Practice Notes 8/17
Kelly Quinlan/JOL
ATLANTA-- The quarterback race may be over for the starting job at Georgia Tech according to head football coach Paul Johnson. Johnson said on Thursday he has come to a decision, but hasn't informed the team yet.
"I know exactly what I'm going to do (at quarterback)," he said. "I've known for a while."
Johnson said he was unsure if he would formally tell the team, but it will be obvious to them next week as the Jackets break into scouts and prepare for Tennessee on September 4.
"I may not tell them (the team), but they will know before kickoff," Johnson said. "I think they've figured it out and they see who plays and who is playing the best. They are not dumb."
Junior TaQuon Marshall, junior Matthew Jordan and redshirt freshman Lucas Johnson were taking the bulk of the reps this week in practice. Marshall may have jumped into the lead spot after a strong scrimmage and a good two weeks of practice while Jordan has battled injuries and Lucas Johnson has been gaining confidence in running the offense.
"I think TaQuon is more confident and more experienced," Paul Johnson offered up. "He is getting more reps like all of them. When Matthew went down and Jay was out, TaQuon and Lucas got all the reps."
Jordan who was the projected starter returned to practice this week after being sidelined for a few days with a shoulder injury.
"He was back today and throwing as a full go," he said. "I think he is Matthew and I know what Matthew is."
The backup quarterback situation remains open however. Johnson is looking for two more quarterbacks to rep as the second and third stringers.
"I have a pretty good idea, but it is not in stone," Johnson said of the backup quarterback situation.
One guy who may end up on the outside looking in this fall is redshirt freshman Jay Jones who has missed practice all week with an undisclosed injury. Johnson is hopeful he will return Friday, but said missing practice is hurting his chances.
"Anytime you don't practice you hurt yourself in the competition. He will have a chance and he will come back tomorrow I think and he will have a chance during the scrimmage on Saturday," Johnson said. "It is fluid and I could change my mind tonight driving home."
Johnson said all four of his quarterbacks are still not quite where he wants them in terms of executing his offense the way he wants it done.
"It is like that with all of them," Johnson said of playing within in the offense. "(Jay) can make plays, but you have to minimize the negative plays and take care of the ball."
