Technical Tidbits 3/29: Spring Practice Underway

Brad Stewart tells MyAJC that consistency will be key to the wide receivers this season

After seeing his catch total drop from 19 receptions to just 4 last season, Stewart is looking for more consistency. However, one of his catches was a crucial TD in a win over the Hokies, and the first of his career.

“Stewart’s catch total was limited by a scarcity of opportunities. Beyond his four catches, he was targeted 11 more times, according to the game summaries. Of those 11, perhaps two could be judged as catchable. Others were off target, often as a result of quarterback TaQuon Marshall throwing under pressure.”

Improvement all around, especially in pass blocking from a now-seasoned offensive line will be crucial to passing game improvements heading into 2018 as well.

Also, the Jalen Camp hype train is gaining steam this season. Look out.

Taqoun Marshall says the offense has been clicking early

It may be an encouraging sign coming from the incumbent starting quarterback, as it seems most seasons we hear of sluggish starts from the offense, from missed reads to missed blocks, to broken plays. The offense clicking early is a welcome sign to a new defense that will certainly depend on them to keep their new 3-4 scheme off the field.

‘“I think all the receivers bring something different to the table,” [Marshall] said. “Jalen Camp has great hands, Adonicas [Sanders], he’s very athletic, Jair (Hawkins-Anderson)’s fast, Steve (Dolphus)’s a big guy. He’s like 6-4. All the receivers -- plus whoever I left out -- all the guys really bring something different to the table. So they all have their pieces that they bring, so every guy’s pretty special and I can put the ball in any one of their hands.”’

Will Bryan was so giddy about the offensive line after the opening practice that he invited the entire press circle over to his family’s house for dinner. Count us in too.

Football staff adds 5 new members

Thanks in no small part to the athletic department’s fundraising efforts, the staff adds some much-needed help to its recruiting and analysts. The additions will be 3 new members of the player / personnel department and then 2 more graduate assistants.

Among them is a familiar name in Tevin Washington, the former Tech QB, who has been promoted to associate director of players and personnel, which will certainly improve the recruiting efforts.

The Jackets have also added a full-time digital content coordinator in Ryan Wise who will oversee and develop recruiting videos and other digital content.

Basketball assistant Tavaras Hardy named as head coach of Loyola of Maryland

Hardy has been a D1 assistant coach for 12 years now, with the most recent 2 being here at Tech. He’s an ace recruiter and offensive mind who will certainly be missed.

‘“Tavaras has done a tremendous job for our program at Georgia Tech,” said head coach Josh Pastner. “He will be an excellent head coach, and I’m really happy for him and his family as he takes this next step in his life and career. Tavaras did a terrific job in player development in in our team concepts, especially on offense, and in recruiting the last two years. He has been in integral part of getting our program moving in the right direction.”’