Georgia Tech will be without its full complement of players for Saturday’s game against No. 14 Miami.
On the team’s injury report, released Thursday, offensive tackle Trey Klock is listed as out, cornerback Step Durham is doubtful and guard Shamire Devine is questionable to play against the Hurricanes. All three are described as having injuries to the “lower body.” All three appeared to suffer ankle injuries.
Coach Paul Johnson said Wednesday that Tech would have one starter out and possibly two but declined to name either, waiting for the release of the injury report.
Durham and Devine started last Thursday’s game against Clemson but did not finish. Klock did not start against Clemson, the second game in a row he was held out of the lineup.
Andrew Marshall has started in Klock’s place for the past two games at right tackle. Devine was replaced by Parker Braun after leaving the Clemson game. Braun, a first-year freshman, has been aggressive in his play but also prone to mistakes. Lamont Simmons played most of the game against the Tigers, making four tackles and a textbook pass breakup. He also forced a fumble on a punt return, and earned Johnson’s praise on Wednesday for doing “some positive things” against the Tigers.
If Durham cannot play, it could lead defensive coordinator Ted Roof to go deeper in the cornerback rotation against an up-tempo team with speed at wide receiver. Redshirt freshman Dorian Walker could see more time behind presumptive starters Lance Austin and Simmons. Tech coaches have particular concern about Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya and his ability to effectively throw deep.
Were Devine to sit out, Tech would be thin on experience at guard behind starters Will Bryan and Braun. The usual No. 4 guard is Brad Morgan, a redshirt freshman.
Klock’s continued absence means that the backups are Jake Stickler, a sophomore who is coming back from his own injury and first-year freshman Jahaziel Lee. Neither has received significant playing time.
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