Roddy Jones was the first Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets player behind the stand at ACC media days, answering questions about how the offense didn't do its part last year, to which he replied that he has high hopes, starting with expected new starting quarterback Tevin Washington.
"We want to be the most prolific running team in the nation," Jones said, touting the team's young offensive line and a backfield that's more experienced than some realize. Jones predicted a "B-back by committee" arrangement, with Preston Lyons, Richard Watson and others replacing Anthony Allen. In the past three years, Jonathan Dwyer and Allen have held down a featured back role at that position.
He beamed when asked about how fun it is to operate in Paul Johnson's offense, saying it's even fun to block for other ball-carriers.
Jones admits the team's wide receivers "took a lot of heat last year," but says Stephen Hill, Tyler Melton and company were too often the scapegoats for Tech's struggles. "Any time you have a passing game, it definitely helps," he said, pointing out that Tech's running game was no less potent in 2010 than in 2009. "If we can throw the ball a little and hurt team
"Even the year we won the ACC, people picked us near the bottom. A lot of guys are hungry to prove we're better than people think we are," Jones said.
Logan Walls said Al Groh's 3-4 scheme is much easier in Year 2, saying it doesn't feel like he's being "shot at" anymore. Someone may need to look into coach Groh's methods. Walls cited the defensive line as being the side's strongest units, which would be about the best possible news considering last year -- then again, he plays defensive tackle, so he may be biased.
"I'm completely comfortable with everybody we have back there," Walls said after admitting he'd had concerns about the team's all-new defensive secondary.
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