thank you Duke for deeming Lewis Clinch special because of YOUR interest. After all, with players like Shavlik Randolph consistently coming out of the program, anyone you touch MUST be special!!!!

Football Notes - Friday

Bad news for our highest rated incoming recruit - Anthony Barnes. He injured his right knee yesterday during practice. Coach says he will like miss the rest of pre-season and the Auburn game for sure. Barnes had moved to LB and was getting reps with the 2nd team..............A nice FREE practice report from Scout.com............. Nice story on Reggie Ball.......... The Auburn scrimmage is going to be behind closed doors since they have all the "stuff" into their gameplan that they will be using - or so they say........ The Fridge is trying a new approach to his team this season...........

Cool New Feature

Ok - in the interest of advancing technology I am trying something new. Below the google ad box you will notice a new box called "latest news". There you will find direct links to the latest stories on Georgia Tech. Why is this different from what I do already? Well, this makes it even easier for me to provide new links without having to create new blog entries. If I see a site - boom - I can create a link and there it is. For the techno-savy, I am using the del.icio.us taggin technology combined with feeddigest.com. Don't ask if you don't know. Anyhow - enjoy and check that box often for new stuff.........

Hoops: Jason Rich - Respecting his Elder

Check out this quote from FSU guard Jason Rich:

Who is the toughest player you played against during your freshman season?

The toughest player I played against during my freshman season was B.J. Elder of Georgia Tech. Not only is he a strong player but he is a very smart player. He is a very physical guard who uses his screens well, shoots the ball well and is a smart basketball player. Anytime you are playing against such a smart player it makes your job a little bit more difficult. I learned a lot from playing against him and need to incorporate some of the things he does into my game.

In other news, Coach Hewitt will make an appearance at a NY hoops camp at his hometown in Westbury. Nice to see he doesn't forget where he came from......... as long as he comes back to where he is now!!!!

Hoops Notes

Perry Stevenson has a list of 7 schools and Georgia Tech is one of them........... The Babul brothers run their own hoops camp. What has happened to Jon?

....within the span of six months, he resigned his position as Basketball Operations Director at James Madison University in Virginia to become an assistant coach at Jacksonville University, only to return to JMU in Richmond as an assistant coach there.


"I was in Jacksonville all of three months and this happened, that's the nature of the business,'' said Jon, who recently returned from a four-state, four-week recruiting mission. `` I feel pretty good about it (his new post), it's a step up in positions, in leagues -- and in pay!''

This rich guy claims to have had an offer to play hoops for Georgia Tech - Steve Belkin. He didn't accept, but has other interesting claims to fame.

Beesball Notes

Danny Hall finalizes his new pile of dough

The veteran coach will earn $1.135 million in base salary over the next five years and Hall can pocket an additional $100,000 annually in performance bonuses and television money. Hall also makes money from equipment deals and baseball camps.

I hope Coach Hall sends Texas A&M a thank you note. Of course the AD over there will have to read it after the he finishes with the other 4 thank you notes from the guys who also got raises because of him.......

Football Notes

Calvin Johnson gets love from Rivals.com on their top Wide Reciever list - he chimes in at #2 nationally, with this:

No receiver made more spectacular grabs in 2004. The highly-touted
6-foot-4, 225-pound highlight machine spent his first college season out leaping
veteran corners for deep balls and making clutch catches. Johnson was voted the
ACC Rookie of the Year and first-team All-ACC in 2004. With some more
consistency from quarterback Reggie Ball and the return of healthy running back
P.J. Daniels, the Jackets receiver could land on the All-American team. 2004
stats: 48 catches, 837 yards (17.4 yards per catch), seven touchdowns.

Check it out - a nice interview with the Goose - George Godsey - and an audio link as well. Cool........


Here are some practice notes from the 1st day in pads. Looks like freshman Michael Johnson has moved up to the 2nd team, ahead of Jon Morrison, who I am guessing moves to 3rd team............. Also seems that Colin Peek is firming up as 3rd string TE and looks to see PT this fall.............QB Nick Barwig has some undisclosed medical situation that will keep him from practicing for a few months.................. For the REALLY important stuff, some Georgia Tech athletes make the ACC academic honor roll, including Travis Bell.........


Well dang, Duke lands one of the top fullbacks in the country - Brandon King, who did have Georgia Tech in his top 3 also. Dang, say what you want, but Ted Roof has increased the recruiting level at Duke - and folks - the kids they are after are many of the same ones we are. Of course no matter how much talent they reel at it doesn't change the fact that they are Duke........ and Duke sucks.................


Tony Hollings has never fullfilled his potential in the NFL and he doesn't get a rave review as a "0-star" player for the Houston Texans:

Hollings has more upside, but he entered the NFL after blowing out his knee
at Georgia Tech and hasn't been the same. He's worth a look only if injuries
forced him to start, which is quite unlikely.

Football Depth Chart

Well, this is a work-in-progress. I will update it and re-post as we learn new information about the depth chart. I know there are some errors but I would classify this as 90-95% correct. It is for one purpose - to help you keep things straight. If you see something wrong, drop me a note and I'll get it changed for the next version.


Happy Reading (click on the picture to get the larger version):

Football Notes

More on Matt Rhodes from the AJC.............. Tashard Choice getting a lot of love from the Macon Telegraph. These are articles on the same day - one on his family situation and one on fighting for a spot in the backfield. I can tell you that he has done nothing to convince anyone he doesn't deserve to be there. He seems solidly in the #2 spot and still challenging PJ Daniels for the top spot.......... Note that Tech is also practing the nickel defense, where Mansfield Wrotto leaves the field, Adamm Oliver slides over from DE to DT next to Joe Anaoi, Darrell Robertson and Eric Henderson are the bookends - then we run with only 2 LB's - Gary Guyton's gone - and Jamal Lewis becomes the nickel back, becoming the 5th DB. For those who don't know about aligments, the nickel is typically used in obvious passing situationsj, like 3rd and long. Oliver would be considered an undersized DT, but you are looking for more of a speed guy to provide a real pass rush, not so much an earth mover (Wrotto) to help stop the run or occupy an offensive lineman so the LB can stop the run.............


Patrick Clark is getting some reps on the first team as the inside receiver on 3-receiver sets........... Note Calvin Johnson's answer to this question in a "getting to know CJ" bit on AJC:

Q. Name a place you'd like to visit.


A. Jacksonville. December 3.

Is it possible to like that kid any more than I already do?........... Patrick Carter has spoken out about leaving Georgia Tech and how he ended up at Florida. It's premium, but the gist is that he went to Tech to be a QB and felt betrayed about the position change. Once he was gone and someone else told him the same thing he thought it was a great idea. I have inserted a bit of my own sarcasm there. He was going to QB at USF but will now walk-on to UF and has to earn a free ride. Don't forget his brother is NFL WR Tim Carter. Here's a free version without quotes. What's really funny is that on a local radio interview Carter said he was moved to WR from QB as punishment at GT for going to see a NY Giants game when the coaching staff didn't want him to go. Strange and curious if you ask me. Well, I found another free story on it, so I can reveal that it was actually "Bachelor" TV show star and former Florida QB Jesse Palmer that convinved him to look at Florida........................


This site has Georgia Tech at #13, which I think is quite optimistic, but certainly possible. In fact, they have us picked ahead of VaTech and behind Miami in the coastal division.........


Lastly, Keith Brooking, the former Georgia Tech standout, is looking for more than pro bowls, which he has had 4 straight. He is looking for a breakout season............. The ACC grabs the week 1 slate of interesting football games............ Speaking of the ACC, ever wanted to know the history???


Scouting the enemy............... Auburn QB Brandon Cox is watching film of our Yellow Jackets. And evidently he thinks that his own defense will be the fastest they face all season. Be ready my man. Be ready in week #1............... The Tigers are playing a scrimmage today............. Some personal side to some Auburn players, if you care..................

Love that Photoshop

Tiki Barber gets skewered pretty good by the farkers with Photoshop talent.......

Football - Now I'm getting nervous

Word this morning that Matt Rhodes missed Tuesday's practice with an undiclosed injury and will miss a "medium" amount of time - "not a month, not a day". This is absolutely what we cannot afford right now on the O-Line. LaShawn Newberry practiced with the first team............ Also note that walk-on punter Durant Brooks will not be eligible as not enough of his hours from Tattnall and Georgia Military will transfer. Big surprise with the hill there - not.............. Today is the first practice in full pads - starting at 4:30........

Where are they now - Dez White / Ron Rogers

You know Dez White is #1 of the Falcons depth chart. Did you know he was taking summer classes at Georgia Tech as well?

At Georgia Tech, Nick Ferguson of the Denver Broncos gave up $50,000 in workout bonuses to be in school this summer. Ten years after he left the Yellow Jackets, he received his management degree in May. Atlanta Falcons receiver Dez White and former Tech linebacker Ron Rogers of Dublin also were in school this summer.

Football: Coach Gailey in Select Group

....Not necessarily a good group. Did you know that of the 65 coaches in the BCS series, there are only 5 that have less than 3 years remaining on their contract (except Barry Alvarez who will retire). Who are the others?

Of those five -- all of whom have two seasons left on their deals -- one is apparently close to signing a new contract (Miami's Larry Coker), one is reportedly about to begin contract extension talks (Colorado's Gary Barnett), one probably could have a new contract whenever he desires (Kansas State's Bill Snyder), and one is starting to feel some heat from fans and alumni (Georgia Tech's Chan Gailey).

Now the significance here is that if you have confidence in your coach that he is "your guy", you will extend his contract to send a clear signal to recruits that he is here to stay. Dave Braine can say all day long "Chan is our guy", but until he ponies up the long-term security, it's all lip-service. Coach Hewitt just got his contract extended for the umpteenth time, so it could be done at any point. We all know that. But Dave Braine's recent statements voicing a show of confidence in Chan are about all he can do without actually extending his contract.


So what's the right thing to do? Well, I think it is fine to use this season as a test case to see where this program is progressing. How success is judged will be tough. In my mind, another 7 win season will be better than the 7 win season last year, just because of the schedule and tough road games. There is no Samford this year. There is Miami, VT, Auburn and UVA on the road. Is that enough to "keep him". I say yes, because I like the character guy he is, and to win 7 games shows progress. Will it hurt recruiting - probably. But that's life I guess.


Meanwhile, the bookies sites don't see a lot of hope with the tough schedule....... Here's another Tech preview..........


On the boards, Miami fans discuss who was the weakest national champion in the last 30 years - many vote for Georgia Tech 1990................ In other news, here are details of the instant replay system.........


For some REALLY important stuff, former GT football player Matt Uremovich is in Iraq, and you can show your support by sending him an email or letter. Here is the info.............. Lastly, KaMichael Hall moving to the 2nd team was due to some unnamed off-the-field issue. Coach Gailey wouldn't divulge what that was, but I suspect he'll be back on the 1st team soon..


One last note - the team is just now getting into pads, but if you don't think PJ Daniels is ready - think again. Every carry he gets, he takes all the way down the field to the endzone, every time. I think PJ realized he might have taken last summer too lightly and got more easily banged up. I think he's physically and mentally ready to be the workhorse. He better - as Tashard Choice is breathing down his neck with a great start in early pre-season...... again.....

What's Buzzin for Tuesday

FOOTBALL
Well, Coach Gailey is trying to give us some hope that things are not as ragged on the O-Line that we might believe, although he's not giving us a lot. But it's something. He does think this is the most athletic group he's had, although also the least experienced....................If you don't have the hardcopy - make sure to download the e-version - the 2005 Georgia Tech Media Guide........................... Great news for the defense, as Joe Anoai is ready to rumble.............. No doubt the AJC is tryingt to cast even more positive spin around our latest recruit, TE Austin Barrick. However, no way he runs a 4.4-40, although I would love nothing more than to be proven wrong. He's listed at 6'3" 235lb. Heck, average NFL TE's run in the 4.8 range, so let's not get carried away here. The point is that he has both size and speed and that means he could end up in many different positions on the field. This is another kid being presented as in the mold of those "hidden gems" that the Georgia Tech coaching staff seems to find before others. We will see.................... Also nice that Kevin Tuminello is back full strength as well............. Here's a good article on players changing positions, the transition and all about Tech players. Covers Gerris Wilkinson finally getting to play the same position 2 years in a row - for the first time. Covers Brad Honeycutt from OG to OT. Manfield Wrotto from DT to OG to DT after the injury to Daryl Richard. Dawan Landry strong safety to free safety (from QB in hs). Chris Reis from SS to LB to SS. .................. This might be a repeat, but this on Tech's chances and Chan Gailey's health................. So who has better depth at the running back position - Georgia Tech or Georgia. Interesting debate, but I have to give the edge to UGA. I know, practically a sin to do that on a GT site. I give UGA the edge when it comes to big play backs. Their guys appear to have more big play capability, on paper. Having said that, I give the overall edge in depth to Georgia Tech. With 4 guys who could start for many schools and a guy chomping at the bit like Drew Gause things are strong. Where GT gets the edge is also at the fullback position. UGA lost their leading fullback for the season and I think another kid is going to be suspended for at least a game (although I may have my facts wrong). No doubt the state of Georgia is well represented when it comes to running backs in major div I-A football........... Here's one Auburn player that's been watching Georgia Tech film............... In recruiting, Tom Lemming looks at some prospects............. A find on James Butler, listed as the NY Giants 3rd string safety:

Rookie watch: Rookie safety James Butler made a case for himself as a hitter when he slammed first-year wide receiver Michael Jennings during a passing drill. Jennings still managed to hang on despite Butler's best effort.

Here's another nice comment on Butler.............. Here's a Jimmy Dixon mention:

Former Tennessee Vol Troy Fleming returns for his second season at fullback; he's assured a roster spot. The Titans might carry a second fullback/special teams player. If they do, Douglas's competition comes from free-agent rookie Jimmy Dixon out of Georgia Tech.


Dixon was a two-year starter for the Yellow Jackets and mainly served as a blocker. He has not caught the Titans' attention the way Douglas has, even though Douglas has been a spectator this week.

Well, how about this - Patrick Carter didn't transfer to USF after all. Try U of Florida. Try Urban Meyer. Unhappy with the reality that Chan Gailey said he could make it to the NFL as a WR, NOT as a QB, he decided the same message was easier to take coming from Urban Meyer. Carter is competing for a WR slot and is at Florida as a walk-on. There will be no Patrick Carter - QB - in the future. Of course, here was another review of his attempt to get open:

Everything Nelson did from jamming the receivers at the ball to covering with intensity was first rate. Wearing number #32, Nelson’s first assignment in one-on-one drills was covering Georgia Tech transfer Pat Carter, who is playing wide receiver. Nelson blanketed Carter. He had no real shot for the ball, because he looked as though he was auditioning for a role as a pinball, with Nelson playing the bumpers.

Yet another case of Chan Gailey doing what is best for a young man, even though it is hard to hear. That's why I now have tremendous respect for Damarius Bilbo and his strength of character to come to terms with the shift and dedicate himself as a WR - and stick with Tech. I am assuming that Carter will have to sit out a season, but I'm not sure how the walk-on situation applies. Let's face it - this is the danger of recruiting athletic QB's. The deal is that these kids are extremely valuable on the field - just not always as QB. They are typically smart, know the ins out outs of the offense and are team leaders and high character guys.


Here's a bit of the Steve Spurrier story, including this on his first chance to test his offensive ideas:

Spurrier's uninhibited mindset dates back to his days as a Heisman-winning quarterback at Florida in the mid-'60s under head coach Ray Graves. Then Georgia Tech head coach Pepper Rodgers gave Spurrier the first real chance to put his ideas in motion when he hired him as an assistant in 1979. Spurrier further honed his creation as offensive coordinator at Duke (1980-82) and as head coach of the USFL's Tampa Bay Bandits (1983-85).

Here's more on Auburn RB Trey Smith..................... Is Auburn re-building or re-loading?......... Here are some interesting stats on the NFL draft and ACC teams.............. Evidently the veteran WR group at Auburn will try and guide the new offense................ How about this - away from the SEC for decades, but we still get guys mentioned in the all-ACC teams (D-Line) - George Brodnex and Lamar Wheat and Billy Martin


Hey, check out what I found when surfing - how about where you can find William Bell, the starting RB on our 1990 national championship team...................


BEESBALL
Nomar Garicaparra is ready to help the Cubs........... A little old, but Jason Varitek getting some headlines as well............. Here's a comparison of the divergent careers of Rafael Palmeiro and Mark Teixeira. Not sure it's a fair comparison - but out with the old, in with the new...........


OTHER STUFF
Nice story on Matt Kucher............. Beating college high-jumpers is definitely easier than beating the pro variety. Just ask Chaunte Howard. She jumps her personal best - 6' 6.75", and that's only good enough for 2nd place.................... Golf Digest recently ranked the best collegiate golf programs overall and Georgia Tech finished #1. Cited were facilities, 4 top 5 finishes in the NCAA's, 16 all-americans in 5 years and one of the best young coaches in the country. Tech was followed by Texas, Florida, UCLA and Clemson. Found on the Hive................. Here's a wierd mention of mascot names, in light of the Indian issue, and this on the Yellow Jackets:

Are we to believe that Georgia Tech is seeking to embarrass or marginalize Yellow Jackets? (Granted, Techies are Evil, but they are probably not malicious toward Hymenopteran-Americans.)

This is a weird one - Georgia Tech has expressed interest in opening a green field campus - in India. Hhhhmmmmm. Look - the Savannah campus is fine - but not so sure about this one. If this is about capitalizing on high level engineering talent that can be had for $8000/year, not good................ Stewart Cink has to use that Georgia Tech education...................... Ok, I know there is a GTU reference, but the main point for me is this - where the heck was "Robotic Powered Submarines 101" in the ME manual. I was taking frickin' air conditioner classes - bbbboooorrrrriiiinnnngggg...........

Bring the Pain

Ok, check out the guns on our #1 and #2 wide recievers, of course Calvin Johnson and Damarius Bilbo. If that was not impressive enough, check out the guns on the guy throwing them the ball, Reggie Ball that is.


Pictures from Johnny Crawford, AJC
. There are more photos at that link.

What's Buzzin for Monday

FOOTBALL
Go vote for Tech to win the ACC................ What did Coach Gailey have to say on Saturday?........ Here are some pics...........Coach Gailey thinks it's possible for this team to reach the next level......... And judging Coach Gailey will be about more than on the field. If you want to know why Georgia Tech can NEVER be a football factory, read this article........... I guess Reggie Ball understands the key word.................. We always have to remember that these young men go through a lot more in their lives than just what happens on the field. Example - Salih Besirevic................. Note that Tight End Wayne Riles will be out most of the season recovering from surgery and back-up LB Eric Williams is out for the season................ In case you caught the Falcons / Colts game in Japan this weekend, there were 4 Jackets playing - Dez White caught a couple of passes, Levon Thomas caught a couple of passes, Keith Brooking and Nick Rogers as the LB spots. Interestingly, Dez White has become #1 on the Falcons depth chart at WR...................... Practice notes - D-Bo is really in WR shape (and claims to be over the QB thing), and this guy is one of the top vocal leaders on the offense, per Tech coaches. Tashard Choice is a very vocal player. Even a bit of a smack-talker. Might give this team a little 'tude. Kevin Tuminello played with the 1st team and looks ready to roll. Freshman Anthony Barnes, one of the gems of the new recruiting class, has been moved to OLB. He is quickly growing and will be that size. Since he'll end up there anyhow, there going to get him started early. Of course that raises some depth questions around the DB spots. Don't expect any of the new O-Line freshman to jump into the line-up. They will have a hard time breaking the 2-deep. Looked like Gary Guyton actually pushed KaMichael Hall to the 2nd team on the LB core, if you can believe that. We'll see how long that lasts. David Jordan looks like the bright spot for kick-offs, for now................. Here are some official notes.................


HOOPS
A bit on the Trailblazers point guard situation with Jarrett Jack. More on the PG competition. Here's an interesting look at the Blazers by age and height and experience..................


OTHER STUFF
For ESPN's 50 states, vote for the best of Georgia............

What's Buzzin for Saturday

HOOPS
Well how about that. It's been at least 6 months since Coach Hewitt had a contract extension, so time for another one. I'm only kidding - it's been longer than that. Anything to solidify his position is alright by me. It's only money.................. The gents over at CollegeHoopsNet are not predicting much for the Jackets and label them as a team "on the way down". However, the write-up is basically a lot of what you are going to be seeing as the season draws near. You cannot lose so many seniors and so much at one time and have higher expectations....................


FOOTBALL
Nice article on Bobby Ross with a Georgia Tech mention...................... A slight slam on our bowl record when discussing college football - "Can Georgia Tech make a bowl game that people actually care about?"............. Make sure to tune into 790thezone Saturday morning if you can't make it to practice. They will be broadcasting from 10 - 2 from Jacket practice and will have interviews with coaches and players.......... So who are the true leaders of the 2005 edition of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets? Try Eric Henderson, Chris Reis, PJ Daniels and Damarius Bilbo........ Also note that Reuben Houston's is trying to pursue something called a "diversion" where he meets certain requirements to have his case dismissed. Not sure what that involves, but reading between the lines it sounds like it would take substantial help on his part with evidence to prosecute the ring-leaders. If Houston was truly not involved in this ring, then I'm not sure how he could help. But I won't pretend to know the law or the truth in the situation................ More on the USA Today Coaches poll.....................Some thoughts on each of the teams in the poll by the USA Today.............. The challenge of replacing Kyle Manley (in high school)..................


Hey, who knows who the player mentioned was?

O'Leary said that he does not allow his players to buy any over-the-counter supplements at GNC or other nutritional stores. He learned his lesson while coaching at Georgia Tech, when a former player tested positive after taking an over-the-counter supplement that had no ingredients on the banned substance list.O'Leary said the player asked him if he could take the supplement before ingesting it."We went over all the ingredients on the label and there was nothing (from the banned substance list), so I told him it was OK," O'Leary said. "He took it and tested (positive) and I ended up losing him for some games. So I learned the lesson the hard way."

Alright, did Eric Henderson really say this after losing to Duke?

Then there’s Georgia Tech defensive end, Eric Henderson, talking about the loss to Duke in 2003, "Last year's Duke game was pitiful. I think we came out flat foot."

Collegesports.com thinks that there are 8 wide receivers better than Calvin Johnson. Gerris Wilkinson made 4th team defense that's it.................. College football A-to-Z, with Coach Gailey on the hotseat....


BEESBALL
A Jay Payton quote with his new team, the Oakland A's................. A full staff of Tech pitchers are competing in the Cape Cod league.


OTHER STUFF
Well, the NIT says the NCAA is out to ruin them.............. The penalties for Baylor are official............. NCAA Hoops attendence figures.......... Shave and a haircut - bing bang, or rather shave and a bookie, oh year............ As already mentioned, the going-pro APR penalty is likely to be modified.......... Well, Fox has bought Scout.com and all early indications are that it should be a good thing for subscibers. We will see............

What's Buzzin for Friday

FOOTBALL
Anyone notice that we have a new Quarterback on the roster? His name - Nick Barwig, and evidently he will be a preferred walk-on, which just means he's got a good shot to earn a free ride, but not yet. It looked like he was going to head to an Ivy league school, but evidently had a change of heart. Here's a little bit on him. In fact, if you look close there are quite a few names you might not recognize - RB Jason Davis from Dulth, QB - Ronnie Donaldson from Rome GA, TE Kyle Mooneyham from Nashville TN, WR Erick Oetter from Macon, DB Anthony Threats from Columbus, long snapper Zach Ware from Rome GA, PlaceKicker Mohamed Yahiaoui from Roswell. Seems that most of these guys are walk-ons of some type. Also note that the freshman weights have been updated as well....................... The USA Today Top 25 Coaches poll is out and the Jackets clock in at #29................. The Jackets report Friday and begin their first practice on Saturday at 4:30. Sat/Sun practice will be in shorts, then pads on Mon/Tues, with full contact on Wed. Very surprising is the quote from Coach Gailey that Michael Johnson and Colin Peek are probably going to have to play because of lack of depth. I figured Johnson would get PT, but we are deeper at DE than the tackle spots. The Colin Peek comment surprised me, since I figured Mike Matthews, George Cooper and Wayne Riles were the front-runners at the tight-end positions. Peek was very highly rated, but as a freshman, I was not expecting him to see PT other than special teams. Coach also mentioned that "we'll need a linebacker or two to play, and maybe one of the wideouts....". Well, the new incoming linebackers are Anthony Barnes, Matthew Braman, Taalib Tucker. It is likely to be in that order that they get a chance to play. At WR, we are talking Greg Smith and Martin Frierson...................


PRESEASON PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Subject to Change, Open to the public and media until further notice
Saturday, Aug. 6...... 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 7........ 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 8........ 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 9....... 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 10.... 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 11..... 9:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 12....... 4:15 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 13..... 9:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 15....... 4:15 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 16...... 9:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.


Here's more of the story about the departure of Kyle Belcher. Bottom-line - not a big fan of the city of ATL, not comfortable academically (didn't have a Science major he wanted), not committed to the sport of football, and oh by the way - his parents both went to UGA. That is where he is looking to end up, although he may not play football again. He'll take a year off and see if the "itch" is still there. Sounds like it was an amicable parting:

"I had a good spring punting, and I had put myself in a good position to punt this fall and hopefully still kick off," Belcher said. "I couldn't have asked for a better coaching staff and players. They were unbelievable. So many coaches took their time to talk with me about things. When I told them in April I was thinking of leaving, they were real understanding and helpful through all of it. That definitely had no impact on my decision to leave."

Kyle, all the best, but if you become a Dawg, don't expect a lot of pats on the back. Best of luck to you. I hope you find your path. More power to you......... Ok, how about the funny quote of the day, from UNC Head Coach Jim Bunting:

Q. Do you expect defenses to blitz more with a new quarterback (Matt Baker)?
JB: I expect Georgia Tech to be blitzing off the bus when they take us on.

In case you didn't know them, meet your coaching staff:


Chan Gailey - Head Coach
Joe D'Alessandris - Offensive Line
Buddy Geis - Assistant Head Coach/Wide Receivers
Brian Jean-Mary - Linebackers
Curtis Modkins - Running Backs
Patrick Nix - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Tommie Robinson - Tight Ends
Giff Smith - Defensive Line
Jon Tenuta - Defensive Coordinator
David Wilson - Special Teams/Recruiting Coord.
Butch Brooks - Director of Football Operations


As you know, the defenses are set to dominate in the ACC. In that article Georgia Tech gets the moniker "Team on the Slide". Ouch. Pretty rough........... Here's the Rivals.com pre-season all-ACC team, with Calvin Johnson, PJ Daniels and Travis Bell as 1st teamers and Joe Anoai and Gerris Wilkinson as 2nd teamers........ The Macon Telegraph on a Tech team looking for consistency........ Evidently Buzz will make an appearance at Tailgater's Alley on August 20, from 1-5pm. Where is that? Try here (from the Hive):

From Atlanta or I-285 take I-85 North to the Hwy.120 east exit (towards Lawrenceville). As soon as you merge onto Hwy 120 east you will move to the left. Go to the second traffic light, which will be at the top of the hill (just past Burger King), and turn left into Discover Mills Mall. In the parking lot go to the left. Entrance #6 is to the left of Burlington Coat factory. Enter at entry #6 we are then to the left and on the left.


Chris (GT '89) & Delane
Tailgaters Alley
Discover Mills Mall
Phone: 678-584-9688
email: tailgaters@bellsouth.net

Hey, check out the NY Giants depth chart - click on "center" and check out our Andy Tidwell Neal at 3rd string. Also click on the defense at strong safety where James Butler also shows up at 3rd string. Nice!


HOOPS
Well, the Portland Trailblazers released guards Nick "the quick" Van Excel and Derek Anderson. That would seem to clear the way for the Telfair / Jack era. Of course they signed Juan Dixon and Charles Smith, both guards as well............................


OTHER STUFF
A couple of our golfers get to play in the US Amateur Championships starting August 22........... Well, looks like Tavares Kearney was innocent after all - of cheating. Or so they would have you believe. While Jacket fans moan and collectively roll their eyes, I say hey, the guy was found innocent. What's a little arm twisting among friends......... Mark Zupan is getting a bunch of press lately. He was on CSS Sportsnight last week and here he's profiled by the AP...... No more scalping during NCAA postseason games evidently........

Football: Jackets Land 3rd Recruit

Georgia Tech lands the 3rd committment of the 2006 class with a Tight End from the state of Alabama Austin Barrick. He's 6'3" 242lb, pretty darn fast and is an excellent student. More later when I have time to research..........

Meet your #1 Point Guard in the USA

Per Rivals.com and their new 2006 rankings, Javaris Crittenton is now ranked as the #1 Point Guard in the country. Hey UNC - nanny, nanny booboo. Tywon who?......... Actually, we all look forward to more monumental PG battles in the ACC.......... Congratulations to OUR man JC. That is just fantastic. Here are the new rankings:


Top Point Guards per Rivals.com
#1... Javaris Crittenton (GT)...... was #5
#2... Tywon Lawson (UNC)........... was #1
#3... Mike Conley (Ohio St)........ was #7
#4... Sherron Collins.............. was #2
#5... Derrick Jasper...............
#6... Willie Kemp.................. was #6
#7... Edgar Sosa (Louisville)...... was #8
#8... D.J. Augustin................ was #3
#9... Eric Hayes (Maryland)........
#10.. Demond Carter (Baylor)
#11.. Will Walker


Now, Javaris also shows up in the top 10 overall players in the country at #7, and he is looked at as the best NBA Point Guard prospect with his combination of size, athleticism and skills. Why did he jump in the rankings? Well, he proved that he could run the point in outstanding fashion, consistently setting up teammates. He managed to take his high school team to the state finals without the help of Dwight Howard. No small feat. He clearly improved his outside shot, which was a weakness. Lastly, he has the most NBA-Ready Point Guard body in his class.............. Here are the top 10 overall prospects:


Top 10 Overall Prospects from Rivals.com
#1... Greg Oden (Ohio St)
#2... Kevin Durant (Texas)
#3... Thaddeus Young (GT in final 7)
#4... Brook Lopez (Stanford)
#5... Brandan Wright (GT still on the list)
#6... Davon Jefferson
#7... Javaris Crittenton (GT)
#8... Spencer Hawes
#9... Wayne Ellington (UNC)
#10.. Chase Budinger


So is Javaris truly the next truly GREAT Point Guard at Georgia Tech? Is he going to be in the caliber of Kenny Anderson / Stephon Marbury - because now he's got that hype coming out of high school. Jarrett Jack was great, but not as highly ranked out of high school, and just plain worked and worked to improve his game while at Tech. Same with Mark Price. Same with Travis Best. Highly touted, but not listed as "the best"..............


There's another discussion that is going on - how long will Javaris stay at Georgia Tech. We know it will be a minimum one season. But my guess is that he sticks around for 2-3 years. I still believe that getting them to school is the trick. It is still rare for college players to leave after their freshman year (an average of 2 per season the last 3-4 years). Yeah, we've had a couple with Marbury and Bosh. But can you name the other guy who left with Bosh - try a kid named Carmello. That was it for freshman..............


Now, for other notables on the list for Tech fans:


#3... Thaddeus Young (GT in final 7)
#5... Brandan Wright (GT still on the list)
#7... Javaris Crittenton (GT)
#12.. Vernon Macklin
#14.. Stanley Robinson
#27.. Lance Thomas
#28.. Duke Crews
#34.. Jodie Meeks
#50.. Quincy Pondexter
#51.. Solomon Tat
#62.. Perry Stevenson
#67.. Alex Stephenson
#94.. Jejuan Jones
#106. Jonathan Mandeldove
#140. Cameron Tatum


Where does recruiting stand? Well, the Jackets are likely to sign 2-3 more players, and they are most likley to be in the 3-4-5 spots. A big man is a must, but of course "big man" these days sometimes means a 6'9" widebody, not the classic 7 footer. On the wing spots we are likely to sign 1 or 2 players in the range of 6'5 - 6'8". So there is a ways to go.


As for the class of 2005, that is not a dead issue either. Stay tuned.........


Things are also looking quite solid for the class of 2007 and the right seeds are being planted for the class of 2008. Just know that your coaching staff is making strides. I see this staff reaching interesting plateau's. These seam to be the stages of progress:


1. Land mostly 75-100 caliber players, land an occasional big player (Bosh), but not in serious contention for most high ranked kids.
2. Legitimately compete with the BIG name schools (Duke, UNC, UConn, KY, etc) for more of the highly ranked kids (10-50), but still not break through the top 25 often.
3. Legitimately compete for a number of the elite kids (1-25), and start signing a few. The class will probably be spread from 1-100, but average ranking higher.


I think we are in stage 3. Stage 4 starts to get into Duke / UNC territory, which basically means most of the players you sign are in the top 50 with at least half in the top 25 and you only fill out your roster with 50-100 ranked kids. At that stage, you also get to almost "pick" the kids you want. While nothing is ever that black-and-white, we all know that if Duke gets on a player early and they want him, they usually get him. Doesn't always work late in the process (Lewis Clinch was pursued by Duke and Kansas late), but you get the point.


Now, we have to remember that rankings vary by recruiting service and of course nobody knows rankings better than the coaching staff and they don't share their evaluations with us. But hey, as it stands now, I think Rivals really knows what they are talking about!!!!!!!

Football: Chan Gailey Interview Part I

Our man Chan Gailey was the guest this morning on 790thezone with the Mayhem in the AM guys. I managed to record the show since is was broadcast on CSS-TV, so here's part one of re-cap. I just don't have time to do the whole thing.........While much of the interview was more of the same we've heard, there were a few good quotes from Coach Gailey. Comments about his past coaching career were interesting and we'll get into more of that in part II.......


The interview started talking news, and the loss of Chipper Jones from the Braves. Turns out Chan Gailey is a huge Braves fan, since he was a kid. In talking about the adversity of the Braves, Coach Gailey had the best quote of the interview:


"Don't gripe about what you don't have. Get excited about what you do have"


If ever there were a lesson for Georgia Tech football fans, that would be it. He was talking about the Braves, but I can't help think he was sending a little message.


On coaching kids today, versus life decades ago for kids:


"kids in general are just different. Life is just different. Technology has broadened their horizons, sometimes positively, sometimes negatively. These kids know more than we knew. It was kind of fun being ignorant in some respects in those days......... An "R-rated" movie, you wouldn't have thought of anything like that. Now, it's on TV, not even at the movies. They are exposed to so much that their standards are sometimes not the same as what we grew up with"


On NCAA mandates about recruiting rules:


"That is some of the pitfalls of the NCAA rules, that you can't be around these guys as much as you'd like. It's the same old thing. A few guys abuse the rule and everybody gets punished. The rest of us are paying the price."


On the internet and communication and perceptions:


"Right wrong, good or bad, that's the way it is. You have to learn to accept that and a young man has to learn to accept that responsibility. There are some things I did when I was 20 and 21 that I'm glad were not public. I think we all fall into that category, but today it's public. You can't afford to make a mistake, even at 20 or 21 years old, or the whole world hears about it"


On the fact that student-athletes actually get into less trouble than the average college student, but they are more public when it happens:


"We made this big deal in the NCAA, this mandate to treat these football players, or any athletes, just like every other student. Ok, well, everybody else needs to do the same thing. If we've got to give them time off where they're not around us at all or we can't be around them, then just treat them like joe-student. That's all we ask too, but that doesn't happen unfortunately. But if you can't stand the heat, get out the kitchen."


On what age he became passionate about coaching:


"I decided that probably my sophomore year in college. I didn't know how passionate I would be about it. I just knew that my high school coach, Jimmy Hightower, down in Americus GA, had given something to me that was pretty special. I wanted to try to give that back to other kids. Then as time went on I became more and more passionate about winning and seeing kids come together to do something special. That's a pretty unique deal. That's the thing about coaching - taking 85 different personalities, different backgrounds, and seeing if they can come together and do something pretty special that individually they couldn't do apart."


On going from Troy State in 1984 to the Denver Broncos in 85 - was it culture shock?


"Wow, was it ever. It was funny. Dan (Reeves) hired me. The very first meeting I had - I was coaching special teams - Dan and most of the other coaches stood in the back of the room to see if I was going to choke. I guess I did ok, because he didn't come up and take over the meeting."


On getting hired by Dan Reeves:


"I never interviewed. We knew each other from Americus and I was coaching at Air Force Academy when he took the job. I would go up and visit them on a regular basis. Then I left and went to Troy for a couple of years and he hired me back when he had an opening later. It was fun"


On being at some pretty passionate football places (UF, PITT, GT, Dallas, Miami, Denver):


"If you don't care why do you go? Why do you watch it? If you're going to be a part of it, care about it and be passionate about it."


On dealing with alumni, a fan base and keeping perspective:


"Well, coaching is not as fun as it used to be. It's become more of a business, but salaries have gone up, expectations have gone up, everything goes up. It's not nearly as fun and you'd like to think you have the same amount of impact on lives as you used to when you were younger and coaching. You hope you do, but sometimes I'm not sure".


(I tell you, he had a bit of a hard time with that last sentence - watching on TV. You could just tell that it really means something to him to impact young lives, but I saw a hint of doubt in his voice. A bit of the human side of Coach Gailey.)


On the media growth and focus:


"At least it wasn't that big of a deal (back then). Every word, everything that you say now is going to be hashed and re-hashed and dissected. I have to be very guarded and very careful about not only what I say, but how I say it. It's going to get back to the players and anybody else. It's going to be in the other team's lockerroom."


On tirades, with interviewers using the Jim Mora tirade as an example:


"The problem is that you don't remember how good a coach he was. You remember that tirade, that one moment. That's what you remember about Jim Mora and that's the shame of it all."


On health issues and looking good:


"Thanks. I plan to keep off the 30 pounds. I think, like most people, I've been up and down, up and down. But I plan to keep it off this time."


Again, on being a kid then vs now and playing pick-up sports with friends:


"I rode my bike evevywhere. You'd call everybody and meet to play. You'd meet in the field or in the lost. We would pull the lawnmower behind our bike and mow the grass ourselves. It's stuff like that we don't have any more.......... Remember how you used to play half-field? If you hit it on that side of 2nd base it was an out, but the other side was a hit, because you didn't have but 5 guys."


On high school kids and younger:


"We have sophomores and juniors in high school coming to us saying they would love a scholarship, talking about - I work out at such and such and you can call them for references. Call their trainers."


Fifteen years ago you wouldn't have seen that:


"Oh heavens no. Since I was in college the last time, things have changed drastically."


On steroids and supplements:


"We give them the stuff that we know is good to try to either gain weight or lose weight. Most of the time, losing weight is by diet only. Gaining weight we do have some supplements but everything is looked at by our nutritionists, and it covers NCAA rules. We tell kids - take this only - because you don't know what you are going to get from one of those stores that sells something over the counter."


On diet monitoring and nutrition now vs 30 years ago:


"You didn't monitor that stuff back them. If you were over-weight, you ran more. If you were underweight, they said - go back and get another plate. Now, everything is specialized. You have personal trainers, you have nutritionists. You almost feel like we're trying to create the perfect athlete. At the same time, all anyone is trying to do is gain the edge. If I can gain the edge this year over my competition, then I have a chance to be better than he is. There's nothing wrong with that. It's just changed."


On the old days, when you were only tough if you went through an entire practice without water.


"That's my era. We used to have this one towel. Hygenists would pass out if they heard this. But we would dip that one towel in water and pass it around to suck the water out. Not one of us died. Maybe it built up our immunities. Isn't that sick?"


On his heart attack:


"We were playing a 5th game (racquetball). We always played 5 games over at the CRC on campus. I started feeling a little pain in my arm and it kind of moved up to my chest. I sat there - we were about the 4th or 5th point in the game - and I told my partner, Charlie Brown, this isn't right. This isn't smart of me to keep playing. Let me stop. I sat down for a minute and felt a little bit easier. I think I'm going to drive back over there. To Charlie's credit he said - nope, I'm either driving you or we're going next door to the medical center. So we went next door and the medical people took it from there and did a great job......... It was a full blown 100% blockage. I had angioplasty then a stint put in. Dr.Ballard over at Piedmont put a stint in did a super job............. People ask me - was I scared during that whole process? I say no, I wasn't scared, because the EMT's that took from the medical center on campus to the hospital were not panicking. Nobody is the ER was panicking. Everybody did their job and was kind of matter-of-fact about things. They didn't hide anything, but they didn't panic. So I didn't panic either......... It's one of those things where you've got a 400 pound gorilla on your chest and he won't get off. When you have cramp you can kind of twist around to get it to lighten up a bit. You couldn't get this to lighten up, so I knew something was wrong.............. It was actually a blockage. They said that something in that part of the blood vessel erupted and it was like an injury. So my body read it as an injury and rushed clotting agents to stop the bleeding, so to speak, and that's what caused the actual heart-attack - the blockage there"


On changing his habit:


"You know they don't mandate anything. They show you how much fat is in a hotdog and a bowl of ice cream and say - it's your choice what you want to do. I have a wonderful wife who has mandated what I eat and has done a great job of overseeing everying so I can lose weight....... I don't say no to things I like anymore, but instead of eating 4 pieces of pizza or 6 pieces, I eat just one or two now. That's the difference. Portion control."


On traveling to Auburn in the opener:


"Everybody thinks that they lost a lot of those first round draft picks. Guess what - they've got a bunch of good football players back, because I've watched the film on them........... It's the goal for any coach to re-load any year............ You will hear a lot from these guys (young Auburn players) before their careers are over"


On the vote of confidence coaches want from their AD's and D.Braine's statement:


"Let me tell you. It doesn't matter what anybody says. It doesn't matter what you say. We go out there and try to do our very best, whatever that is. I don't look over my shoulder. I don't look behind doors. What I do is try to go out and do the very best and do what's right for the program, what's right for the kids. Other than that, it doesn't matter. If I'm not the right guy, I'm not the right guy. If I am the right guy then I am the right guy."


On assessing the "Chan Gailey era" so far:


"Well, it's obviously not been exactly what we had hoped for. There's been a lot of adversity - things that have hit us in the first 3 years. But if you start talking about that, then it's excuse making and I refuse to do that. We have done the best we could in the circumstances and I think we're building a great program here. I think we have a great product. We have a chance to go much higher, but right now we've haven't gotten there. But that's what we're working for."


Has Reggie Ball been one of your biggest coaching challenges?


"He sure has. Because he has got talent. We've seen him do a lot of great things, but we've seen him do some very poor things. The key is to get him consistent. Again, we have to remember - the guy's only 20 years old. He's started a bunch of football games, but he's still learning to be a good QB. He's got some things to learn and accomplish before he can have that put on him - "good QB"


On the Reggie Ball / Taylor Bennett issue:


"You have to go prove it. Reggie has done a lot of good things, but so has Taylor. I think you have to make sure you keep all your options open. If I say Reggie is the starter and Taylor is the back-up, and we walk out and Taylor plays better in pre-season and Reggie doesn't play as well and we put Taylor in for a series in the ballgame, the next thing is "Gailey says this, but did this". So you leave all your options open, don't paint yourself in a corner and wait to see what happens in pre-season."


How much blame is there for Reggie's decision-making. How much to Reggie, Patrick Nix or you?


"Ultimately, it's my responsibility. I'm the one that puts him on the field and has him playing QB for this team. Patrick Nix is a great football coach in my opinion. I think - I've heard - now I don't read everything or listen to everything, but I've heard he's taken some hits on things and that's unfair in my opinion. Very unfair."


After the UGA game, Nix was one of the guys that took heat:


"Was everything perfect in that? No. There was a mistake made. Everybody owned up to their responsibility to that. But ultimately it's my responsibility to put the right people in the right place to do the job. That's what we're trying to do. It's tough out there some days to make every perfect decision. Again, I'm just glad that everything I did when I was 20 was not scrutinized."

What's Buzzin for Wednesday

FOOTBALL
"There is no magic number" - says Dave Braine.......................

"I still think Chan is the guy. He's been to three straight bowls. People forget that. He hasn't had a losing season since he's been here," Braine said. "He's had a struggle at times to overcome things due to nothing that he did and he still has overcome it and still been successful. Let's give this guy the benefit of the doubt."

"I don't think it's fair to anybody to say he has to do this, or this is what we're looking for," Braine said. "The most important thing is to play hard every game and be prepared for every game. In college football today, that's very difficult. That's why you see so many upsets."

"If you know you have the right guy and have belief in yourself that you made the right decision, you can hang with the person," Braine said. "But it's tougher to hang now because of the Internet and the money. It's so important to make money and raise money."


But it's not impossible to block that out, especially not when it comes to "one of the toughest coaching job in the country," as Braine often refers to the Tech post.


"I'm still the biggest fan in the world of Chan Gailey," said Braine. "There are very few people that can coach here and he's one of them. He recruits the kind of young people that can go to school here, graduate and play."


"I have not gotten off his bandwagon."

Chan Gailey spent about an hour on 790theZone this morning talking with the Mayhem in the AM dudes. Good news - it was broadcast on CSS-TV as well and I have it recorded. I will review and provide a recap later......................Drats - fan day is August 27, the very weekend we have baby dedication for our youngest, with family in town all weekend. Crapola......... On Auburn's freshman getting ready..................... More on the frosh at Auburn........... Mark Richt talks football, including the Georgia Tech victory over Auburn 2 years ago............. Kelly Campbell had a stomach virus and missed a day of practice, but he's back now................ Who's got new football helmet designs - see here................. Wow, anyone remember this happening?

I highly dislike Georgia Tech, I never have understood why ND plays GT after ND ventured down there in '74, and the anti-Catholic and racial hatred was so apparent that the GT fans pelted the ND players and bench with fish and also verbal insults and threats. They threw fish on the field, and a couple of the players feared for their safety as the game ended.

See "our man" Bobby Ross featured on Jefferson Pilot soon. Nice.......... Looks like Brent Schaeffer will not be headed to Tech........... This is interesting - George Plaster has gotten a job as a play-by-play guy for about 6-8 Georgia Tech football games for Comcast Sports South and Joe Hamilton will provide color commentary. Question is - how many games will they broadcast? Interesting. On a side note, if the guy's name is Plaster and he is a broadcast, does that make him a "Plaster Caster"? Gene Simmons would be proud.................. Well, remember the Carlos Thomas recruiting academic debacle that resulted in him committing to South Carolina? Well, looks like he made their roster, which is a tough thing to do with Spurrier these days. Actually, it's a tough thing to STAY on the roster................ Auburn is still setting their goals high............ Auburn RB Trey Smith wants to start and isn't going to let a little emergency appendectomy get in the way............. Interesting note on where Georgia Tech's first football game was played back in 1894.................. The Fridge is pissed - just don't throw an INT and he'll simmer down. Just ask Joe Hamilton............ More press on Tech's mediocre expectations............


HOOPS
Thanks to RamblinRed for this link, on the high-tech changes in the world of recruiting. Text messaging anyone?............... See the top 50 hoops players for 2007, by Scout.com....... Looks like Jarrett Jack was at the Chris Duhon camp................. From the Oregonian:

McMillan and Jarrett JackAn NBA scout for another organization told me over
lunch that he believes Nate McMillan will "fall in love" with Blazers
first-round draft pick Jarrett Jack. Bottom line, the scout said Jack is "TOUGH"
and will push Sebastian Telfair for minutes at point guard, especially with
McMillan valuing toughness and defense.Keep an eye on that.

Draft steals of the past, including a John Salley reference............ A weird John Salley reference from 14 days ago at Fox......... Salley is doing some good things too........... Recruit Thaddeus Young released his top 7 schools, and Georgia Tech was on the list and he indicated he would visit campus. Still a longshot there......... New recruiting rankings are going to be released over the next week or so and you can expect Javaris Crittenton to rise, particularly on Rivals, which comes out Thursday.................. Will OJ Mayo go to FAMU? Could happen........


BEESBALL
Fenway's bid is in for the beesball ACC Championship game is in..................


OTHER STUFF
What is Georgia Tech's policy on steriods?

"We have a very simple rule for our athletes," said Larry New, senior associate
athletics director at Georgia Tech. "If we don't give it to you, don't take it."

A note on future Tech golfer John-Tyler Griffin...............Wow, those mutts are at it again - this time Tavares Kearney. Twist a teacher's arm after they confiscate your cell phone on suspicion of cheating. Real smart..........On scheduling cupcakes in football............. GT Volleyball is picked 2nd in the league this season.................. Wow, Rafael Palmeiro making Jose Canseco look like an honest, upstanding guy.............. Alright kids - watch your stuff......... The recruiting game is tough in ------ cheerleading? This gal wants to be a Jacket. Come on down. A biomedical engineer with pom-poms and a short skirt. More power to you....................Top party schools........... So Georgia Tech = Method Man? That's what this blogger thinks. Of course, without the Reuben Houston incident, who are we? I say Xzibit. Well spoken, talented, underrated, but definitely with street cred. Do you feel me?...........


NON-SPORTS STUFF
Ever wonder about who draws those stipple portaits for the Wall Street Journal? Now you know. Know what else - she's multi-talented.......... For the true old-school Techsters, ever wondered how high a stack of punch cards it would take to store an MP3? Try a stack 5'9" high........

Hoops: Javaris Crittenton Pictures Part III

Wanted to leave you with a few more pictures of Javaris Crittenton from the Adidas summer camp in Suwanee a few weeks ago. I think I might have one more set later for your viewing pleasure.........

Football: Reuben Houston's Lawyer wants him in School

The sales pitch - "the punishment does not fit the crime". That from Reuben Houston's lawyer. He argues that Houston should be allowed to finish his degree. Story here.

What's Buzzin' for Tuesday

HOOPS
Nice re-cap of our recruits from RamblinRed over at the Hive from the Global Games..... Here's a great review of the Georgia Tech hoops incoming recruiting class of Bell / Clinch / Aminu, done by the Winston-Salem Journal. However, you want to really get pissed at the NY Yankee's tactics? Try this one on about Austin Jackson:

"His family told me that all along the Yankees were the one team that said he could play both sports and not to worry about it," Hewitt said. "They got him in the eighth round and then said, 'Listen, here's the money. Either you're going to play baseball or basketball, but you're not going to play both.'


"I guess it was gamesmanship on their part. They knew that he was telling people he was going to play both, and they kind of used that to devalue him. Then after, they grabbed him in the eighth round, they figured, 'He's a great player.' It really threw him for a loop, but at the end of the day he said, 'Let me go ahead and sign this contract.'"

"Gamesmanship" is a nice term for dishonesty. At the end of the day, they were "gaming" the system. I wonder if Coach Hewitt is still a huge Yankee fan? I'm not.......... Here's a nice story on Clinch starring in the Global Games........... How about this cool note on Eddie Elisma and Fred Vinson:

Georgia Tech's Eddie Elisma (Marineros de Puerto Plata, 10-7) also plays in the
Dominican Republic pro league and rumor has it that former Georgia Tech star
Fred Vinson will be joining him there for the end of the season and playoffs,
according to eurobasket.com.

FOOTBALL
Did you know that the 2005 Team Poster has Reuben Houston prominantly displayed on the front? It's true. However, I hear they have reprinted new ones without Houston.......... Nice story on Keyaron Fox's drive to start this season............... Calvin Johnson and Travis Bell make Rivals.com's pre-season all-American team (CJ 1st team, Bell 2nd)...............


BEESBALL
Blake Wood had quite the outing in the Cape Cod League the other day - complete game, 10 k's, shutout. Nice.......... A bit on Team USA and a nice defensive gem by Wes Hodges........ The wiki page on Kenny Anderson...........


OTHER STUFF
Looks like the NCAA will NOT penalize teams when a player leaves school in good standing to go pro. This will have a great impact on the APR for teams like North Carolina...............A preview of the ACC-Atlantic division......... Why did Wyatt Sexton get suspended? He didn't want to pee in a cup. No kidding.......... Wow, the South Carolina blows just keep on coming............. Need a new AD - call this guy....... Looks like Vegas will now be taking over/under bets on college team win totals......... Clemson reports 2 secondary violations............ Evidently George O'Leary has learned a thing or two about bouncing back................... Well, here we go again. The Sebastian Telfair story in the Ian O'Connor book lives on, although this reviewer points out the book's lack of personality. He says nothing about its lack of accuracy.................... Clemson gets the QB they wanted, but he's class of 2007, so they'll have to wait 2 years............. The NIT is tired of being 2nd banana. Hey guys, give it up already. Be happy you're only 2nd banana............ College football A-Z........

Podcast #3: ACC Football

Not my best effort, but something to listen to. We talk ACC football and of course a bit on Georgia Tech............

link to file here

By the way, I do have a website dedicated to my podcasts which I will share with you. I have not had time to work on the layout so the colors make no sense. By the way, if you subscribe to the podcast, that site is actually where it is drawing from....... Here you go......

www.gtsportspodcast.blogspot.com

What's Buzzin for Monday

August is here my friends. Players report in mere days. Let the fun begin.........


FOOTBALL
First, the 2005 media guides are now on sale. Details here................

Reggie Ball is the still going to start, but make no mistake - Taylor Bennett will get snaps. He'll be there rooting on Reggie - errr - breathing down his neck............ Here's more on the Reggie / Taylor situation............... Looking at Auburn and their mentality......... Coach Tubby likes his Tigers evidently. What else would he say?....... More on Auburn...........and even more on Auburn......... How about more on Auburn and their new QB....... More punishment on Cox - Auburn's new QB............. The ACC is not just 3 contenders - at least that what this guy thinks............. A bit on future Yellow Jacket Ben Anderson's high school team....... Wath video of some of the ACC coaches last week.......... More confirmation that Brent Shaeffer will not be transferring from Tenn to Clemson. No real word on the latest with Georgia Tech............... Remember that EA Sports Hiesman poster? Well, here's the big version you can use as wallpaper ............ Here's the ACC media guide for football season.............. Coach Gailey is feeling fit for this season............ ACC media day notebook ............... Here are pictures of all the ACC coaches. Note the interesting use of hand gestures by each. You can almost build a story with each picture................ Here's a quick take on the Jackets............

Dave Braine is backing down a bit from his statements and ultimatams around minimum victory requirements:

"There would have to be something traumatic happen for him to not be our coach next year," Braine said. "A lot of people are trying to make this a bigger season than it is. I think this is one of the toughest jobs in the country. Not everybody can coach here. Chan can."


Braine, who has decided to wait until after the season to have serious contract talks with Gailey, has been in a similar situation. As athletic director at Virginia Tech, Braine didn't make a change when Frank Beamer was 24-40-2 in his first six seasons.


"I'm interested in seeing a team that is well-coached, well-prepared and competes," Braine said. "I believe we've got the right coach."

More Q&A with Coach Gailey.......... The Dallas paper likes the Jackets at #22 in their pre-season poll............. In the "where are they now" segment, how about Chuck Bresnahan, the LB coach during our 1990 National Championship season............. How about something to get you depressed about recruiting............. To balance things out, here's one to get you feeling good again about recruiting, with this quote from Coach Gailey:

"I've always been one to tell my coaches, 'Don't worry about who's recruiting somebody or not recruiting somebody,'" Gailey said. "Let's evaluate each young man on his merits and what he brings to the table for us. And then, if we feel like he's good enough, let's recruit him.'"

HOOPS
Here's a very cool story on Jeremis Smith, who has been interning at the Global Games in Dallas. In fact, he was the PA announcer at one of the games. I love the comment that he has been working on dribbling lefty and a new shooting move in hopes of earning more playing tiome this season. I'm sorry Jeremis, but you're going to be on the court a lot - and you will have earned it......... Also note the Global Games were broadcast on HDNet. First question - what is HDNet. Second question - who on earth gets it? Not me............ A top recruit - Duke Crews is considering Georgia Tech. So could you accept someone named "Duke". With enough talent, yes.............. Here's some stuff on AAU tournies and being seen (as a head coach)...........


BEESBALL
Wes Hodges has provided consistency at the plate for Team USA......... How about a little back-story on the Eric Patterson / Nomar Garciaparra connection and wearing the same jersey number. They are also batting together in the Peoria line-up (until Nomar finishes rehab)......


OTHER STUFF
More on the future Georgia Tech shot-putter Steven Marcelle......... Did you know there were 3 sanctioned women's football leagues in the US, and did you know that former Georgia Tech track standouts and sisters Charmaine Chin and Charlene Vance are in one of them? Charlene is the coach and Charmaine is the league leading rusher............ Here's more on Mark Zupan........... Evidently Charlie Whitehurst is his worst critic. Ok, I live in Clemson territory, and this story is getting old. Yes, we know, nobody is harder on Charlie than Charlie. That's great........