 |
 |
|
| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 10-2 (7-1) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: George O'Leary Returning starters: 15 (offense 9, defense 6) Outlook If last season, one that began with tempered expectations, ended with a share of the ACC title, what can this season -- one overflowing with possibilities -- bring to Atlanta? A trip to Tallahassee in the second week of September may provide an early answer, but regardless, the Yellow Jackets are set up for another season among the ACC elite. There will be Heisman whispers for a diminutive quarterback and a cries for big plays on a defense that is breaking in a new coordinator. George O'Leary must guard against complacency and hope that health remains on the side of his squad. Last year the Falcons had Atlanta standing on its head with a run to the Super Bowl. This year the Yellow Jackets hope to do a similar trick by printing up Sugar Bowl tickets with their name on it. OffenseQuarterback Joe Hamilton (the college game's version of Buffalo's Doug Flutie) was one of the most dynamic players in the country a year ago.The all-ACC first-teamer led three fourth-quarter comebacks a year ago. In addition to throwing for more than 5,800 yards and 36 touchdowns in his career, the cat-quick Hamilton has rushed for over 1,000 yards. He's expected to pick up where he left off at the end of 1998, when the 5-10, 189-pounder was named the MVP in Tech's 35-28 win over Notre Dame in the Gator Bowl. Most of Hamilton's throws will likely be aimed at Dez White, who burst onto the scene last year with nine touchdowns as a sophomore. Redshirt freshman Kerry Watkins is tabbed to line up opposite White after having a tremendous spring. Kelly Campbell, who sparkled as a true freshman, will also factor into the receiving equation. In the spring Watkins and Campbell showed they are actually faster than White, and have earned the status of co-starters. Massive Jon Carman will cement the line. The 6-8, 335-pound tackle is one of the biggest players in ACC history. Noah King will move from left guard to center. Tackle Chris Brown and guard Brent Key also return with starting experience. Walk-on tight end Will Heller could be a find. It's a good sign if: A true running threat other than Barnette emerges.It's a bad sign if: No wide receiver proves capable of taking pressure off White. Defense This side of the ball needs to improve. The Yellow Jackets ranked eighth in the ACC in total defense last season. This year they can't expect the offense to bail them out, or come up with as many scores via turnovers. End Felipe Claybrooks, linebacker Chris Edwards and safety Travares Tillman are all worthy of all-ACC consideration. Claybrooks finished third in the conference in sacks a year ago despite not playing in run situations. The tackles are young, but sophomores Merrix Watson and Guenter Kryszon are returning starters. Aside from Edwards, who is primed for a big senior season, middle linebacker Matt Miller is expected to take his play to the next level. Last year he was second on the team in tackles, but missed spring practice while recovering from a knee injury. Former fullback Nick Rogers is listed No. 1 at outside linebacker. Aside from Tillman, the secondary is a bit unsettled. Sophomore Chris Young could be the future at strong safety, but the on-the-job training he is headed for as a sophomore could push Tillman's backup Reggie Wilcox into the lineup ahead of Young. Three players are competing for the starting cornerback spots. Whoever gets the nod, expect to see a lot of Marvious Hester, Troy Tolbert and Jamara Clark, although Tolbert will be suspended for the first two games of the season. They will do it under the direction of first-year coodinator Ted Roof, following Randy Edsall's departure to take the head coach's job at Connecticut. It's a good sign if: Tillman demonstrates he can dominate.It's a bad sign if: A linebacking corps thinned by injury and suspension proves vulnerable. Special Teams A new kicker and punter must be found. Freshman placekicker Luke Manget and punter Philip Newman should be adequate replacements for Brad Chambers and Rodney Williams. -- John Crowley |
ALSO SEE ACC: Taking to the skies
 | |||||