Spring football practices end

The Tech football team wrapped up their spring practices last Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

The offense showed that it was ready to pick up where it left off last season, even without star receiver Calvin Johnson.

"I think you always hope to end strong. I thought the first team defense and first team offense were both doing what they were supposed to do. That's the best the first offense has moved against the first defense all spring," said Head Coach Chan Gailey.

Taylor Bennett, donning the green jersey and leading the first offense during the practice, threw five touchdown passes while spreading the ball around to numerous receivers. He continued to establish himself as the starter with a strong outing.

"[This practice was a] big turning point in our offense. We're very excited to carry this into the fall," Bennett said.

After Bennett, the clear favorite to start the game in the fall, the quarterback situation becomes less clear. Steven Threet, Calvin Booker and Byron Ingram are all vying for the backup spot. Booker and Threet must adjust to Tech's new offense as this is their first year under the system. Threet, a true freshman, must also adjust to the new obstacles that come with the college game as opposed to the high school one.

"[The] biggest adjustment is getting used to the difference in defensive speed. It's a big step-up from high school, especially the ACC," Threet said.

Tashard Choice, the lead rusher in the Atlantic Coast Conference last season, teamed with Rashaun Grant to help anchor the ground attack.

"As far as the offense, we're getting better. We're getting used to new calls and we should be OK," Choice said.

Choice and Grant both scored touchdowns and accumulated more than 50 yards during the practice. The Jackets hope to use Grant in different plays and situations to create a dual-threat running game.

"[Grant] is very versatile, he can do almost anything. You'd like to think of him as a Reggie Bush style guy. You put him anywhere and he'll do anything," Bennett said.

Tech has had a few changes at numerous key positions in the offense, including one behind the scenes. Patrick Nix, last season's offensive coordinator, took a job at University of Miami. Former Northern Illinois offensive coordinator John Bond replaces him.

At Northern Illinois, Bond helped create one of the most explosive rushing attacks in the nation, with his starting running back Garrett Wolfe leading the nation in yards last season.

On the field, Johnson declared early to the draft and four-year starter Reggie Ball is graduating. Despite the losses, the team looks to build around a veteran offensive line.

"Better offensive line helps, that's where it really starts. If you don't have a good offensive line, you can't really do anything. They make me look good and they make [Choice] look good. They do a great job up front," Bennett said.

At the wide receiver position, Joe Johnson looks to step up to become the main receiving threat. Redshirt freshman Demayrius Thomas is fighting for a spot as the No. 2 receiver.

"The receivers are doing great. Thomas has stepped up and done a great job this spring," Bennett said.

Even though the offense was showing its balance and skill, the defensive unit showed flashes of its dominance from last season, gaining five sacks and one interception.

"I don't think the defense adjusted [to the offense]. I think they play hard and they do what they do," Gailey said.

The defense returns eight starters from last year, including Philip Wheeler. The redshirt senior was voted one of the top players midway through the season, making SI.com's first-team Midseason All-Americans.Other notable starters include Jamal Lewis and Avery Roberson, both in their final year at Tech.

The senior leadership looks to help a defense that ranked near the top of the nation last season.