The starting quarterback job has been a battle that seems to have been taken over by Tennessee transfer A.J. Suggs, who saw some action while at Tennessee and seems to be the Jacket's best rocket with experience. His entrance to the program has to be of utmost importance, as two-year starter Godsey has departed while his backup Andy Hall has transferred. Redshirt freshman Damarius Bilbo played one game last season before a thumb injury ended his 2001 campaign. Coaches have been experimenting this spring at tailback since Joe Burns declared early for the NFL. Defensive back Tony Hollings has been moved over, giving the slot a burst of power and speed. Senior Sidney Ford brings the most numbers and accolades after rushing for 605 yards in his career with 290 last year, making him the returning leading rusher. At least the depth factor is existent, as coaches now seem to have numerous options on who to handle the rock. A steady and consistent number one back would be more beneficial. All-time leading receiver Kelly Campbell is no longer available, but the cupboard is stocked with goodies and may well be the best offensive unit available. Glover, Watkins, and Smith give GT some of the league's most dangerous outside weapons. Enough talent is here to keep Suggs happy with target practice. When talking about great offensive line names, young sophomore Nat Dorsey is the real deal at tackle. The man literally took the ACC over by storm as a freshman in 2001 allowing very few sacks and garnishing All-ACC First Team honors as an 18-year old frosh, a feat that hasn't been accomplished since Dre Bly in 1996 for the Tar Heels. The right side of the line is not quite the same and question marks still exist in the depth department. In a nutshell, the offense was hit hard by graduation as some good names dot the key loss classifieds. You have a new coach in Chan Gailey and he has been handed the task of setting up a winning game plan with new running backs and a new quarterback. No one is claiming the raw tools aren't there; let's just say his hands are full. When it comes to kicking, Luke Manget is near the top. He is a two-time first team All-ACC selection and has made a conference record 131 consecutive extr points. The NCAA record is 161.

Mentioning defense in Atlanta means talking about defensive end Greg Gathers, one of the nation's premier All-Americans. Already Tech's career sack leader with 30 pile drivers, he led the ACC in 2001. His partner in QB harassment crimes on the other side is gone. Replacing Nick Rogers will be difficult, as he was the other end of the All-ACC performers on the outside of the haystack. Both starting tackles are back in the fold, but the interior needs more production than last fall offered. The starting three linebackers combined to make 250 tackles in 2001. What a crew, as all three are back with Smith in the middle and Wimbush/Fox on the outside. Other than receiver, this is by far Tech's deepest and most proficient aspect. Wimbush has led the Jackets in tackles two of the last three years, while Smith may be the best overall defensive player aside from Gathers…quite a blessing for the coaching staff to operate with. It can't be stated enough how impressive this defense looks on paper, on film, and on the field. The defensive back units continue the positive outlook. Marvious Hester returns as the team's top cover man after leading GT with three interceptions last fall. Muyres is one of the country's prime time safeties. Aiding the defense will be an academic All-American punter Dan Dyke. When digesting last year's numbers, Tech comes up ranked 2nd in ACC rush defense and pass defense, and there is still room for improvement. With eight to nine starters back, this is one nasty swarm. Yes, the sting hurts.