The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets begin spring football practices on Monday, with their spring game scheduled for April 20. That's a Friday, making Tech one of only about a dozen teams to conclude spring action on a day besides Saturday. Friday night in Atlanta, y'all.
The biggest story this spring centers on whether Vad Lee (or Synjyn Days) can unseat Tevin Washington as starting quarterback. While Washington feasted on lesser competition last year, he seemed to take quite a beating as the year went on, and his arm all but vanished. Days' numbers in mop-up duty were superior to Washington's last year, while Tech fans have been excited about Lee for years now.
Does Tech have another receiver like Stephen Hill, who was capable of capturing even the ugliest passes (and, well, dropping some pretty ones)? It's quite literally impossible to even guess, since Tech returns zero receivers with any catches from last year. The four returning players with catches are all running backs. At least Orwin Smith is pretty good at football in general.
That offensive line, which has lacked depth for a couple seasons, should start to solidify despite the loss of starter Phil Smith. Omoregie Uzzi, Tech's best player, returns.
On defense, Al Groh still needs to find a true nose tackle. If T.J. Barnes can finally assume the role, then life would be easier for Tech's solid crew of linebackers led by Julian Burnett and Jeremiah Attaochu. The secondary, like the offensive line, should also finally enjoy a little depth, as four of last year's top five defensive backs return, including Rod Sweeting and Isaiah Johnson.
For more on Jackets football, visit Georgia Tech blog From The Rumble Seat, plus SB Nation Atlanta.