Sorry for no mailbag last week. I found out about all the coaches being fired at like 8:30am Monday morning as I was getting ready to work on the mailbag and then with all the signing day stuff, GT practices and whatnot I was not able to do it and then just decided to wait until today.

Is PJ using the Waffle House menu play sheet or not?

I forgot to ask, but I'll text him and see if he wants to do it. I'd bet money we could get CGC to use it for a game. LOL

Merry Christmas Kelly to you and family!! What’s your plan for Christmas since you’ll be up in a hotel? You and the wife still get gifts for each other and if so what’s the one gift you want? Keep it PG-13 lol

I'll be here until the afternoon of Christmas Day and then I'm flying up to Detroit solo. My wife is going to stay with her family locally so she has company and my son is going with my ex-wife after I leave. We do gifts, I bought her some diamond earrings as a thank you for everything she has had to put up with for the last month. I'm not sure what she got me. My birthday is earlier in the month and she got me a workbench with tool drawers that I've always wanted to replace my makeshift workbench. So that was awesome.

We heard about our CBs playing press man this time last year only to be disappointed ( understandable due to youth and talent in the front 7 to get pressure). I think King, Walton and Swilling have the ability, but can our front 7 disrupt enough for this to actually play out?

I think CNW was underwhelmed by the cover skills of the main CBs and that played into his decision. I think he wanted to play King and Walton, but King got hurt in camp and had he had enough time to compete he may have beat out an older player. CPJ is also sometimes too differential to older players and I think that was a factor as well.

We drinkin in Detroit or what?!? For real tho. Great job with everything lately! We all owe you one! Hopefully you can make it! I’ll take care of ya.

I'm going to try and get out and be social.

Are there any 4 stars besides Griffin that you think CGC has a shot a getting late because they are waffling in their decision?

He is the only one now, but GT like everyone is looking at who didn't sign and will be hitting those kids up.

Do you feel CGC will only take a QB transfer if he is elite like a Hurts or a Fields?

I think he will take anyone he thinks can help win games. It doesn't have to be a name guy, but if there is someone like Blake Barnett last year for USF floating around, I'm sure he will take a shot at them.

Why do coaches get to block teams for transfers?

That has been done away with.

Anymore high level talent out there for bball recruiting?

There are a ton of guys and more that will fall through. I think Danny Manning gets fired at Wake Forest and they have a couple of guys that GT would be interested in for example. That's why Pastner is trying to keep people chilled out. There are still a ton of interesting guys out there.

How do we get busted for clothes given to D. Thomas but UGA is out here throwing gifts like their Oprah to recruits?

I'm not going to comment on the UGA rumors, I'm not interested in being sued or whatnot because I can't prove anything I've heard, but yes it is a damn shame that GT got in trouble for "covering up" some free t-shirts (that is what the penalty was for not the action of the players) and others like UNC skate with reprehensible actions.

We need OL, DL and LB. Any good ones that are available for February signing period?

There are, 3-star DE will be visiting from Germany in Jan and more offers should come out once CGC knows how many ships he has to work with.

Football assistant coaches? Who? When?

Jan 2.

Was Coach Johnson’s snarky behavior a big turnoff to high school coaches, alumni and fans?

Not really, I don't know any HS coach that had a beef with CPJ. They respected how he ran his program.

Players who plan to leave?

Give me a break

Did the ship sail for Black and Dowdy?

Not yet, both were told to wait and come see the staff in Jan. Dowdy hasn't met CGC to my knowledge yet because he was tied up with school and the Shrine Bowl. Black is waiting to see who the hires are and what his options are and how he fits in.

What’s your best guess on transfers out and lost players like to graduation, which will open up scholarships this February (no names)? I believe we currently have one open, and am curious as to how many you think we can realistically sign in February.

I honestly have no idea, from what it sounds like CGC is preparing for 5-7 spots to open up.

Any more rumblings regarding Jalen Hurts?

Won't be a peep until after the playoffs.

As far as the official staff moving forward. Whats the date that we will hear who will be coaching each position? OC? all that!

I think it will leak at the end of next week, but CGC is targeting Jan 2nd.

Would enjoy your thoughts on a Griffin/Amerson comparison

Jamious is a little more of the shiftier guy with good balance and pad-level like a Dwyer in some ways, Amerson reminds me of Synjyn Days, runs a little upright, great burst and vision. Both are really exciting and I suggest you check out their SR film. It is very entertaining, Amerson has a couple of KR for TDs that are pretty fun to watch.

There are so many running backs on scholarship, I am not even sure what question to ask. How about:

Who of these are the best suited (based on skill set) for the new offense come August 29, 2019?

1. Tony Amerson
2. KirVonte Benson
3. Nathan Cottrell
4. Devin Ellison
5. Xavier Gantt
6. *Jamious Griffin
7. Jerry Howard
8. Omahri Jarrett
9. Christian Malloy
10. Jordon Mason
11. Dontae Smith
12. Tija'i Whatley
* If Signed

I'll make this easier for you. The RBs on this list are Amerson, Benson, Ellison, Griffin, Howard, Malloy and Mason and maybe Whatley. Gantt and Jarrett are SLOT WIDE RECEIVERS and were recruited by multiple schools as such. Nate Cottrell will have to play SLOT and should be okay, I think Dontae Smith fits that mold as a SLOT as well. If CGC had such a problem with the amount of RBs on the roster he wouldn't be chasing Jamious Griffin who is only marginally better than Amerson or Benson or Howard or Mason. Don't fall for talking points.

When, if ever, will we know what happened with Will Bryan this season?

Up to them to share that.

Switch gears to basketball.....with only one commit what is our strategy this year?

Only have two ships to play with, I think one is a transfer spot and the other will be a late signee.

Any names out there that we are looking at as recruits that didnt commit?

Nothing new right now.

As of today (December 21st) & before probable attrition, how many more can we sign?

ZERO

Do you know if CGC called the D at Temple? Any idea yet if he’ll do that here or leave it to the DC?

I believe he let his DC call the defense and he has indicated that he will only coach DBs and will not call plays.

He has referenced the “roster management” process employed at Bama and that he’ll work towards establishing such here. Has he laid out the numbers by position group?

He has not, but I'll try to do something on that after the bowl.

He has also mentioned trying to recruit to certain specs related to size, speed etc... at each position, any details on those specs?

Nope

Eager for T-day game and planning to make the trip to CU in August, good time for our first game in Death Valley. Could be a popular travel game for GT fans, hearing stuff like this from others?

I expect the spring game should be pretty interesting, not sure how many will make the trip to Death Valley, but I'd think GT will sell out their allotment of tickets.

The meet & greet on 1/5, will this be structured like shaking hands and pictures like at Fan Day or him moving around the Pavilion greeting as he strolls? Anticipate the new staff also being there?

I don't know the answer to any of that.

You mentioned that four OL on the current roster aren’t suited to the new scheme. Would you speculate as to which players on O you think will benefit most from the scheme switch? And which ones will seem like square pegs?

I mean again this is a shitty question. You are asking me to crap on the current SAs with the second part. I'll say the happiest people should be Jack DeFoor, Austin Smith and Mike Minihan. I have no idea on D yet.

Can we get a 30 word max on mailbag questions?

Amen

What was it about CPJ that the ATL media gave him the Donald Trump treatment?

Ugh, Trump brings that on himself.... Every GT coach since I remember has been given crappier treatment than the counterpart in Athens. The majority of the media went to UGA or are UGA fans in the market. Hence how they act.

Are you going to be able to come by the alumni/fan pre game gathering?

Yes.

How many members is this site up to now? Just curious

We grew a lot during the search and aftermath.

So everyone wants to know who will be on Geoff Collins staff and that should get clearer over the coming days.

First off I'd like to share something interesting I heard today. Apparently Ted Roof is a legit candidate to become the next DC at App State, he is tight with the former NC State OC Drink who got the head coaching job there. If Roof goes to App State then Andy McCollum may replace him at NC State. Kirby Smart has also reached out to CAM as he has an opening as well....

According to multiple sources CGC is hiring UGA Quality Control (Defense) coach Travares Tillman for an unspecified role at GT. Tillman is a GT letterman and has seven years of NFL experience.

I've been told Tashard Choice is still taking over the RB coach duties at GT. CGC was looking to possibly make a change there had he stayed at Temple anyway.

People have asked about CAM and what is up there. There is one scenario where he could stay and it involves Temple DL coach Jim Panagos who Manny Diaz is trying to keep at Temple, if he stays then CAM could get that spot on the new staff. Andrew Thacker is expected to be the OLB coach, Nate Burton the DB coach along with Collins himself and the ILB spot is up in the air. I've heard Daryl Smith's name thrown around for that job as well as some others like Tillman.

On the offensive side, it is still up in the air what all happens. Ed Foley the TE and special teams coach is expected to stay at Temple, he has survived like four coaching changes there. Stan Hixon is expected to come down to GT, the actual OC spots and WR and QB or TE depending on the OC could vary.

Off the field staff wise

Also in the mix for unspecified roles are former recruiting analyst Saeed Khalif who is the director of player personnel at Wisconsin, former GT QB and recruiting assistant Joe Hamilton. Cody Moore (defense) and Tevin Washington (offense) are staying on with the recruiting office staff and probably Sarah Woodruff as well. Kevin Cone is staying on staff in Football Ops in some capacity as well.

Former Jacket Joe Burns is pretty tight with CGC and has been around A LOT lately as well and that should help with some of the underclassmen and getting them on campus given his job.

CRUITIN'

Geoff Collins is making a full out play for former UGA QB Justin Fields, I think he doesn't end up at GT, I'm thinking Ohio State is the early leader, but he there may be a bidding war. Former 5-star DT Aubrey Solomon is also someone he is trying to get, but UGA is pretty much a slam dunk right now, they were a runner-up last time. He kind of wanted to go there.

UConn grad transfer TE Tyler Davis should announce for Georgia Tech as early as tomorrow per my sources. That would be a huge addition and put GT on the number pretty much at 18.

CGC will keep going, he is trying to get Jamious Griffin and his brother could try to transfer and get a waiver to join him at GT from VaTech so all three brothers would be together. I know that is something the family is pushing and GT should have space should that happen, but CGC can't do anything on that front until LB Jaylen Griffin is in the portal and that is up to the family.

Both OL commits Joshua Black and Larry Dowdy are set for January visits which may or may not happen. Dowdy wasn't able to visit because of the Shrine Bowl and Black has burned his OV, but both would like to see the staff and the scheme from what I'm hearing before signing any papers. GT also needs OTs and both of the probably project inside in the new scheme.

Going forward CGC is looking for help at LB and offensive tackle, that will be the focus. The German based DL Joseph Darkwa will visit in January as well, he doesn't graduate until July so that is extra complicated, but CGC is still working on him. He will not sign anywhere this go-around.

On the LB front there are 25 unsigned 3-star or higher LBs as of this moment and 24 three-star or better offensive tackles... keep that in mind

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between sleeping off the last two weeks.

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Anyone going tomorrow night? I was lucky enough to snag a handful of tickets.

It you haven't been to a United game yet, give it a try (even if next season):

• The last game was probably the loudest sporting event I've ever attended, including trips to thUGA, Clemson, VT, and ACC championships. It looked like every section in MBS was standing the entire game.
• The Supporters section is entertaining, except for the distraction caused by the numerous flags in my face.
• I also like that the train horn is used similar to the Tech whistle. Almost feels like home.

Well according to sources at Georgia Tech and Temple, Geoff Collins could be named Georgia Tech head coach as early as tomorrow or by early next week depending on background checks and any last minute snags.

Temple has multiple people reaching out for the job already in anticipation of the formal announcement from Georgia Tech.

Stansbury has done a good job keeping this mostly under wraps and there was considerable interest from a variety of sources.

I've talked to sources who have an idea of who should be coming along from Philly with Geoff. Neither coordinator is a shoe-in. Nate Burton who is the safeties coach and a former player and GA at GT from Lilburn is expected to come. Also Larry Knight (OLB coach and recruiting coordinator) who coached at GA State and was Butch Jones RC at Cincinnati and early at Tenn. He is from Augusta. Also for GT assistant Stan Hixon is expected to come back at coach WRs, he of course was Dez White and Kelly Campbell's position coach at GT.

My source thinks that offensive assistants Tony Lucas (RB), Adam DiMichele (QB/Slots) and defensive line coach Jim Panagos (DL) are staying at Temple. The OL coach Chris Wiesenhan and Special Teams/TE coach Ed Foley are going for the head coaching job at Temple. Not sure yet on DC/ILB Andrew Thacker who worked for Bohannon at KSU.

On his offensive coordinator Dave Patenaude at Temple, apparently the Temple folks had him dial back his offense due to the lack of a running QB and the conservative approach people wanted there. Temple fans want I-formation and a fullback, that is not Geoff's OC's normal approach so I'll be curious to see if he comes with him.

Keep an eye on KSU's Liam Klein who is the DL and RC at Bohannon for a potential defensive spot. He is very close with Collins and the two worked hand-in-hand at GT. Bryan Cook may also stay around in some form. I imagine CAM will also get a look given his recruiting prowess and versatility on the staff. CAM has a few options. I'd be surprised if Nate Woody stays, but I don't know how that discussion went.

According to my friend Dan Wolken, North Texas' Seth Littrell and Memphis' Mike Norvell. Norvell like I said can't pass the background check (gentlemen never dine at the company table) and Littrell is a favorite for the K-State job. So that jives with a few missing names from the search. I figured he would talk to both of them.

At the end of the day, Collins wants the job, he knows the challenges and he can engage the fanbase and he can recruit. He will at least bring in talent. The coaching piece is still a work in progress because he is a young HC still learning so I wouldn't compare him to Matt Rhule who didn't start winning until year three at Temple. I think that is unfair. I think this is a win and should reengage the fans who hated what CPJ did and hopefully keeps some of the PJ fans as well by having some exciting style of play.

Last year about this time a movement was started on this site to fund an extended football recruiting office. It was very successful, but was a three-year commitment. Should we follow to ask who is keeping up on their 2nd year commitment?

Yes there is more coming on this front and people need to stay tuned.

I’m interested in understanding more about AI2020 and the foundation TStan is laying to change GT’s stature in CFB. I know getting to a level of the Factories is unrealistic. However, there is no reason to believe we can’t at least be competitive with Clemson and UGA and expect Top 25 every year. What is his plan and how does he intend to execute on it?

So there are multiple facets to it. Ultimately the bulk of it is rebuilding the infrastructure of the key buildings and areas like the locker room renovation that just wrapped up before the season, the Edge building where the SAs spend so much of their time. Additionally there is a push to privately fund all the scholarships to take that out of the athletic budget and to have everything at Tech be stand of the art and cutting edge. Embrace the Tech in Georgia Tech and have money to make hires and expand without having so much overhead from things like those scholarships and bad contracts. Along with the ACC Network blooming it should help the bottom line.

What is YOUR opinion on what changes will take place, if any, with current staff on both sides of the ball?

I have no idea to be honest right now. Everyone is out recruiting and it took until December before I had a better idea.

Is @Temple a dangerous game next year? Not sure why we schedule a home and home with them?

Budget add, needed a home game after Notre Dame rescheduled their visit to Atlanta and that was the best GT could do on short-notice.

Does UGA really only graduate 41 percent of their players?

Yup https://www.onlineathens.com/local-news/2017-11-10/uga-football-sec-s-lowest-ncaa-academic-report

In terms of the OL who are some young guys that have impressed this year?

Austin Smith is one they are very high on. Mike Minihan at guard is the other one that has stood out.

Who are some of the young ABs and WRs the coaches are excited about?

They like Dontae Smith and Tijai Whatley a lot. Smith is dynamic in the open field and Whatley is a big-bodied A-back who can block. Malachi Carter is the big WR they love. Peje Harris has some potential, but is further away.

How hyped should I be about James Graham, because I'm at an 11/10 rn? I do realize it wasn't until year 3 where JT took off though.

I love Graham and think he is a 1/8 type player. I do think the QB competition will be tough. I think a lot rides on Tobias Oliver's ability to develop as a passer and Lucas Johnson's health. Jordan Yates is my X-factor guy.

From a blind eye, our recruiting seems to be about the same as it has always been under PJ, I don't follow it as much as other things, but what do you see that it is getting better?

It has trended up, this class is very solid and the last two were very good. The secondary talent and the number of 1/8 type guys is up from the past. They signed three guys in the last class who could be 1/8 type talent and that is unusual.

We tend to have our best teams when we have a QB that can gun it and a stud WR that can box out a CB on 3rd down. I think we will have the QB piece next year, do you think Camp or Carter can at least be a Rickey Jeune caliber?

Yes, they can do that, the issue with TaQuon was getting the ball to them.

Is this the new norm for clean old fashioned hate?

I mean, UGA has had a clear advantage since Bobby Dodd pulled GT out of the SEC. However after talking with some people close to the team something popped up that I hadn't thought about. The players were pretty low-energy out of the gate on Saturday and the coaches think they wore themselves out fighting so many weeks in a row to get back to a bowl that they partially ran out of gas and emotional energy so when they got punched in the face it was hard to counter. Also the defense got manhandled.

Is Kirby building a dynasty like Dabo?

Will be interesting to see. He is working much harder than anyone has there since maybe coach Butts 60 years ago. It is interesting to see. The key for them will be replacing assistants and mashing the gas as people poach the program and Florida and/or Tennessee or Auburn get better around them. I think this is a scary time if you are a GT fan though.

Can we compete with our rival in the near future?

Yeah, GT could've last week had the defense not no-showed in the first half and tackled guys.

Are you surprised CPJ has made public comments about retirement?

Not at all, why would he address something that he has never said. Ken could've asked but didn't. I wasn't going there after a game in public.

If he stays till 2020, are there any guys TStan should be looking at right now who could be available then?

The one name that people are interested in is George Godsey and he needs to put something on his resume in the meantime to make that make any sense. He needs to either be an OC and be successful in the NFL or go back to college and cut his teeth. Right now he would be a ludicrous hire. Bohannon or Monken's stock might be very different in two years from the CPJ tree as well.

Does us coming out flat against UGA reflect the coaching staff? Seems like they are always ready to play us.

See what I said above, I think the team was gassed. They looked like they were running in mud. It reminded me of the game of 2009 against Miami only UGA is a better team.

Who do you think we open the season with? Clemson or UVA or..... and will it be a weekday game.

It will be UVA, Clemson has to open with another ACC team, I just can't remember who it is.

If you were pushed into a corner, to what extent is CPJ willing to make changes? Give me an example of a couple of deal breakers or non-starters for him.

I don't know, it seems like the OL coach situation is a non-starter as is CLO.

Given the recent comments about possible retirement, is that negatively impacting recruiting with other coaches telling kids PJ won’t be here much longer? I don’t see doing the “head coach in waiting” thing, but for all the gnashing of teeth on the need to improve im this area plus our recent uptick, (last two classes) should we be concerned we may take a step back despite investing more dollars the next couple years?

That stuff doesn't really work anymore. So many coaches are getting canned so fast across football that other than Saban or Dabo no one can use that against schools anymore. They'll just show you how many guys a school has had since CPJ has been here. Most of them are going on three now!

TV booth guys always reference the meeting they have with the head coaches a day or 2 prior to the game. How do those typically play out? Any feel for how CPJ relates to the media aside from 680thejoke and ajcKen? Has seemed Greg McElroy and Herbstriet speak favorably in general about GT. Seems he gets more respect from nationals than locals.

If they are in-town they come up to coach's office on Thursday or Friday depending on the game time and they all sit in there and talk about the game and whatnot. CPJ is great in those circumstances even with someone like Ken. His frustrations with local media are based on how GT gets treated compared and in comparison to other schools.

Do the national guys ask CPJ about recruiting at GT, the challenges, obstacles etc...?

No idea, I've never been in one of those meetings.

Recruiting still in full swing. CPJ should be on the road toward the end of this week.

This weekend will be pretty quiet, just a couple of kids. Right now they have Briton Allen and Rashad Cheney penciled in and Tomari Fox is possible, but they'd prefer to bring him in later on. All three are GT leans right now.

The big weekend will be December 7th should be around 15 kids and then the last 6-7 the last weekend.

Main needs remain DL and LB and then a CB and maybe a S

If Allen commits the focus will be on Tavian Mayo as the final DB. Caleb Blake would be a good pull too, but he has some academic hold ups. No visit set yet for Blake, but they are working on a Mayo visit. If something happens with Nick Toomer they'd jump on him as well, but he appears to be solid to Stanford.

DE Ja’Darien Boykin is on hold, academic issues/character concerns.

At ILB GT is still working on Kevon Glenn and trying to set up an OV. CJS is working on him. CAM is working on Jamie Pettway who is supposed to visit next weekend. GT is also keeping tabs on J'Coryan Anderson from Tenn at ILB as a plan B.

On the WR front, Nick Manson remains a viable option, but he will not be signing until Feb since he needs to pop a better test score. GT is also looking at Jerrod Means, but he really doesn't dig the GT offense. Mountain View WR Thomas Stewart is another possible option. UK and Vandy are involved with Stewart.

OTHER TARGETS

RB Joachim Bangda is on hold, he would have to be a Feb signee due to academics.

Ohio DL Anthony Johnson claims a GT offer, not an official one yet, he is penciled in for a visit on 12/14, but if GT lands Fox and Cheney that visit won't happen.

Someone asked about LB Tra Wilkins (UK commit), he is a plan B guy, not pushing for him now or for Nicktroy Fortune (WVU commit) either. WR target Ali Jennings is no longer an option.

DL target Kennedy Roberts is the plan C on the DL right now.

So...I know this has been talked about as nauseum on this board in the past but the game this past weekend got me thinking about it again...

Who do we have on our team, currently on the roster and thinking forward to next year, that is the 1-8 type of talent we need to win big games?? And is it enough to beat the big boys?

I’ll start it off with a few that I think are in that group, either by how they have looked thus far or what we have heard about them:

Juanyeh Thomas (duh)
Pressley Harvin III
Parker Braun
James Graham
Tariq Carpenter
Wesley freakin Wells
After this I have some that probably will or could be:
Tre Swilling?
Charlie Thomas?
Brandon Adams?
KirVonte Benson?
Lucas johnson?
Kenny cooper?

Thoughts? Lots more potential from 2018 class and 2019 class. To me, there are glaring weak areas like WR, LB and DL but I could be wrong....
Also will this ever be enough to beat a Climpson and Ugag again? It seems instead of 1-8, they have 1-30 talent.

#GaTech OL Parker Braun earns All-ACC 1st team, punter Pressley Harvin III is 2nd team All-ACC

The complete 2018 All-ACC Football Team:

First-Team Offense
QB Ryan Finley, Gr., NC State, 130
RB Travis Etienne, So., Clemson, 174
RB AJ Dillon, So., Boston College, 162
WR Kelvin Harmon, Jr., NC State, 164
WR Olamide Zaccheaus, Sr., Virginia, 158
WR Jakobi Meyers, Jr., NC State, 141
TE Tommy Sweeney, Gr., Boston College, 158
AP Greg Dortch, So., Wake Forest, 172
OT Mitch Hyatt, Sr., Clemson, 172
OT Tyler Jones, Sr., NC State, 93
OG Chris Lindstrom, Sr., Boston College, 136
OG Parker Braun, Jr., Georgia Tech, 129
C Garrett Bradbury, Gr., NC State, 113

First-Team Defense
DE Clelin Ferrell, Jr., Clemson, 163
DE Brian Burns, Jr., Florida State, 120
DT Christian Wilkins, Gr., Clemson, 160
DT Dexter Lawrence, Jr., Clemson, 137
LB Germaine Pratt, Gr., NC State, 125
LB Shaquille Quarterman, Jr., Miami, 113
LB Joe Giles-Harris, Jr., Duke, 111
CB Hamp Cheevers, Jr., Boston College, 159
CB Bryce Hall, Jr., Virginia, 139
S Juan Thornhill, Sr., Virginia, 123
S Andre Cisco, Fr., Syracuse, 110

First-Team Specialists
PK Andre Szmyt, R-Fr., Syracuse, 165
P Sterling Hofrichter, Jr., Syracuse, 134
SP Greg Dortch, So., Wake Forest, 127

Second-Team Offense
QB Trevor Lawrence, Fr., Clemson, 106
RB Qadree Ollison, Sr., Pitt, 128
RB Travis Homer, Jr., Miami, 71
WR Tee Higgins, So., Clemson, 117
WR Jamal Custis, Sr., Syracuse, 115
WR Damon Hazelton, So., Virginia Tech, 76
TE Brevin Jordan, Fr., Miami, 58
AP Deon Jackson, So., Duke, 50
OT Tremayne Anchrum, Jr., Clemson, 60
OT Stefano Millin, Sr., Pitt, 60
OG Phil Haynes, Sr., Wake Forest, 87
OG Sean Pollard, Jr., Clemson, 72
C Justin Falcinelli, Gr., Clemson, 92

Second-Team Defense
DE Zach Allen, Sr., Boston College, 112
DE Alton Robinson, Jr., Syracuse, 91
DT Gerald Willis III, Sr., Miami, 129
DT Ricky Walker, Sr., Virginia Tech, 63
LB Cole Holcomb, Sr., North Carolina, 98
LB Tre Lamar, Jr., Clemson, 82
LB Ryan Guthrie, Sr., Syracuse, 76
CB Trayvon Mullen, Jr., Clemson, 98
CB Essang Bassey, Jr., Wake Forest, 75
S Jaquan Johnson, Sr., Miami, 99
S Cameron Glenn, Sr., Wake Forest, 51

Second-Team Specialists
PK Christopher Dunn, Fr., NC State, 86
P Pressley Harvin III, So., Georgia Tech, 121
SP Michael Walker, Sr., Boston College, 78
Third-Team Offense
QB Eric Dungey, Sr., Syracuse, 76
RB Darrin Hall, Sr., Pitt, 58
RB Reggie Gallaspy Jr., Sr., NC State, 49
WR, T.J. Rahming, Sr., Duke, 62
WR Hunter Renfrow, Gr., Clemson, 57
WR Nyqwan Murray, Sr., Florida State, 52
TE Daniel Helm, Sr., Duke, 31
AP Sean Riley, Jr., Syracuse, 38
OT Aaron Monteiro, Sr., Boston College, 58
OT Koda Martin, Gr., Syracuse, 55
OG John Simpson, Jr., Clemson, 67
OG Mike Herndon, Sr., Pitt, 59
C Jimmy Morrissey, So., Pitt, 47

Third-Team Defense
DE Austin Bryant, Sr., Clemson, 59
DE Wyatt Ray, Sr., Boston College, 48
DT Demarcus Christmas, Sr., Florida State, 44
DT Ray Smith, Sr., Boston College, 41
LB Kendall Joseph, Gr., Clemson, 70
LB Chris Peace, Sr., Virginia, 64
LB Connor Strachan, Gr., Boston College, 58
CB Trajan Bandy, So., Miami, 68
CB A.J. Terrell, So., Clemson, 60
S Tanner Muse, Jr., Clemson, 49
S Will Harris, Sr., Boston College, 48

Third-Team Specialists
PK Alex Kessman, So., Pitt, 30
P Oscar Bradburn, So., Virginia Tech, 31
SP Joe Reed, Jr., Virginia, 54
Honorable Mention (25 or more points)
Offense
QB Bryce Perkins, Jr., Virginia, 28
RB Jordan Ellis, Sr., Virginia, 36
WR Anthony Ratliff-Williams, Jr., North Carolina, 46
WR Tamorrion Terry, R-Fr., Florida State, 46
TE Dalton Keene, So., Virginia Tech, 29
TE Evan Butts, Sr., Virginia, 25
TE George Aston, Sr., Pitt, 25
AP Maurice Ffrench, Jr., Pitt, 35
AP Amari Rodgers, So., Clemson, 26
OT Cody Conway, Sr., Syracuse, 50
OT Alex Bookser, Sr., Pitt, 45
OT William Sweet, Jr., North Carolina, 34
OT Ben Petrula, So., Boston College, 33
OT Tyree St. Louis, Sr., Miami, 25
OG Connor Dintino, Sr., Pitt, 58
OG Terronne Prescod, Sr., NC State, 53
OG Kyle Chung, Sr., Virginia Tech, 25
C Jon Baker, Gr., Boston College, 38
C Ryan Anderson, Sr., Wake Forest, 36

Defense
DE Joe Jackson, Jr., Miami, 40
DT Willie Yarbary, Sr., Wake Forest, 36
DT Jason Strowbridge, Jr., North Carolina, 30
DT Chris Slayton, Sr., Syracuse, 26
DT Marvin Wilson, So., Florida State, 25
LB Michael Pinckney, Jr., Miami, 46
LB Rayshard Ashby, So., Virginia Tech, 42
LB Justin Strnad, Jr., Wake Forest, 29
LB Ben Humphreys, Sr., Duke, 27
CB Dane Jackson, Jr., Pitt, 57
CB Michael Jackson, Sr., Miami, 49
S Sheldrick Redwine, Sr., Miami, 41
S K’Von Wallace, Jr., Clemson, 39
S Dylan Singleton, Jr., Duke, 38
S Damar Hamlin, Jr., Pitt, 32

Specialists
PK Greg Huegel, Sr., Clemson, 27
SP Maurice Ffrench, Jr., Pitt, 53

As Kelly has repeatedly pointed out, GT isn’t alone with football attendance woes, particularly getting students in the seats.

Desperate measures at Maryland.

Link https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2018/11/23/college-football-one-big-ten-school-paid-students-stay-games/2081646002/

CPJ said the team has had a good week of practice. Said that this late in the year you are cutting back some in practice and not staying out there as long.

CPJ said it's hard to tell a difference in how the players practice this week than any other week. Said it's been a little different this week because no one has class.

CPJ said the team will practice early in the morning then have a Thanksgiving lunch, then they can go be with their families.

CPJ said UGA has a bunch of good running backs, and that Holyfield and Swift are big, strong players who are hard to bring down. Said the team has to rally to the ball.

CPJ said this is probably one of the best practice teams he has had, hasn't thought much about it. Said they all have a good routine and know what to do and how to practice.

CPJ said Richard LeCounte is a really good player and is a kid that GT tried to recruit early on but there wasn't much interest.

CPJ said there is no difference in the players under Kirby Smart than Mark Richt. Said they have a top 10 recruiting class regardless of who the coach is. Said for all the years he has recruited and been in Georgia he doesn't remember them ever not having a top 10 class.

CPJ said there is probably no difference in Kirby Smart's first couple season's than Mark Richt's.

Said Malik Rivera has been the most consistent player in the secondary. Said he has provided some leadership back there and played really well.

CPJ said he thinks they will be down one starter on defense. Said everyone will found out who it is Saturday.

CPJ said he wants all the kickoffs to go into the end zone. Joked they never tell Shawn to kick it anywhere else. "Kick that joker as hard as you can and let it ride."

CPJ said it all comes down to execution and blocking and the game will be just as much about GT as it is UGA. Said they have to handle the ball and not get down in distance. Said if they can do that they have success regardless of who they play.

CPJ said they didn't have the ball enough last season against UGA and only ran fifty-something plays. Said they got down to the red zone a few times last year and did some things you can't do against a good team.

CPJ said D'Andre Walker was almost as good as Roquan Smith last year and created problems for the offense.

CPJ joked that Cheyenne Hunt is healthy but probably won't dress.

CPJ said his teams are always playing during Thanksgiving. Said at Ga Southern they were always in the playoffs, at Hawaii they always had their last game, and at Navy they were always prepping for Army vs Navy.

CPJ said his family is really small and spread out. Said he has two brothers in North Carolina, one will be with his wife's family and one will be with his mom. Said his Thanksgiving will probably just be him, his wife and his daughter. Said every once in a while they have players come over if they have nowhere to go, but less and less started coming once he became a head coach.

Amidst all the woe is me, I want to congratulate our team & staff on a solid though unspectacular 2018 season. Our blowout loss yesterday to UGA has had no impact on my view of the season. That game played out as I expected it would. I felt we had no chance to slow down their offense and as it turned out we didn't. I had some hope we might be able to sustain a few drives on offense, but after being limited to 200 to 250 yards rushing by both UofM & UVA, my optimism was dampened. I have been a diehard GT fball fan for 36 years, and during those 36 years we have had maybe one team (1990) that could hang with the current version of the Dawgs. Like Clemson, they are just that good at the moment. We will beat them again at some point, but I tend to believe their regression will be a big part of the reason when it happens.

Now getting back to congratulations, here are a few things that make me feel good about what we accomplished in 2018.

1) Offensively we are a highly flawed unit that I believe maxed out performance. I never thought we would be as productive as were offensively with our complete lack of a passing threat. I still can't believe what we did to Bud Foster in Blacksburg. That had to be the low point of his coaching career.

2) Over the course of the season we returned to being an opportunistic team that took advantage of opponent mistakes. That had been lost in 2017 but about half way through the season we got it back.

3) After a miserable start special teams became a strength. A sign of strong leadership is continuous improvement which we accomplished over the course of the season in almost every facet of ST's.

4) By the latter half of the season we were back to being a team making clutch plays in Q4 to win games rather than losing them. This is a big deal and the primary reason for an ugly 2017 outcome.

5) We implemented a drastically different defensive scheme with lots of mismatched piece parts and managed to make a difference in several games along the way, primarily via creation of disruptive plays (see #2 above).

6) Lastly & most importantly, after a miserable start to the season that closely resembled an extension of 2017, the team stuck together, stayed focused, and demonstrated great character in righting the ship. The surge that raised us from last to 2nd in the Coastal was quite satisfying to witness.

Looking ahead to 2019, I am very optimistic. I believe we have a returning group that can elevate us to Coastal champs and perhaps something a bit bigger. I believe it is very possible we will look back on the 2nd half of 2018 as the turning point that got the program back to playing like winners.

For fun, here is what i think it will look like.

QB-Graham, Johnson
BB-Benson, Howard
AB- Cottrell, Jarrett
AB- Mason, Whitley
WR-Camp, Dolphus
WR- Carter, Harris
T- Lee, Smith
G- Braun, Morgan
C- Cooper, Morgan
G- Hansen, Maye
T- Quinney, DeFoor

DE- Owens, Johns
DT- Adams, TK
DE- Dingle, Glanton
LB- Campbell, Henderson
LB- Jackson, BJS
LB- Curry, BJS
LB- Thomas, ??
CB- Swilling, Kerr
CB- Walton, King
S- Thomas, Oliver
S- Carpenter, Bonds

I am sure i am missing someone that will obviously play, thats just off the top of my head. Wouldn't be surprised if Malloy ends up getting some major PT next year. What does everyone else think?

WR really worries me but RB should be loaded as well as QB and everyone back on the OL.

i just heard he is considering transferring to Tech from some Fitzgerald folks. Anyone hear that?

Do you think this year will be like Pastner’s first year? Not expecting to be successful and end up in the NIT championship...

Depends on if they stay healthy and can make shots. I think that they have a chance to finish between 10-12 on the higher end and that would put them in the NIT. James Banks is saw raw and AD isn't significantly better so that will be a problem against some ACC teams.

What is your take on how the new defensive football staff is being received by recruits? Do you think they will be successful recruiters?

Really CSW and CJR are the only new ones, CNW isn't specifically recruiting an area. Both are well-liked by kids and are working hard. I think they will get better and better, both are determined people. I know the recruits have been very positive about both.

*On the A-back rocket tosses is there different variations (some wider, some quicker, some deeper, some closer to the line) from time to time they look different but I didn't know if it was my imagination or if they really were different variations.

There are depth variations depending on the call. It is a lot of inside baseball type discussion, but yeah there are different ways to call it for CPJ.

*In your opinion what is the difference between the team we seen the first 4 games of the season and the one we've seen the last 6 games?

The defense is a little better and I think the offensive line has played better. Those are the two keys, I think GT struggled a lot at RG and at times at C early in the season. Defensively the OLB production is night and day from the opening part of the season. Jalen Johnson really suffered from not getting those spring reps at Stinger and Charlie Thomas was learning on the job. I think they also struggled figuring out the CB rotation and that still isn't perfect.

*With the turnaround of the last 6 games is this CPJ's best coaching in his tenure at Georgia Tech, if not what season would you say was his best while facing adversity like earlier this year?

I thought the turnaround in 2012 was a little more impressive because he was coaching both sides of the ball every week and in every meeting for both sides of the ball after he fired Groh. CPJ worked with CCK and CAM on coming up with a dead simple defense and at the same time he was mixing in Vad Lee at QB for Tevin Washington. It was crazy.

I hate to lose Brad Stewart after this year but who do you think will be the guys starting in our WR core,starting WR's next year?

Hard to say, Jalen Camp has pretty much locked up one spot. Steve Dolphus has been playing hurt most of the season and so it is hard to judge how much progress he made. Malachi Carter shows flashes of a big-time player. I'd expect those two.

Are there any discussions taking place outside of AI2020 to add additional staff to FB recruiting after this season?

They've added one during the season, Zach Laskey. I'm sure there are additional hires coming, whether they are recruiting or other areas like analysts? I'm not sure.

With the new rules, can you list the scholarship players who are on track to redshirt this season?

QB- James Graham 2gms
BB- Christian Malloy 1gm
AB- Tijai Whatley
AB- Dontae Smith
WR- Peje Harris
WR- Jaylen Jackson
OL- Harrison Jump
OL- Zakk McKeehan
OL- Austin Smith
OL- Mike Maye
DL- Quon Griffin 2 gms
DL- TK Chimedza 3 gms
DE- Justice Dingle 4 gms
DE- Luke Johns
LB- Jordan Domineck 3 gms
CB- Jaylon King 3 gms
CB- Zamari Walton 4 gms

How do you feel about Dowdy & Black as OLine prospects? Do they have a high ceiling in our system?

They love Dowdy, I think he is a good fit. I honestly haven't spent a lot of time watching Black's film but I'll try to check him out later.

How has Wesley Walker performed this season coming back from a knee injury? Is he trending back towards 4 star based on performance?

My understanding is he has had a great SR year, that will be up to Woody if he gets that fourth star back or not. I didn't see him in-person so I don't get a say in that.

Why is Askew no longer getting reps at CB? We are a disaster at boundary corner. If Askew is sitting due to injury, can we continue to keep the redshirt on Walton?

Askew got four snaps behind Tre Swilling on Saturday. Ajani Kerr is backing up Lamont Simmons and played very well against UVA. They want to redshirt King and Walton.

In the Recruifing Buzz you said six spots left. In the list of those walking Saturday you said that provided 19 available. What changed.

I explained that in the buzz, they are factoring in some attrition.

You also indicated earlier CJ would probably take 3 more as early signees and keep open any others until the late signing period. Giving the current list of possibilities would CJ now take the full amount in the early period.

I think you mean PJ, things change and they can take five total in December if they want. There may be a little more space after the season when attrition creeps up. There are a few guys who may opt to leave who aren't going to play and there is always a surprise either academic casualty or a goofball who wants to go JUCO.

How well do CPJ and CJP know each other and what’s their relationship like?

I don't know the answer to that. I know they both respect each other. I think CPJ has embraced CJP more since MBob left because CJP was sort of the golden boy when he first got hired and I think that may have not played well with the veteran coaches at GT across the sports especially since MBob spent so much time with Josh which was more than any other coach ever saw him probably in total. LOL.

Any chance Searcy could get a medical redshirt since he nearly missed the whole 2015 season so that he could play next year?

I suppose there is a chance. I can ask and see if that is something they are looking into. Qua is also probably wanting to get his life started. He may not want to play another year of college ball.

Seriously, how many shady bags are being dropped on CJP and hoops recruiting? Two Top-100 guys destined for GT and flip in the last 24 hours.

I always felt bad about Chandler Lawson. Marcus Watson was a kick in the balls because who wants to live in Stillwater.

I'm glad we're not shady - we get caught when we even try (W. Carter / D-Lab), but it has to be very frustrating for CJP and staff. Gonna have to go the Banks / Transfer route and 3-4 year recruits until we hopefully get it rolling.

I think it is a smart way to cover up some recruiting shortcomings in the short term. I'm saying taking a guy who has to sit and has more than one year to play, not the crap BG was doing.

Follow up question from previous mailbag....Did they send a clip of the CJ interview to all recruits? If not, wonder why. I’m not in marketing but he said damn near everything you’d want your most popular and accomplished player ever to say.

No idea, I'd have to ask recruits.

The QB competition is probably on most people's minds.

http://www.macon.com/sports/college/acc/georgia-tech/article141115523.html

“Any time the quarterback leaves, especially when you have a three-year starter, it’s going to be fun,” Johnson said. “I’m looking forward to it.”

The four contenders are Matthew Jordan, TaQuon Marshall, Lucas Johnson and Jay Jones.

“It’s going to be a good competition at quarterback,” Johnson said.

Click to expand...

There will be a great deal of pressure to follow Thomas. He had 2 excellent seasons around a rather disappointing injury filled campaign in 2015.

Why don't we have a commitment yet today? Is something going on I don't know about? C'mon, we are running out of time. The deal is a commitment a day to keep bad seasons away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SMOKING CIGS

Monday, September 4
Tennessee at Georgia Tech

Saturday, September 9
Jacksonville State at Georgia Tech

Saturday, September 16
Georgia Tech at UCF

Saturday, September 23
Pitt at Georgia Tech

September 30
North Carolina at Georgia Tech

Thursday, October 12
Georgia Tech at Miami

Saturday, October 21
Wake Forest at Georgia Tech

Saturday, October 28
Georgia Tech at Clemson

Saturday, November 4
Georgia Tech at Virginia

Saturday, November 11
Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech

Saturday, November 18
Georgia Tech at Duke

Saturday, November 25
Georgia at Georgia Tech

I'm not doing a war room yet. There are too many moving parts to this thing to get caught up in that, but maybe later in the week. I do have a prediction at the end of this.

The biggest thing right now is keeping the class intact, that is what the staff will be working very hard on, keeping off poachers.

Coaches out today. CPJ and CLO on the road visited Tariq Carpenter today. GT still wants him and Kaleb Oliver badly as big DB.

Coach Roof was up in Gwinnett today checking on commits and 2018 kids. He will be down to check on the Swilling boys later this week and down in Mobile to check on Marlon Williams. LSU where he visited last weekend doesn't have a spot for him right now. Tennessee who was trying to get a visit, but got bumped by GT picked up another WR today who is the same type of player as Williams so that should eliminate them. UCF may be the only real competition right now for Williams.

Coach Preston is headed back from Hawaii. He was working on Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa and Aliki Vimahi as well as checking on Michael Minihan. Spots are thinning for both the Hawaiian DTs, USC has just two spots left on their DL and six targets, only one of which is a long shot. It would be a big deal if they can get one of them to sign with GT. Those kids are probably the hardest for any of the recruiting people or coaches to get a read on. Washington jumped in with an offer tonight to Myron so that is interesting. I think it is too late for them though.

Coach McCollum was down in South Georgia, Tift County and that area working on 2018 targets. I expect he will be up in Tenn later in the week to check on Oliver and Jordan Ponchez-Mason .

On Jaquan Henderson I was told he shut down Tennessee and they've moved on. Butch was trying to get a visit out of him for the 27th.

Coach Pelton went to see Jamal Woods today. Woods was trying to do a mid-week visit and GT wasn't interested, they don't want to be bumped for Illinois. Woods will have to commit to a weekend visit or GT will move on.

How things could finish

20 as of today

I expect GT to land
Kaleb Oliver
Tariq Carpenter
Marlon Williams

I'm unsure if Adonicas Sanders or Woods take their OVs as of today. Checking on their statuses, they may want two WRs.

Supposedly there is another OL target who could get offered this week and visit. That would make 24, they are shooting for 26 so that leaves guys like Vimahi, Myron or inbound transfers.

I was also told Leonard Warner told UGA they are full and now FSU is back in the game along with Stanford. LOL

Be an interesting finish, expect some new names and/or new offers like OLs over the next 48 hours.

CAM and CMP are in Tallahassee today, did an in-home with Connor Hansen this morning and Antwan Owens let me know they are at his school now. Owens has his final OV scheduled to UCF where he is committed this weekend, GT is aiming to cancel that trip.

CBP is in Hawaii to check on Michael Minihan, Aliki Vimahi and Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa. Myron is doing an insane set of OVs starting with a trip to Navy, then to Notre Dame and on to Vandy all this week. Buzz had to go out yesterday to make sure he caught him before he left. Minihan recruited both players heavily during the Poly Bowl week

Robert Porcher has cancelled his GT official visit, he is a silent commit to VaTech and he spoke with CMS about it

Tariq Carpenter is set to come up on his official visit this weekend and he has been actively recruiting Owens for GT much to the displeasure of UCF where both are technically committed.

Kaleb Oliver is also very much in play, I expect CAM to go see him later this week and Gentry Bonds is recruiting him very heavily for GT.

Expected Visitors as of today:
Tariq Carpenter
Kaleb Oliver
Adonicas Sanders
Marlon Williams

Still waiting on Cody Shear, but Oregon has jumped in VERY HARD on him and he lives there, so that is an interesting subplot. It does not sound like he will be visiting GT. GT working on some quiet OL targets, stay tuned for that. CRW is doing a final check on Shear, but unless he schedules an OV that is over and they will move on to one or two other targets.

Quinton Miller is out for right now, Oliver has taken his space.

CMP will go see Jamal Woods later this week and I expect GT will get that final visit. His family wants him closer to home. Woods hinted there may be one more school trying to come in late, perhaps a SEC school.

They will end up with between 6 and 8 OVs this weekend with a high probability of committing all of them.

Could take both Sanders and Williams and move Mikell Lands-Davis back to A-back. Swillings are very confident that GT will get Williams.

I expect Brenton King to visit to take the spot vacated by Joseph Bulovas.