Comments from Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Ted Roof following Monday’s spring-practice session, the fifth of 15:
On the difference this spring without linebacker P.J. Davis and defensive tackle Patrick Gamble:
“As much as anything, the void in leadership because those two guys were outstanding leaders for us, and not just those two, but our whole senior group in general because when we were going through a rough patch there, those guys stepped up and helped shove us through there. That’s something that I’ll always remember those guys for. That was fantastic leadership and strong, powerful, positive leadership, so I’ll always remember that and be very appreciative of that.”
On possibly moving through spring more quickly with eight returning starters:
“Actually, we’ve gone slower. We’re gone slower because we’re so honed in on the fundamentals of it. We’ve got specific things that we’ve got to be significantly better at, but the fundamentals are what’s going to work for us, not this scheme or that scheme or whatever. It’s to be able to execute and execute at a high level. That’s what spring ball is for.”
On the possible influence a strong class of incoming linebackers has on competition:
“I’ll say this. Competition makes everybody better. We did sign a bunch of linebacker-type guys, so (it will be necessary) to be able to sort it all out once they get here and figure out who can do what and where they fit, the ability to get on the field quickest and do what’s best for our team. Not to mention the impact that guys like that have on your special teams, when (you have) athletes that can tackle in space, covering kicks and blocking kicks and doing all those things that help.
“But the thing is, this thing is going to go really quick. We’re going to be in the dome against Tennessee before we blink. It feels like right now we might have had one or two practices, but we’re a third of the way done with spring practice. You guys have heard me say this, I think, every spring I’ve been here, but we’ve got a long way to go. Every day is a new day, a new opportunity, a new challenge. So far we’ve gotten better each day in the spring, and we’ve got to continue that trend.”
On the return of redshirt freshman end Jordan Woods from a shoulder injury:
“(He took) a year out of football because he didn’t practice last year because he was hurt. It certainly set him back. He’s a little rusty but at the same time, he’s got a bright future, so we’ll see wehre he goes, but he’s got some ability and he’s just got to continue to work because missing a year of football hurt him.”
On the competition at defensive tackle:
“We’re really unproven inside on defense, really, really unproven. But it’s good because all those guys are starting at about the same place, from Kyle (Cerge-Henderson) to Brandon (Adams) to Des (Branch). All those guys. It’s good to mix it up, shake it up and see how people do, see how they compete.”
