More Jackets To Leave The Hive?

Three days after Georgia Tech junior wide receiver Demaryius Thomas declared for the NFL Draft, Yellow Jackets Morgan Burnett, Jonathan Dwyer and Derrick Morgan will meet with the media.

At 1:00 on Monday, the University will make trio of juniors available to the media. It would not be a surprise if all three followed the lead of Thomas and give up their final year of eligibility for the chance to play on Sundays.

Morgan is projected as a potential top ten pick should he decide to make the jump. The defensive end is coming a spectacular season in which he recorded 55 tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumbles recoveries on his way to ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Joining Thomas and Morgan on the All-ACC first team was Dwyer, who ran for 1,395 yards to lead the team. He found the end zone 14 times as a junior and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. Burnett was a second team All ACC selection after snagging four interceptions to lead the Yellow Jackets. The safety registering 85 tackles (four tackles).

Dwyer is a potential first round pick and would be competing with fellow underclassman Jahvid Best and Ryan Mathews to be the number two running back prospect after Clemson’s C.J. Spiller. Like Thomas, Burnett is more likely to go in round number two should he decide he is ready to play in the league where they play for pay.

Georgia Tech is coming off of an 11-3 season, which included an ACC title. The Ramblin' Wreck defeated the Clemson Tigers in the ACC Championship game 39-34 before falling 24-14 to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2010 Orange Bowl.

Check for updates on this story.

Photo Courtesy of Georgia Tech Sports Information Office

CFI Countdown: #17 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

2008 Record: 9-4 (ACC: 5-3)
Bowl Game: Lost Chick-fil-A Bowl to LSU 38-3
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Stadium: Bobby Dodd Stadium (55,000)
Head Coach: Paul Johnson
Overall: 116-43 (13th season)
@ Georgia Tech: 9-4 (2nd season)
Link to Ga. Tech Football Page

The assumption many in the media are making is that a team that exceeded expectations with nine wins in their first season under a new head coach and new system will improve simply by showing up in year two. That isn’t always the case. That is not to say that Coach Paul Johnson or stars Jonathan Dwyer and Morgan Burnett have any such ideas—because they don’t. With expectations comes added pressure and it also means a win over the Ramblin’ Wreck is a feather in the cap of their foes. It will be interesting to see which direction the Jackets go.

When the Yellow Jackets Have the Ball

Offensive Coordinator: Paul Johnson (2nd season)
Scheme: Spread (Triple) Option
Starters Returning: Nine
Key Losses: OT Andrew Gardner

No one in the ACC can match the firepower Tech brings in the offensive backfield led by junior Jonathan Dwyer. The ACC’s leading rusher from a year ago has both the ability to bulldoze defenders and blaze his way for a big run—he’s been a perfect fit as Coach Johnson’s B-back in the option attack. Dwyer was devastatingly effective, averaging seven yards per carry. A perfect complement emerged in sophomore Roddy Jones who rushed for 690 yards despite only 81 carries. Adding to the depth is the powerful Anthony Allen, a junior transfer from Louisville. Running the show is junior quarterback Josh Nesbitt who was very adept at running the ball and leading the option—a point guard who could dish or keep it. If they are to take the next step and win the ACC title (as ACC Insider Brian Palmese has predicted), Nesbitt will have to become a better all-around player, which means he has to improve his passing. Last season, the junior completed only 43.9 percent of his passes for two scores (five interceptions), which isn’t going to cut it. He has a legit number one receiver in 6’ 3” junior wide out Demaryius Thomas. The offensive line is also in question—they lost two starters, but have the entire line intact from impressive wins over Georgia and Miami (as well as a thrashing at the hands of LSU). Even though they ran the ball well, the line doesn’t possess the quickness and athleticism Johnson typically craves.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) RB Jonathan Dwyer (JR), 2) WR Demaryius Thomas (JR), 3) OG Joseph Gilbert (SO)

When the Other Team Has the Ball

Defensive Coordinator: Dave Wommack (2nd season)
Scheme: 4-3/4-2-5
Starters Returning: Eight
Key Losses: DE Michael Johnson, DT Darryl Richard, DT Vance Walker, LB Tony Clark, CB Jahi Word-Daniels

With so much focus on the offense, the amount of playmakers Tech has on defense often gets overlooked. Gone are starters Darryl Richard and Vance Walker at tackle, as well as electrifying end Michael Johnson. It will be nearly impossible to replace their production, but junior end Derrick Morgan isn’t a bad start. He needs to prove he is ready to be the man and that he wasn’t a product of the attention the seniors received. They should be fine at linebacker where they are healthy and deep, led by talented sophomore Kyle Jefferson and senior Sedric Griffin. But the strength of the defense lies at the safety position. Strong safety Morgan Burnett is an instinctive player with phenomenal ball skills which allow him to contribute against both the run and the pass. Fellow junior Dominique Reese and sophomore Cooper Taylor are talented in their own right. Don’t be surprised to see all three on the field at the same time. They should be solid, not spectacular, at cornerback.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) SS Morgan Burnett (JR), 2) DE Derrick Morgan (JR), 3) LB Kyle Jackson (SO)

The Schedule

For the most part, the Jackets can’t have too many complaints when it comes to the schedule. First and foremost they play both Virginia Tech and North Carolina—their most likely challengers for the Coastal Division crown (and two of their three conference losses in 2008)—in Bobby Dodd Stadium. They also host Georgia in the finale and Clemson on Thursday night in week two. In addition to Clemson, they play Florida St. from the Atlantic Division and that one is on the road, where they’ve never beaten the ‘Noles. And let’s not forget that Thursday night trip to South Beach to take on the rising ‘Canes.

Pivotal Point

A balanced attack would go a long way towards seeing the Ramblin’ Wreck beat out the Hokies and the Heels and make it to the ACC Championship Game. Does Nesbitt have it in him? His 43.9 percent completion rate, two touchdowns and 73.5 yards per game last season were down right anemic. The irony is many questioned whether a Chan Gailey recruited quarterback could play effectively for Bobby Johnson. Nesbitt has a decent enough arm, but can he be accurate enough, even with teams focusing on the run? Another reason the Jackets need to be more balanced is that being so run dominate ignores their second most talented offensive player in Thomas. He’s is a big target who can go up and get the football with the potential to be an explosive playmaker—see Duke, October 4th, when Thomas went off for 230 yards (over a third of his sophomore production).

CFI Final Analysis

The offense may get better with another year under their belt in Johnson’s flex offense, but let’s not forget the defense is in a transition period as well, which was eased last season with three impact seniors along the defensive line. With three new starters and no more John Tenuta blitzes can they create the same havoc, and how will that impact the back seven? Don’t fret Techsters, your Jackets won’t take a step back, but a step forward won’t be automatic.



College Football Insiders Top 25 Countdown:
The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams
#25 West Virginia Mounainteers
#24 Tennessee Volunteers
#23 Clemson Tigers
#22 Pittsburgh Panthers
#21 Michigan St. Spartans
#20 Utah Utes
#19 Oregon Ducks
#18 Florida St. Seminoles

Contact Daniel Mogollon via email dan@collegefootballinsiders.com

Photo Credit: Georgia Tech Sports Information Office

ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE PREVIEW

By BRYAN PALMESE - ACC Insider

The Favorites: Virginia Tech & Florida State: After sorting through the parity that exists in the Atlantic Coast Conference, the two teams that rise to the surface should not come as a surprise. The Hokies and the Seminoles have enjoyed being the heavy hitters in the conference since joining (FSU in 1991 and VT in 2004), and 2009 will be no different. In Blacksburg, Virginia Tech has a tough September in which they open against Alabama, and entertain Nebraska and Miami to wrap up the month. Down in Tallahassee, the Seminoles enjoy a lighter schedule to start off the year, but finish with a few tough bouts down the stretch. If both teams can stay focused and win during the tedious stretches, they will face-off for the Championship Game in December. Virginia Tech's defense is stout, with 6'2 252-pound defensive end Jason Worilds anchoring the defensive line and Kam Chancellor and Stephan Virgil roaming the secondary. Florida State's offense will focus around the running game and utilize the strength of their offensive line. Though the offense will be run heavy, all eyes will be on the progression of junior quarterback, Christian Ponder. He hasn't dazzled yet, but the skills are there—he just needs to put it all together.

The Contenders: North Carolina & Georgia Tech: The Tar Heels and Yellow Jackets look to build upon successful 2008 campaigns and challenge for the top spot in the ACC. The UNC defense is deep with young and fast athletic talent, and several players could vie for Defensive Player of the Year honors. Defensive tackle Marvin Austin (6’3, 300 lbs.), middle linebacker Quan Sturdivant (6’2, 235 lbs.), and cornerback Kendric Burney (5’9, 185 lbs.) will be a force that opposing offenses will not want to challenge. The Tar Heel offense has a healthy backfield, though quarterback T. J. Yates’ ability—or lack thereof—to take the 'Heels to the next level could pose problems as the season wears on. On the flip-side, Georgia Tech boasts the premier offensive player in the league in running back Jonathan Dwyer. Head Coach Paul Johnson's offense is challenging to defend against and the attitude that he preaches in Atlanta is infectious. The Ramblin' Wreck also features one of the top safeties in the country, Morgan Burnett. The Yellow Jackets are more balanced and should be the team that the Seminoles will have to keep an eye on in the competitive Coastal Division of the ACC.

The Sleeper: North Carolina State: When Head Coach Tom O'Brien came to Raleigh in 2007, he told the fans and the media that his blueprint would take a few years to blossom. After two years, the Wolfpack look ready to slide under the radar and make some noise. Quarterback Russell Wilson blew up in 2008 and took home Freshman of the Year honors. With a year under his belt, Wilson looks to further the success of the NC State offense. Receivers Owen Spencer, T.J. Graham and Donald Bowens are big-time threats and if Jamelle Eugene can stay healthy, the running game will be potent once again. On defense, Willie Young is emerging as one of the top pass rushers in the ACC. A solid unit from top-to-bottom also has a secret weapon in the secondary in cornerback DeAndre Morgan. The 5' 10 170-pound junior is a ballhawk with tremendous instincts and very deceiving speed. The Wolfpack open the season at home against South Carolina and then have a very weak schedule that they need to take advantage of. They play eight of their 12 games at home, though they do have late games at Blacksburg and Tallahassee.

Offensive Player of the Year: RB Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech) vs. RB C. J. Spiller (Clemson): These two game-changing backs are equally as explosive as they are different in style. Jonathan Dwyer is a big power back with the rare gift of speed and agility for a 6'0' 235-pounder. The Georgia Tech stud won this award, as well as ACC Player of the Year in 2008, and is looking for a repeat in 2009. He is fluid, explosive, and has a nose for the end zone. Look for Dwyer's name to be called early on draft day 2010 should he decide to declare. C. J. Spiller is a shifty, lightning-quick running back that is a home-run threat every time he touches the ball. He lines up in the Clemson backfield, but is a receiving threat as well as a fearsome return option on special teams. Spiller's name is already being whispered amongst Heisman circles and he will give Dwyer a serious run for his money.

Honorable Mention: QB Riley Skinner (Wake Forest), QB Tyrod Taylor (Virginia Tech), QB Russell Wilson (NC State), WR Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech), WR Jacoby Ford (Clemson)

Defensive Player of the Year: DT Marvin Austin (North Carolina) vs. FS Morgan Burnett (Georgia Tech): The North Carolina defense should be one of the top units in the conference and Marvin Austin is the player turning heads. The 305-pound versatile defensive tackle is a beast in the middle and is the key to plugging holes for the Tar Heels’ interior line. Austin was the #1 rated defensive tackle coming out of high school and he didn't disappoint as a true freshman, registering four sacks and 26 tackles. Last season as a sophomore, Austin was tied for the team lead in tackles (38) and demonstrated how he can dominate more as the game progresses. He punishes players with his strength, yet has swift feet and is very agile for a player of his physical stature. Down in Atlanta, the Yellow Jackets have an All-American junior safety that is electrifying the defensive backfield. Morgan Burnett is a 611, 200-pound ballhawk that is being mentioned as one of the top defensive backs in the country. He is physical, fast, and has great hands, plus his natural instincts always keep him in position to make a play. Last season Burnett led the ACC in interceptions (seven), and passes defended (15), as well as leading the Jackets with 93 tackles. The Georgia product is also great at creeping into the box and stopping the run. If both of these players declare for the 2010 Draft, they will both hear their names called early.

Honorable Mention: DE Jason Worilds (Virginia Tech), DE, Ricky Sap (Clemson), DE Willie Young (North Carolina St.), LB Dekoda Watson (Florida St.), LB Alex Wujciak (Maryland), CB Ras-I Dowling (Virginia), CB Vic Hall (Virginia), CB Patrick Robinson (Florida St.), FS Deunta Williams (North Carolina), FS Kam Chancellor (Virginia Tech)

Breakout Seasons: FS Morgan Burnett (Georgia Tech), RB C. J. Spiller (Clemson) & QB Russell Wilson (North Carolina St.): Let's preface this category by saying that Jonathan Dwyer at Georgia Tech is not in this group because he broke out in 2008. Moving forward, Clemson's C. J. Spiller is a highlight reel waiting to happen and his sub-4.4 speed is pure entertainment. Spiller can do it all in the blink of an eye and will be one of the nation's top all-around offensive players in 2009. He does not have to share carries with former teammate James Davis ('09 Browns draft pick), which will only give him more opportunity to showcase his playmaking abilities. Morgan Burnett flat out does it all and makes it look effortless. Georgia Tech's front four will allow Burnett to float around depending on the looks. He has great closing speed and uses space well, which allows him to jump into the run game (seven tackles-for-loss; one forced fumble) or drop back into coverage (10 career interceptions). Russell Wilson made a splash in Raleigh in 2008 and he should remain one of the top offensive threats in the conference in 2009. Wilson's athleticism is the first thing you notice about him, but the positives don’t end there. He has amazing leadership qualities that bring a “never quit” attitude to the Wolfpack. To say that Wilson is elusive would be an understatement. When you combine his vision, arm strength, and high football IQ, it adds up to the ideal collegiate quarterback. The former Virginia high school standout can beat you through the air (133.9 quarterback rating) or on the ground.

Best Pro Prospect: RB Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech): When it comes down to an every-down player at the next level, Jonathan Dwyer is it. He might not be as flashy or attention-grabbing as some players around the country, but this running back will be a stud in the NFL. Dwyer has the frame (6’0, 235-pounds) to take the punishment of 20-25 carries a game, in addition to the speed and vision to hit the next level and make defenders miss. The Yellow Jacket star put up 107 yards-per-game in 2008 and ranked 17th nationally. When you watch Dwyer touch the ball, he is reminiscent of Edgerrin James or Clinton Portis. Dwyer's teammate Morgan Burnett and Clemson stud running back C. J. Spiller are also considerations, but Dwyer is master of this domain.

College Football Insiders’ Picks:

Conference Champion: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: Yes, Virginia Tech and Florida State are the favorites, but that is why the game is played every week. Georgia Tech has a top-flight quarterback in Josh Nesbitt, and Demaryius Thomas is a prime-time weapon at wide receiver. In the triple-option offense that is run in Atlanta, both Jonathan Dwyer and Roddy Jones will get plenty of looks out of the backfield. Dwyer is the big name but Jones should make a name for himself in 2009, much like the former did in 2008. On defense, Tech boasts one of the top defensive backs in the land in Morgan Burnett. However, the talent does not stop in the backfield. Junior defensive end Derrick Morgan and senior linebacker Sedrick Griffin will help bolster the front seven and ease the loss of Michael Johnson. The Jackets’ schedule lines up nicely and their only real road tests come when they travel to Miami and Florida State. They enjoy home games against UNC, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Georgia. With so many evenly matched teams in the conference, the title is up for grabs in 2009.

Offensive Player of the Year: RB C.J. Spiller (Clemson): When the smoke clears on the 2009 season, C. J. Spiller will overtake Jonathan Dwyer. Awards like this often go to players featured on SportsCenter and those that take fans' breath away. Spiller is flashy and has the talent to shine every week at Clemson. There is talent on the Clemson roster, but Spiller will get a lot more looks than Dwyer will for Georgia Tech.

Defensive Player of the Year: FS Morgan Burnett (Georgia Tech): Morgan Burnett is the premier defensive player in the ACC and he will be recognized for it in 2009. He is a rover that can cover from sideline to sideline and is strong enough to be involved in run support. If he was a corner, opposing offenses would never throw to him because of his ability to force turnovers. Marvin Austin will excite many in Chapel Hill, and Kam Chancellor looks good in Blacksburg, but Burnett will be the right choice.

Photo Credit: David Knachel, Virginia Tech Athletics Communications, Clemson SID, Georgia Tech Sports Information Office

Chik-fil-A Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. LSU

By J.J. PESAVENTO

December 31, 2008 * 7:30 * ESPN
Georgia Dome * Atlanta, Georgia

LSU and Georgia Tech enter the Chick-Fil-A-Bowl after vastly different regular seasons. The Yellow Jackets, behind one of the best running attacks in the country, rolled up a lofty 9-3 record and a No. 15 ranking. The Tigers, who have been a powerhouse in recent years, lost five regular season games for the first time since 1993 and will likely finish out of the top 25 for the first time since 2002.

When Tech Has the Ball

Don't look for anything fancy from head coach Paul Johnson and his troops. The Yellow Jackets rank third in the nation rushing the ball and considering their success this year, there is no chance they will change anything. Sophomore Jonathan Dwyer has been the leader in the ground attack for Georgia Tech this season. He rushed for 1,328 yards with 12 touchdowns during the regular season. While Dwyer was the leader, freshman Roddy Jones also had a solid campaign (658 yards, four touchdowns). Sophomore quarterback Josh Nesbitt rushed for nearly as many yards (631) as he threw for (658) in 2008. He only threw two touchdown passes but scored seven times rushing the ball. When Tech has thrown the ball, sophomore Demaryius Thomas (36 receptions, 595 yards, three touchdowns) has been the primary receiver. For the LSU defense that ranks 17th in the nation against the run, it begins up front as senior Tyson Jackson (8.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks) and junior Rahim Alem (11 TFL, 8 sacks) will lead the charge. And expect defensive backs Harry Coleman (LSU's leading tackler), Danny McCray and Patrick Peterson to help in run support. Linebackers Darry Beckwith and Perry Riley were both Butkus Award finalists this season.

When the Bayou Bengals Have the Ball

LSU has more of a balanced attack on offense than Georgia Tech and junior Charles Scott is the Tigers answer to Jonathan Dwyer. He rushed for 1,109 yards with 15 touchdowns behind an offensive line anchored by All-American guard Herman Johnson. Freshman Jordan Jefferson (277 yards, three touchdowns) has been named the starter for the bowl game but the team's leading passer, freshman Jarrett Lee (1,873, 14 touchdowns, 16 interceptions) will be available. Whoever is under center, junior Brandon LaFell (61 receptions, 903 yards, eight touchdowns) will be their top target. Senior Demetrius Byrd (34 receptions, 503 yards) and junior tight end Richard Dickson (27 receptions, 274 yards) will also factor into the air attack. Georgia Tech is no slouch on defense. Led by seniors Michael Johnson (15 TFLs, seven sacks) and Daryl Richard (10 TFLs, four sacks) and sophomore Derrick Morgan (9.5 TFLs, seven sacks), Tech ranks 12th in tackles for loss and 18th in sacks in the country. Sophomore defensive back Morgan Burnett leads the nation in interceptions (seven) and will be a concern for LSU when they throw.

Final Analysis

Georgia Tech finished the season by dropping 40-plus points on both Miami (FL) and Georgia of the SEC. LSU lost three of their final four games and allowed over 30 points in three of them. You never want to count the Tigers out, but their defense has been an issue all season and the inexperience at quarterback has to be a concern as they are facing a Georgia Tech defense that ranks in the top 25 nationally.

LSU Tigers (7-5, 3-5)
Pass: Jarrett Lee – 1.873 yards, 14 TDs
Run: Charles Scott – 1,109 yards, 15 TDs
Catch: Brandon LaFell – 903 yards, 8 TDs

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (9-3, 5-3)
Pass: Josh Nesbitt – 658 yards, 2 TDs
Run: Jonathan Dwyer – 1,328 yards, 12 TDs
Catch: Demaryius Thomas – 595 yards, 3 TDs

The CFI Prediction: Georgia Tech 21, LSU 17

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, Georgia Tech Sports Information