Georgia Tech defense makes progress in spring
On the eve of the completion of spring practice, Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Ted Roof said he’s pleased with the progress being made by his unit, he but admitted there are many steps to take before it gets where it wants to be.
“I’ve really enjoyed this spring as far as the process of working to get better, and I think our kids have approached it in a very positive way and have brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm,” Roof said.
There has been much work to do in each area of the defense, from improving the pass rush to determining who’s going to play in the secondary. The defense is far from a finished product, but Roof said progress has been made.
“I don’t think we’ve accomplished everything we want to accomplish,” Roof said. “But I have seen growth. I have seen progress. I’m pleased with that, but we’re in a race-against-the-clock mode it feels like, because we’re going to wake up, and it’s going to be August, and then it’s going to be September, and we’re going to be playing before we know it.
“For all our guys to have a sense of urgency this summer, to improve each and every day, sounds really coaching cliche-ish, but it’s the truth.”
Most of the defensive players have said from the start that there appears to be more energy on the field this spring. Part of it is young players getting an opportunity to play. Another part is the desire to put last year’s tough season in the past.
KeShun Freeman, a junior who is likely to be an All-ACC candidate in the fall, said, “We have a lot more energy this year. Last year we didn’t end well, and being home during the bowl games, watching bowl games, it kind of hurts you if you’re not in one. We came back with the enthusiasm and energy and said, ‘Hey, we’ve been off the field for a while, so let’s go out and be the best team we can be.’ ”
Georgia Tech hopes to get some help for Freeman when it comes to rushing the passer. Kyle Cerge-Henderson, who played six games and made three starts last year, is expected to be in the mix.
“Last year I was learning how to be a freshman,” Cerge-Henderson said. “I didn’t expect to play in the beginning of the year. I was expecting to redshirt. As I started playing, I started to move faster but not as fast as everybody else. Now it’s just playing ball. I’m more comfortable, and I can just go out there and make plays.”
SPRING GAME SCHEDULE
Kickoff for the annual spring game is noon on Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium. You don’t need a ticket and admission is free. Paid parking is available throughout the campus.
Wreckfest opens on Bobby Dodd Way at 10 a.m. with food trucks, face painters a video game truck and more. A pregame concert featuring Laughlin starts at 10:30 a.m. The stadium will open at 10:30 a.m. And a 2016 poster will be distributed.
School officials encourage fans to enter the campus via the 10th Street and Fowler entrance due to rolling road closures in the area due to the Girls on the Run 5K race.
The game will be streamed live on ESPN3.
This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 2:32 PM with the headline "Georgia Tech defense makes progress in spring."