The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
New defensive scheme fits Henderson, Jordan - Swilling
Unit will emphasize speed and quickness over size this season.
Jaquan Henderson and Bruce Jordan-Swilling were gifted and mentally agile enough to get on the field last season as freshmen. Now the two Georgia Tech linebackers are in the mix to be in the starting 11 for defensive coordinator Nate Woody.
They not only represent part of the present of the Yellow Jackets defense, but its future. Both athletic, hard-hitting and centrally located in Woody’s defense, they figure to be a big part of how Tech performs on defense the next three seasons. Tech is in the third of four weeks of its spring practice.
“When me and coach Woody first met, he basically told me he’s going to see how I move, come off the edge,” Henderson said. “When he said, ‘Come off the edge’ — that’s what I like to do. That’s the main thing.”
Henderson is listed at 6 feet 1 and 203 pounds, not particularly stout for a linebacker. Last season’s three linebackers on the AllACC first team averaged 6-3 and 243 pounds. But coach Paul Johnson said last season he might be the fastest player on the team, a trait that makes him a fit for Woody’s defense, which prizes speed and quickness over size. And, at outside linebacker, Woody has him at a spot where he’ll blitz often and try to use his speed.
He and Victor Alexander, a senior, have been flip-flopping between the two outside linebacker spots.
“The new d efensive scheme is great for all of us guys,” said Henderson, who mostly played special teams last season. “Some of the guys were not as big, but the scheme is perfect for them because we’ve got some quick guys up front. And the guys in back aren’t thinking too much. Just out there making plays.”
Henderson is particularly keen on the perceived simplicity of Woody’s defense compared with that of former coordinator Ted Roof. For example, the defense has been using two playcalls, which makes it easier to absorb responsibilities and to play without thinking.
Henderson couldn’t recall how many play-calls the Jackets used in a typical game last season, “but it was a lot,” Henderson said. “It was a lot. A lot of guys weren’t playing fast, so like I said, this new style is perfect for all of us.”
“He’s doing some good things,” Johnson said of Henderson. “He’s working, playing outside linebacker.”
Jordan-Swilling lines up at inside linebacker and could pair with senior Brant Mitchell like it,” Jordan-Swilling said of the new defense. “I’m running around, making plays, just helping my team out. That’s what I’m here for.”