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Coach Beamer on the 2008 Season "The No. 1 question for us right now is what we are going to do at quarterback, and it's a good problem to have. We've got two good quarterbacks, and how we use them is going to be a key issue for us. Along with that, we need to see how our tailbacks come along, and also who our wide receivers are going to be. Can our tailback and wide receiver positions give us enough plays? That will have an effect on the decision, too. "Defensively, we lost quite a few good, talented players off of last year's team, but I think our first team will be fine. Finding backup help is the main goal right now." Coach Foster on the Defense Coach Stinespring on the Offense Headlines Players Left Tackle GREG NOSAL (r-Fr.) - Another transplanted tight end ... Took to the position so quickly during the spring that he moved into the No. 2 spot ... Needs to get more physical in the running game but can protect in space ... Will continue to learn while competing for playing time. - Coach Newsome on the Offensive Line Left Guard HIVERA GREEN (r-Jr.) - One of the biggest surprises of the spring ... Worked hard and played physical to move into the No. 2 slot ... Continued progress during the summer and preseason could spell playing time. Center BEAU WARREN (r-So.) - A hard worker who played very well in starts at Georgia Tech and against Florida State last season ... Got a lot of reps with the No. 1 offense during the spring and took advantage of them ... Has really matured as a player ... Helps solidify the position. BARRETT MEARS (r-So.) - A walk-on who has gotten bigger and stronger ... Showed a lot of positive things during the spring ... Is smart and can move. Right Guard JAYMES BROOKS (r-Fr.) - Possesses the skills and strength needed for the position, just needs to develop more consistency ... Will provide depth and battle for a chance to earn playing time. Right Tackle
"I really thought our spring practice was good. There was great competition for most positions. I think the attitude of our football team is good. Now we've got to work hard over the summer to improve ourselves physically. We're going to be a football team that has some good talent, a team that will get better as the season goes along. Hopefully, we will be a good football team by the end of the season.
"We only return four starters, but at the same time, the cupboard isn't bare. I thought some guys really stepped up in the spring that needed to. I love the attitude and the work ethic. I feel good about our first 11. Right now, depth is the big issue for us. The summer and early camp are going to be critical for the young players to keep progressing on the path that they are on right now. And, if we do that, I think we've got some talent there that can give us the added depth that we need to be the type of defense that we expect to be each year."
"I really liked our work ethic the entire spring. We understood that there were some holes to fill and we approached it that way. The practices, the attention to details, the effort level were outstanding. I think the line is better across the board, even with the loss of Duane Brown. They are playing with more confidence ... there's depth and there's competition, which makes them better every day in practice. The receiver spots are still a concern in terms of the experience factor, but we have a good nucleus to work with in the fall, along with some freshmen coming in. Losses and injuries during the off-season and spring set us back a little bit at the tailback position. We need to solidify that position, because we intend to be more assertive with our running game and we want to come out of the blocks with that statement."
Offensive Line
ED WANG (r-Jr.) - Converted tight end who possesses a great deal of athletic ability ... Came back from an ankle injury to start the last eight games at right tackle and the entire unit instantly became better ... Left tackle may prove to be a more natural position for him ... Worked hard in the spring and is committed to improving.
NICK MARSHMAN (r-Sr.) - The move from right tackle to left guard toward the end of last season allowed him to become a better player ... The largest man on the roster really settled in at the position during the spring ... With a good summer preparation, coaches are really excited about the potential of his senior season.
RYAN SHUMAN (r-Sr.) - The returning starter ... Was held out of spring practice after off-season knee surgery ... Cleared to work out in the summer ... Expected to be a true leader up front.
SERGIO RENDER (Jr.) - Member of the Freshman and Sophomore All-America teams during his first two seasons ... A two-year starter who is one of the most experienced players along the line ... A very tough and physical player ... Excellent in the run game ... Took on a leaderhip role during the spring.
BLAKE DeCHRISTOPHER (r-Fr.) - Had a great off-season in the weight room and improved his quickness and strength ... Carried it over to the field in the spring and took over the starting duties ... A tough guy who competes and understands the system ... Has a bright future.
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