Notes from Georgia Tech’s first practice of the preseason and post-practice media availability.
1. Quarterback Lucas Johnson said that, over the summer, he worked on footwork, reading defenses and knowing where to deliver the ball more quickly.
In 7-on-7 drills in the first practice, Johnson said he had “a couple good throws” and that receivers were doing well to get open, also.
“But I feel like a lot of guys made a lot of good plays that they can be proud of (Wednesday),” he said. “There’s a lot of stuff we’ve got to build on.”
Johnson’s assessment of transfer wide receiver Marquez Ezzard, who hopes to get word from the NCAA that he will receive an immediate-eligibility waiver:
“He’s come a long way,” he said. “He’s a really good talent, and we really need him on the field this season.”
2. Coach Geoff Collins has some fun field trips lined up for the team in the preseason. The entire team and staff will go to Atlanta United and Braves games, and Collins will take the seniors to a Falcons exhibition game.
At Temple, Collins took the seniors to an Eagles exhibition game. He said it’s part of an attempt to give players a clear picture of their aspirations. He said that at Temple, some players had never previously been to an NFL game.
“I don’t want to be someone that comes through our program, their first NFL game is one that they’re playing in,” Collins said.
3. Collins said after Wednesday's practice that he expected quarterback Tobias Oliver, who was not at practice Wednesday because of an illness, to return soon. Oliver also was not at the second practice Thursday morning.
