Yellow Jacket Football Preview 2007

The Jackets enter this season's campaign after coming off of a successful 2006 season that saw Tech advance to the ACC Championship game, win their first ever Coastal division title and play in a New Year's Day Bowl. While one of the biggest stories is the departure of wide receiver Calvin Johnson to the NFL, the Jackets reload with a team that is just as capable as the one that stepped onto the playing field last season.

Defense

The defensive line returns three starters from last year including senior ends Adamm Oliver and Darrell Robertson, as well as senior defensive tackle Daryl Richard. Sophomore Vance Walker replaces Joe Anoai as the second defensive tackle.

The line has a great amount of depth as players like junior defensive end Michael Johnson, junior defensive tackle Elris Anyaibe, and sophomore end Robert Hall have all seen significant playing time and should contribute this season. Another player to watch for is standout freshman defensive end Derrick Morgan. The 6' 4" 240 lb. end was recruited highly out of Coatesville, Pa.

The linebacking corps is led by seniors Philip Wheeler and Gary Guyton. Wheeler has been named a preseason finalist for the Bronco Nagurski Award going to the top linebacker in the NCAA every season. Last season, Wheeler had 89 tackles and nine sacks, while Guyton had 29 tackles and two sacks. The only question for this group to answer is who will step up to replace graduated senior KaMichael Hall. Currently, sophomore Shane Bowen leads the race for that position, but freshman Anthony Barnes should see heavy playing time as well.

Last season, the Jackets' biggest question mark was the depth of their secondary, and it is the same story this year. While senior safeties Djay Jones and Jamal Lewis bring plenty of talent and experience, there is no depth behind them with significant playing time.

"Most of us are upperclassmen, so we know our roles. Sometimes I have to help rally the team, and other times we switch responsibilities. [The secondary] really works more as a unit than as individuals" Lewis said.

At corner, Tech lost Kenny Scott to graduation. He will be replaced by Avery Roberson and Jahi Word-Daniels. Both played significant times as starters last season, but behind them there is little depth as well. Pat Clark, Dominique Reese, and Martin Frierson will have to step up to help out in nickel and dime situations.

Offense

Over the last four years, the Jackets have had one starting quarterback in Reggie Ball. He has now graduated, leading the way for junior southpaw Taylor Bennett.

"Taylor is one of those guys who understands the game of football. He knows how to read coverages, and understands where players are," Choice said.

Bennett's performance gives Tech's fans hope for an offense that saw its 4-year starter throw erratically.

"The offense is going to change a lot now because we don't have [the running] option any more. We don't have that weapon. Taylor will be strictly a drop back passer, so we will have to run strictly with our tail backs," said Head Coach Chan Gailey.

Senior Tashard Choice has become the leader of the offense for Tech. Choice's numbers from last season have put him in position to make a run at several postseason awards.

"We sat down with the offensive line, and they told me we were going to rush or 1,800 yards or better this season. If you can run for that many yards in a season, then we are going to win a lot of games," Choice said.

Behind Choice is a plethora of talented running backs, including speedy senior Rashaun Grant, sophomore Jamaal Evans.

With the departure of Calvin Johnson, a new set of receivers will have to step up in order to help carry the team. Junior James Johnson will take on the role of being the feature receiver. He will have a supporting cast of players who did not receive much playing time last season.

Outside of James Johnson, the Jackets will have to rely on a plethora of young, inexperienced talent. They will all be vying for the position of second receiver, a question mark that will likely be solved during the season.

The offensive line is as experienced this season as it has ever been. Four out of five starters return from last season.

Special Teams

The Jackets were up and down on special teams. Punter Durant Brooks led the ACC, and was 4th in the NCAA in punting with a 45.5 yard average. He was named a preseason All-American by several publications, most notably by ESPN. The redshirt senior was named one of three finalists for the Ray Guy Award after last season, awarded to the top punter in the nation.

However, the Jackets struggled in the return game averaging just 7.5 yards per punt return, and 19.4 yards per kick return. The worst part of Tech's kicking game though was on kickoffs where the Jackets had just 11 touchbacks, and allowed 27 yards per return, putting their defense in difficult positions at times.

Tech had difficulties throughout the season on kickoff returns, often kicking short to stop a potentially large return that hurt them in games like Maryland, where a kickoff was returned for a touchdown. The team also had difficulties hitting field goals consistently, with place kicker Travis Bell struggling to kick it through the uprights early on in the season. The special teams will hope to improve on what many considered its weakest aspect.

Coaching Staff

Tech begins the season with new offensive coordinator John Bond. Bond previously held the same position at North Illinois, where he helped the team become an offensive powerhouse and create one of the nation's best running backs. His running back, Garrett Wolfe, finished among the top-10 all-time rushing leaders in NCAA history. Bond is known for his offenses that see his quarterback spread the ball around to several receivers and a focus on the running game. He replaces Patrick Nix, who left the team to serve as the offensive coordinator at Miami.

Jon Tenuta returns as the defensive coordinator, his sixth season. Last season, he was also given the title of Associate Head Coach. In the last three years, the Jackets have ranked near the top of the nation in its defense, largely based on Tenuta's coaching and his defense schemes. Last season, Tech ranked in the top 30 in rushing defense, scoring defense and total defense. He returns several starters from last season, including several that made the All-ACC team last season.

After a long flirtation with the Miami Dolphins, Gailey has returned as Tech's coach. He has recruited one of the best classes Tech has ever seen. He will hope to lead the team to something that has never happened in his tenure: a win against rival Georgia. While the team was 9-4, the best record during the Gailey era, it lost its final three games of the season, including the ACC championship game and the Gator Bowl, losing the last three games by three points each.