If things work out in the way that coach Paul Johnson would like, Georgia Tech’s kicking game will look different from last year in one significant way.
Johnson would like for kicker Scott Blair to take field goals and kickoffs and leave the punting to either Chandler Anderson or Sean Poole. Last season, Blair did all three. Sunday, when the team ran full-speed special teams plays at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Anderson and Poole punted while Blair and Chris Tanner took the kicks.
“It’s probably easier to only have to do one,” Johnson said, “so hopefully it’ll help Scott if we can get there.”
The determining factor will be if Anderson or Poole can earn Johnson’s confidence. Both performed well Sunday, launching one high punt after another.
“Chandler’s always had a strong leg, if he’ll get it off [in time],” Johnson said. “He can kick the fool out of it.”
Blair, who had a shaky first season last year on place kicks, was fine with sharing. For the time being, he is not practicing punting, which he said has helped his kicking.
“As long as I can do something, that’s fine with me,” he said. “We have some really good punters competing for the punting job.”
In the practice, Tech split up into blue and white teams and ran a series of punts and field goals. The teams were awarded points for field goals or for successfully carrying out fake kicks. The white team won when Tanner connected from 32 yards, causing the white team to storm the field. The losing blue team had to bus trays for the winners at Sunday’s dinner.
Looking ahead
Tech will practice twice Monday, at 9:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m., the first of its two double sessions of the preseason. The second is Wednesday. Practices are open to the public through Saturday. Practices will be closed when classes begin Aug. 17.
Notables
Among the highlights, Jerrard Tarrant had a number of good returns. Morgan Burnett made an athletic play downing a punt inside the 5-yard line, diving into the end zone to tip a ball backward to avoid a touchback. Marcus Wright made a solid tackle on a punt return by Stephen Hill. Perhaps the most remarkable play was a fake field goal attempt in which Demaryius Thomas made a leaping catch at the goal line for a touchdown. As was the case last year, Johnson will play several starters on special teams.
Said Johnson, “I think Jerrard Tarrant showed he can return kicks, so that was exciting.”
On occasion, coaches let some of the linemen return punts. Defensive ends Derrick Morgan and Osahon Tongo and offensive tackle Phil Smith all took turns fielding punts.
Injury report
Defensive back Mario Edwards should return Monday or Tuesday after hurting his knee Saturday. Offensive lineman Brad Sellers did not practice after sustaining a head injury. Johnson said he is day-to-day. True freshman quarterback Jordan Luallen was on crutches Sunday after spraining his ankle Saturday. Johnson wasn’t sure about the timing of his return.
Upon further review
After watching film from Saturday’s 11-on-11 full-pads practice, Johnson made note again of the blocking of walk-on A-back Robert Godhigh from Harrison High School. Johnson said that in 24 plays, Godhigh blocked six or seven players to the ground.
“It’s not like we’re ready to make him a starter, but he caught my eye,” Johnson said.
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