Doug Roberson, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

 

J.J. Green moved atop Georgia Tech’s depth chart at A-back because he’s tough, physical and likes playing football, according to coach Paul Johnson.

“He would have been there a year ago if he were eligible, ” Johnson said.

Green wasn’t eligible because he transferred from Georgia to Tech in January 2015 and had to sit out a year per the NCAA’s rules.

Position coach Lamar Owens said Green is an example of the depth of the group because there are 4-6 guys who can block, run and catch.

“We can just play guys and leave them out there and not have to worry about substituting for a certain situation or a certain play,” Owens said.

Owens was forced last season to sometimes sub guys in and out for certain situations or plays because of the inexperience of the group. After graduations and injuries, he estimates as many as four freshmen or redshirt freshmen saw action at A-back last season.

Green is listed as a starter on the depth chart.

Green started as a running back at Georgia, rushing for 384 yards and adding 12 receptions for 104 yards as a freshman. He was moved to strong safety as a sophomore and made nine tackles in 2014. Because he has yet to play in a game for Tech, Johnson won’t allow him to speak to the media.