Dwyer rushes for 110 and 2 TDs in ACC Championship

Including the game-winning touchdown. He also caught two passes for 14 yards, bringing the season's totals to:

Rushes - 221
Yards - 1,346
Avg. - 6.1
YPG - 103.5
TD - 14
---------
Receptions - 3
Yards - 25
Avg. - 8.3
TD - 0

Dwyer Finishes 4th in ACC Offensive POY Voting

Jonathan Dwyer will not repeat as ACC Player of the Year or Offensive Player of the Year. He received one vote for Offensive Player of the Year.

After leading all running backs in votes for the All-Conference team, both CJ Spiller and Ryan Williams got more votes for Offensive POY. Spiller won both awards as a dynamic RB/return man.

2009 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year Voting

C.J. Spiller, rb-spc, Clemson (29)
Josh Nesbitt, qb, Georgia Tech (8)
Ryan Williams, rb, Virginia Tech (2)
Derrick Morgan, de, Georgia Tech (1)

2009 Atlantic Coast Conference Offensive Player of the Year Voting

C.J. Spiller, rb-spc, Clemson (24)
Josh Nesbitt, qb, Georgia Tech (10)
Ryan Williams, rb, Virginia Tech (4)
Jonathan Dwyer, rb, Georgia Tech (1)
Christian Ponder, qb, Florida State (1)

http://www.theacc.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120209aab.html

Dwyer First-Team All-ACC

Again.

Congrats to Jonathan!

http://www.theacc.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113009aaf.html

FIRST TEAM

Offense
QB–Josh Nesbitt, Georgia Tech (50)
RB–Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech (67)
RB–Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech (63)
WR–Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech (63)
WR–Donovan Varner, Duke (50)
TE–George Bryan, NC State (39)
TE–Michael Palmer, Clemson (39)
OT–Jason Fox, Miami (57)
OT–Anthony Castonzo, Boston College (53)
OG–Rodney Hudson, Florida State (54)
OG–Cord Howard, Georgia Tech (47)
C–Sean Bedford, Georgia Tech (45)
K–Matt Waldron, Virginia Tech (27)
K–Matt Bosher, Miami (27)
Spc–C.J. Spiller, Clemson (76)

Dwyer held to 33 yards and 1 TD vs. Georgia

New season totals:

Rushes - 197
Yards - 1,236
Avg. - 6.3
YPG - 103.0
TD - 12
---------
Receptions - 1
Yards - 11
Avg. - 11.0
TD - 0

Dwyer as high as no. 8 player in NFL Draft

Scouts are high on Dwyer:

http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2009/11/20/techs-dwyer-would-be-no-8-player-in-nfl-draft-scout-says/?cxntfid=blogs_jeff_schultz_blog

Especially this one, who ranks him 8th in the draft:

♦ On Dwyer: “He’s a violent runner who not only possesses the ability to be physical in between the tackles, but exhibits an impressive initial burst in the open field with the first step to separate from defenders at the second level. Dwyer looks NFL ready right now and has the ability to carry the load at the next level and be an every down type of back. Plus, coming out of the option offense, I think he’s going to benefit greatly from lining up eight yards behind the [line of scrimmage] in the NFL and will be even more instinctive and natural running the ball inside then he is now. His combination or power, burst and lateral agility or second to none in college football.”

♦ On why he’s ahead of Spiller and Best: “I don’t know if Spiller is an every-down back. [He] looks more like a Felix Jones type runner to me. As for Best, [he has] big play ability, and might have a bit more upside then Dwyer, but isn’t as physical and might have some trouble staying healthy. Dwyer just looks more like a sure thing to me. A more physically gifted Jonathan Stewart type runner in the NFL.”

Dwyer had 110 yards and 2 TDs vs. Duke

in 3 quarters of action after sitting out the 4th with a comfortable lead. This brings the season totals to:

Rushes - 183
Yards - 1,203
Avg. - 6.6
YPG - 109.4
TD - 11

Help Dwyer win the Doak Walker Award!

You can vote here, and the fan vote will count as one vote:

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/rank?versionId=3&listId=60

Tip: To help him out more, make him no. 1 (duh) and put the frontrunners near the bottom (Tate, Spiller, Ingram). Can't hurt!

What could be standing in Dwyer's way of a second ACC POY?

Josh Nesbitt.

http://www.officialsportsreport.com/OSRManage/emailerWeb.asp?articleList=|3427|3433|3434|&teamID=29&scheduledTime=11/13/2009+12%3A00%3A00+AM&breakingID=3433

Dwyer one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award

Congrats!

http://ramblinwreck.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111209aab.html

DALLAS, Texas - Georgia Tech junior Jonathan Dwyer was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award, the Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors announced Thursday.

The Doak Walker Award goes annually to the nation's top running back. The 10 semifinalists are:

Donald Buckram (Jr.) UTEP
Jonathan Dwyer (Jr.) Georgia Tech
Toby Gerhart (Sr.) Stanford
Mark Ingram (So.) Alabama
Dion Lewis (Fr.) Pittsburgh
Ryan Mathews (Jr.) Fresno State
Jacquizz Rodgers (So.) Oregon State
C.J. Spiller (Sr.) Clemson
Ben Tate (Sr.) Auburn
Ryan Williams (Fr.) Virginia Tech

The Marietta (Ga.) product recently went over 1,000 yards rushing for the second straight season. He has rushed for 100 yards in a game 15 times in his career, including five times this season.

Dwyer may be the nation's hottest running back. Over the last two games, he has rushed for 375 yards and four touchdowns in wins over Vanderbilt and Wake Forest. Over the last seven games, Dwyer has rushed for 925 yards (132.1 ypg) and seven touchdowns.

Georgia Tech has a player listed among the semifinalists for the nation's top running back (Doak Walker Award) and the nation's best receiver (Fred Biletnikoff Award) in Dwyer and Demaryius Thomas, respectively.

The 130 members of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast their votes to determine the 2009 finalists. On Monday, November 23, three finalists will be named, and a second vote by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will determine the recipient. The 2009 Doak Walker Award recipient will be announced live on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards on Thursday, December 10.

The Award is named after three-time SMU All-American running back and 1948 Heisman Trophy winner Doak Walker. Walker, who also punted, returned kicks and kicked extra points, led the Mustangs to two Southwest Conference Championships. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions and led the league in scoring his rookie year. During his six years with the Lions, he led the team to two NFL championships and was chosen All-Pro four times. Walker is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

Dwyer vs. Mark Ingram

Check out the stats for Heisman front-runner, Mark Ingram, and Jonathan Dwyer (from the AJC):

I’m going to give you the stats of two players. You tell me whose stats are who’s:

Player A: 175 carries, 1,148 yards, 8 TDs, 5 100-plus games

Player B: 169 carries, 1,093 yards, 9 Tds, 5 100-plus games

One of these players is a Heisman candidate. One’s not.

So, can you tell me who are the players, and which one is the Heisman candidate?

Player A, is Alabama’s Mark Ingram, arguably the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy.

Player B, is, you guessed it, Jonathan Dwyer.

Dwyer has another career game

Coming off a career-best 186 yards against Vandy, Jonathan Dwyer rushed for 189 yards and 1 TD against Wake Forest on 23 carries, setting a new career high.

That put him over 1,000 yards on the season. Still ahead of last year's pace, here are his new season totals:

Rushes - 169
Yards - 1,093
Avg. - 6.5
YPG - 109.3
TD - 9

Dwyer quietly building toward big finish

http://www.ajc.com/sports/georgia-tech/dwyer-quietly-building-toward-186331.html

Dwyer has career game against Vandy

Jonathan Dwyer rushed for a career-high 186 yards on 22 carries, including 3 TDs. He averaged 8.5 yards a carry in easily his best game of the season. The game quietly put Dwyer AHEAD of his pace from last season:

2009 (9 games):

Rushes - 146
Yards - 904
Avg. - 6.2
YPG - 100.4
TD - 8

2008 (through 9 games):
Rushes - 138
Yards - 899
Avg. - 6.5
YPG - 99.9
TD - 7

Despite the lack of fanfare surrounding Dwyer after his slow start this year, he has a chance against a weak remaining schedule to beat his statistics from last year's ACC Player of the Year season.

It won't be easy though - Dwyer finished very strong last year, with games of 157, 128, and 144 yards rushing.

Dwyer SI's #9 NFL Draft Prospect

and first RB on the board:

9) Jonathan Dwyer*/RB/Georgia Tech: Dwyer offers a tremendous combination of size, speed and strength. The junior has the necessary skill set to be a franchise back in the NFL.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/21/draft.prospects/index.html

Dwyer back on top, feeling fine

http://www.ajc.com/sports/georgia-tech/dwyer-back-on-top-173246.html

Dwyer Goes for 125, Flattens Human Being

Jonathan Dwyer led the team in rushing against UVA, rushing for 125 yards on 25 carries, bringing his season totals to:

Rushes - 124
Yards - 718
Avg. - 5.8
YPG - 89.8
TD - 5
---------
Receptions - 1
Yards - 11
Avg. - 11.0
TD - 0

He also had this run straight over a UVA defender:

Jonathan Dwyer, a runner and a prankster

http://www.ajc.com/sports/georgia-tech/jonathan-dwyer-a-runner-168746.html?cxtype=rss_gatech

Dwyer goes for 82 in the big win

Let's be honest. The Heisman is not in the cards this season for Jonathan Dwyer, but our support won't stop! He's now the second leading rusher on the team behind QB Josh Nesbitt, who has become the team's hero as of late.

Here are both's stats:

Dwyer:

Rushes - 99
Yards - 593
Avg. - 6.0
YPG - 84.7
TD - 5
---------
Receptions - 1
Yards - 11
Avg. - 11.0
TD - 0

Nesbitt:

Rushes - 151
Yards - 625
Avg. - 4.1
YPG - 89.3
TD - 9
---------
Completions - 38-80
Yards - 894
YPG - 111.8
TD - 4
INT - 3

Dwyer Healthy, Dangerous Again

http://www.dailypress.com/sports/dp-spt_dwyer_1015oct15,0,2911125.story

Dwyer High on Jackets' Offense

Good article on Jonathan Dwyer, who's averaging 114 yards since being injured against Miami:

http://www.roanoke.com/sports/vtfootball/wb/222594

Dwyer Back to Breaking 100

Jonathan Dwyer rushed for 102 yards on just 14 carries last weekend against Florida State for a 7.3 yards per carry average. He had two rushing touchdowns.

JD also caught his first pass of the season for an 11 yard gain.

This brings the season totals to:

Rushes - 79
Yards - 511
Avg. - 6.5
YPG - 85.2
TD - 5
---------
Receptions - 1
Yards - 11
Avg. - 11.0
TD - 0

Dwyer digs the long runs

Jonathan Dwyer is 3rd amongst active RBs for number of runs over 70 yards with 3:

Player           Yr   Team              Att    70+   Att/70+
+---------------+----+----------------+-------+-----+---------+
Noel Devine      JR   West Virginia     352     5      70.4
Jahvid Best      JR   California        305     4      76.3
Jonathan Dwyer   JR   Georgia Tech      347     3     115.7

Source: http://www.cfbstats.com/blog/2009/10/05/devine-running/

Dwyer runs for 83 yards and a TD on 16 carries

Dwyer averaged 5.2 yards a carry against Mississippi State, bringing his season totals to:

Rushes - 65
Yards - 409
Avg. - 6.3
YPG - 81.8
TD - 3

His 409 rushing yards put him 3rd in the ACC and 32nd in the nation.

Dwyer back on track

Dwyer finally bounced back with a big game Saturday, rushing for 158 yards on 19 carries against UNC. That's 8.3 yards a carry, kiddies.

That brings his season totals to:

Rushes - 49
Yards - 326
Avg. - 6.7
YPG - 81.5
TD - 2

Slow Starts in '08 and '09

Check out Dwyer's stats through 3 games last year and this year:

2008: 250 yards, 6.4 yards a carry, 3 touchdowns

2009: 168 yards, 5.6 yards a carry, 2 touchdowns

JD's basically played in two games this year since he only had 5 carries before leaving the Miami game, and he's hardly down from last season, which ended with 1,395 yards and the ACC Player of the Year award.

It's not too late for JD to come back from his injury and make some noise this season.

Dwyer back in practice

From the AJC:

Jonathan Dwyer returned to practice after sitting out Sunday’s drills due to the stinger he sustained in last week’s 33-17 loss to Miami.

Dwyer is averaging 5.6 yards a carry but has yet to generate a 100-yard performance in three consecutive games, the longest stint of his career. He has rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns this season, one of those scores a 74-yard run against Jacksonville State. He rushed for 1,395 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

Dwyer said after Monday practice that he’s not worried that he doesn’t have more yards or scored more touchdowns.

“Those big plays will come,” Dwyer said. “I have to be patient and not get frustrated. Sooner or later it’ll happen. Everybody will feed off me and I’ll feed off everybody else, too.”

Dwyer expected to play against UNC

From macon.com:

The Yellow Jackets said goodbye to B-back Jonathan Dwyer in the second half of last week’s game after he suffered a stinger before halftime. Usually some kind of pinched nerve injury, stingers are a common football injury that affects a person’s nervous system. According to Tech officials, he was fit enough to return to action last Thursday but didn’t as precaution. Besides (and this is your beat writer speaking), the Yellow Jackets were down and their momentum had completely left them by the point Dwyer was taken out of the game. He was being stopped (had just 7 yards on five carries), and didn’t seem to be a factor. So whether he was in the game or not, Tech was still probably going to lose the game.

The injury appears to have been somewhat serious, though, as Dwyer was sporting a red injured player jersey during practice Sunday afternoon. After the workout, head coach Paul Johnson said he wasn’t sure how many practices Dwyer would miss but that the team “expected him to be back” for the North Carolina game this Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

We're out of Dwyer Brigade shirts!

There are now 72 Dwyer Brigade shirts floating around somewhere.

We would like to order more, but since we aren't allowed to sell them, we can't cover the cost of more. If you would like to help out by donating or ordering more shirts, we can have them printed.

Please send us an email at contact@dwyerbrigade.com or click the donate link to the left.

Thanks for all of your support!

Rough night for Dwyer and the Jackets

Jonathan Dwyer only had 5 carries for 7 yards before hurting his shoulder and missing the rest of the game.

Heal quickly, JD!

Miami's got one thing right

"We got to take out Dwyer,'' UM defensive line coach Clint Hurtt said. "He's the best back in the country, in our opinion -- between him and the guy at Cal [Jahvid Best]. You've just got to be able to stop that kid.''

Read the whole article about Miami attempting to slow down Dwyer here:
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/colleges/um/story/1235296.html

Go Jackets! Beat Miami!

From an ESPN Insiders article:

3. Coping with the Ramblin' Wreck

Few sights were as awesome as the way Georgia Tech's triple-option attack pulverized Miami last season during a Thursday night spotlight game. Tech rolled up 472 rushing yards, the second-highest total that Miami had allowed in school history.

Both teams come into Thursday's spotlight game with ACC title hopes and maybe even bigger dreams. Tech has beaten Miami four times in a row. Ending that streak presents a major hurdle for a program coming off the rousing Labor Day performance against FSU by QB Jacory Harris and the rebuilt Canes offense. Plus, FSU struggled against Jacksonville State last week, and now some think Miami's victory wasn't quite as impressive as it had seemed at first. If the Hurricanes beat the No. 14-ranked team in the country, that would go a long way toward helping their national reputation.

For Tech, a win could be another step toward emerging as a legit top-five-caliber team. A win might even catapult RB Jon Dwyer into the Heisman candidacy mix.

Miami will return promising safety Vaughn Telemaque, a projected starter who missed the season opener with a shoulder injury. It'll be interesting to see how much he plays, considering he has yet to see real college action. Do you really want to throw a guy against the triple option to start him off?

Dwyer still 7th on SI's Heisman list

Despite the slow start to the season (statistically), SI includes Dwyer on its Heisman hopefulls list:

7. RB Jonathan Dwyer, Jr., Georgia Tech

Last week: 18 rushes, 66 yards in a 30-27 victory over Clemson

Season: 25 rushes, 161 yards, 2 TDs

Heisman-o-meter: Clemson seemed to always have two tacklers on Dwyer whenever he tested the middle of the line, and perhaps that attention is why Dwyer's teammates had more success running the ball. On one play, Dwyer had an opening, but went down at the line on a shoestring tackle and pounded the ball in frustration, knowing he had missed an opportunity. Of course, Dwyer ranks 52nd in nation in rushing, and C.J. Spiller, who had a better all-around game, may deserve this spot on the list instead, but The Watch will stick with the Ramblin' Wrecker for at least one more week. He's just too good.

Up next: Saturday at No. 20 Miami

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/gene_menez/09/14/week-3/1.html#ixzz0R8TmTa8f

Dwyer on SI's College Football Page

Sports Illustrated has JD on its site linking to an article about Paul Johnson's option attack.

Clemson holds Dwyer to 66 yards

Clemson focused their defense on containing Jonathan Dwyer, which allowed other Tech players to be more involved, but limited our stud to 66 yards on 18 carries for a 3.7 yards/carry average.

This brings his 2-game totals to:

25 carries
161 yards
6.4 ypc
80.5 ypg
2 TD

Off to a slow start, but I'm sure bigger games are ahead.

Dwyer Brigade shirts update

Due to the whiteout and the Clemson game being on a weeknight, we will begin giving shirts away at our tailgate at the North Carolina game on September 26. More details to follow.

Some people have asked about still having one shipped to them, and we are more than happy to do so. We just ask that you pay shipping ($3, via Paypal). Email us at contact@dwyerbrigade.com if you'd like one. We have sizes S-XL. And since we can't sell them, donations are more than welcome.

Also, in the works is a second order to give more shirts away to students, so if you would be interested in paying to produce some, we will take care of giving them away to the students to spread the cause.

Go Jackets! And don't forget to wear white Thursday! And then your Dwyer Brigade t-shirts thereafter.

EDIT: You can now order your free shirt and pay your $3 shipping to the left. And if you want to pay more to help us out with production costs, there's a donations link, too. Thanks!

Know Your Yellow Jackets: Jonathan Dwyer

Dwyer jumps to #4 on ESPN's Heisman watch list

4. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech: If Best is on this list, there's no reason not to include Dwyer. Take their opening-day performances: Best scored Cal's first touchdown on a 73-yard run. Dwyer scored the Jackets' first touchdown on a 74-yard run. Best averaged 13.7 yards per carry and had two touchdowns. Dwyer averaged 13.6 yards per carry and had two touchdowns. The Yellow Jackets are a legitimate contender to win the ACC title this year, and Dwyer, the reigning ACC Player of the Year, should get some credit for it.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/heisman09/index

Dwyer Brigade spreads to Athens

No, not this one:


The good one:

Dwyer runs for 95 in one half of play

First play in the much improved new unis

Game 1 is in the books, and Tech didn't need Dwyer in the second half. JD ran for 95 on just 7 carries in the first half, including a 74-yard touchdown on the game's first play.

9 carries, 95 yards, 2 TD

Top '10 draft prospects on offense (CNNSI.com)

Top '10 draft prospects on offense
By Tony Pauline, Special to SI.com, TFYDraft.com

"Running Back

Jonathan Dwyer*/Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets' primary back offers tremendous size and power. He pounds opponents on the inside and occasionally breaks the long run. Dwyer is a top-20 selection and likely the first back selected if he opts for the draft next April.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/09/02/draft.prospects/index.html?eref=sihpT1#ixzz0Q4r362P3"

Heisman watch: Cutting through the preseason hype

by Pete Fiutak - Fox Sports & CFN

On the radar, but the world is looking for more

RB Jonathan Dwyer, Jr. Georgia Tech
This week: Home vs. Jacksonville State.
Last season: 200 carries, 1,395 yards, 12 touchdowns, eight catches, 209 yards, one touchdown.

The sky's the limit for a top back in the Paul Johnson rushing offense. Dwyer isn't just considered a good back in a quirky system; he's a first-round draft pick talent who should be a threat for 2,000 yards now that everyone knows what they're doing. He ran for 100 yards or more in nine games, and while he was held in check by Virginia Tech, Virginia, and LSU, he was steady. He'll have a few jaw-dropping games with 200 yards or more and he should be among the nation's leaders in yards per carry.

LINK

SI.com's Heisman Hopefuls Film Room

LINK - Jonathan Dwyer

The film room is broken out into four sections, Touchdowns,
Running Plays, Receiving Plays and Stats

CNNSI.com Heisman Watch: #4 J. Dwyer

Gene Menez at CNNSI lists Dwyer just behind the QB trio at #4 in his Heisman watch.

"4. RB Jonathan Dwyer, Jr., Georgia Tech

2008 stats: 200 rushes, 1,395 yards, 12 TDs; 8 receptions, 209 yards, 1 TD; 8 kickoff returns, 171 yards

Heisman-o-meter: The most common question The Watch has received in the offseason has been: "Can anyone other than Bradford, McCoy or Tebow win the Heisman?" The answer is a resounding yes. While the top three have built up much credibility with voters, this will not be a three-man race, and Dwyer could be the most likely challenger. At 6-feet, 235 pounds and with excellent speed, he's essentially a Sunday back playing on Saturdays. Now, with one more year in coach Paul Johnson's option offense under his belt, Dwyer should be even more productive in 2009.

Up next: Sept. 5 vs. Jacksonville State

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/gene_menez/08/25/preseason/index.html?eref=sihpT1#ixzz0Pt3LO01Z"

Highlights & Interviews

Nice video on Dwyer, featuring interviews and highlights.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid29586077001?bclid=27948307001&bctid=35233518001

Hype follows Dwyer on to field for junior season

Photo Credit: Josh D. Weiss

LINK - By Coley Harvey - Macon Telegraph

ATLANTA — In a year’s time, Jonathan Dwyer’s lifestyle has become a lot more hectic.

That’s what nearly 1,400 yards rushing and conference player of the year honors as a sophomore will get you.

Since the close of the 2008 season, he has had to pause for the endless stream of interviews, the face time filming NCAA-related television commercials and the signing of autographs for people who had never heard of him a year ago.

Oh, and to top it all off, the Georgia Tech running back somehow has to sneak in schoolwork, football practice and an occasional snack or two or three.

How does he do it?

“He’s managing it pretty well,” said Dwyer’s teammate, A-back Roddy Jones. “To us, he’s the same old guy. He’s the same old Jon.”

He may be, but to the world that exists outside of Bobby Dodd Stadium, he isn’t just an ordinary player. He’s becoming something bigger.

“We’ll tease him every now and again when we’re walking around with him in public,” Jones said. “Especially in front of Tech fans, we’ll be like, ‘Hey, you’re Jon Dwyer!’ Stuff like that. But to us, he’s just the same old guy.”

The accolades have been plenty, and the expectations have been high. But Dwyer isn’t focused on the things people are saying he should be able to do this coming season. He’s more concerned about where Georgia Tech is headed this fall.

“We want an ACC championship, and we want to get into a BCS bowl. That’s our mind-set, and that’s what we’re going to have this upcoming season,” he said.

Continue Reading...

Dwyer wants Jackets to lead nation in rushing

LINK - Associated Press, Augusta Chronicle

ATLANTA --- There's been talk about coach Paul Johnson adding more passing to Georgia Tech's run-first offense this season.

That's fine with Jonathan Dwyer. But Dwyer's goal is clear: The reigning Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year wants to be the leader of the nation's best rushing attack.

"I know if we go out and dominate like we're supposed to, there's no doubt we can be the No. 1 rushing offense in the country," Dwyer said.

"With the talent we have, we are capable of doing it as long as we stay humble and play hard each and every game we have."

Dwyer thrived in the first year of Johnson's option offense last season. He led the ACC with 1,395 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore.

Johnson is asking Dwyer to be better this year.

"Because he has so much ability and can be a great player, we are going to push him and make him be his best," Johnson said, adding the 6-foot Dwyer's "weight is up a little bit" from his listed 235 pounds.

"It's not like he's slowed down a great deal, but I just know he could be that much faster if he would drop a few pounds," Johnson said. "That's where I need to push him to be in the best condition he can be and challenge him on his blocking. Those are areas where he is not as good at as running the football.

"When I challenge him, I don't want to take away from the fact that he's a great football player."

Led by Dwyer, Georgia Tech ranked fourth in the nation with its 273.2 yards rushing per game. Johnson's former team, Navy, was first at 292.4.

Johnson's offense utilizes three running backs. But unlike a wishbone, two A-backs line up wide in the spread formation instead of directly behind quarterback Josh Nesbitt and Dwyer, the B-back.

It was a new look to the ACC, and the results in the 9-4 season were impressive.

No other team in the league ranked among the nation's top 50 in rushing.

Florida State was second in the league and only 60th in the nation with its 179.1 yards rushing per game, almost 100 yards behind the Yellow Jackets.

Dwyer sais Georgia Tech's running game is just getting started.

"They just saw a sample of what was going on last year," Dwyer said of opposing defenses. "We didn't even put in the whole offense.

"I think we're still going to surprise some people this season with our offense."

Dwyer's confidence, and the confidence of the entire team, was boosted by a nine-win season in Johnson's debut. The Yellow Jackets ended a seven-year losing streak to state rival Georgia and narrowly missed earning a spot in the ACC Championship Game.

The 2008 success came despite Johnson having few players recruited for his offense and severe shortages of depth and experience at several positions, including the three running backs in his spread formation.

There is better depth and expectations for continued improvement because there are only six scholarship seniors on the 2009 roster. Georgia Tech was No. 15 in the USA Today coaches preseason poll.

Suddenly, Georgia Tech is being discussed as a possible challenger to Virginia Tech and other ACC powers.

The preseason respect requires an adjustment for Georgia Tech's players.

"We have a target on our backs, but I do not think we did the best that we could last year," Dwyer said.

"We messed up on some games we should have won. I still think we can surprise some teams this upcoming season."

Georgia Tech returns 17 starters, including Nesbitt, who joined Dwyer in the ACC's top 10 rushing leaders last year. Also back on offense are top receiver Demaryius Thomas and running back Roddy Jones, who rushed for 214 yards in the 45-42 win over Georgia.

The biggest preseason concern is the defensive line, where three senior starters must be replaced.

Johnson isn't ducking the soaring expectations.

"We'll be a better football team this year," Johnson said.

"Now will we win more games? I don't know."

Georgia Tech opens against Jacksonville State on Saturday before another home game against Clemson, followed by a visit to Miami and a return to Atlanta to face North Carolina.

"We'll know where we stand in the ACC by October," Johnson said.

It's not as if October will provide a break in the conference schedule.

"The next two are Virginia Tech and Florida State. Those are our first five conference games," Johnson said.

"Our goal is to be playing for something meaningful in November. If you can get to that point, then that's all you can ask for."

USA Today - Dwyer delivers the goods for Georgia Tech

Photo Credit: Dale Zanine, US Presswire

Check out this article by By Andy Gardiner, USA TODAY.

One of the more eye-catching handouts at the Atlantic Coast Conference football media kickoff last month was the stack of life-size posters of running back C.J. Spiller that Clemson distributed to promote his Heisman Trophy candidacy. The 5-foot, 11-inch image of Spiller in an all-orange Tigers uniform certainly made an impression on Georgia Tech junior Jonathan Dwyer.

"I think that's pretty cool," Dwyer said. "I'll have to ask Dean Buchan (Tech's sports information director) where my poster is."

Though Dwyer was laughing when he said it, there is nothing funny about his credentials for national recognition. He was the 2008 ACC player of the year, not Spiller. And Dwyer is the player most national scouting reports list as the league's top professional prospect.

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We're not the only ones getting shot down

While plenty of Tebow and McCoy for Heisman t-shirts still exist, at least someone else is getting shut down:

A minor league baseball team had "What Would Tim Tebow Do?" Night. Seems a bit over the top. And no doi you're gonna get shut down. They're just making money off the guy. We just want to support our favorite team's best player.

Read about it here.

Dwyer Named First-Team All America by SI

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/08/25/all.america.team/index.html

T-shirts not kosher with Georgia Tech

A beautiful shirt that is no longer available online...

So as some people hypothesized, the GT Athletic Association wasn't too keen on us selling our t-shirts with Dwyer's name on them, even though it was for zero profit.

As a result, you will be able to pick one up at no charge on game days before kickoff at the Mash on the Gas tailgate, located next to "the shaft" by the student center.

Sorry for the inconvenience. We weren't out to get anyone in trouble. We just want to grow some support, so please stop by and say hi and pick up a shirt if you're around!

We will not be available to bring shirts to the Jacksonville State game. Sorry. See you at Clemson (which yes, I know, is a white out, but you can hold onto it).

Dwyer USA Today's #1 ACC Player

Top players

Offense: RB Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech), 6-0, 235: Led the ACC in rushing in 2008 with 1,395 yards and scored 12 touchdowns.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2009-08-25-bonus-acc-capsule_N.htm

Sporting News says Dwyer will challenge for NCAA rushing title

WE SAY: Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer will challenge for the NCAA rushing title, and the Yellow Jackets will win double-digit games for the first time since 1998.

Former Georgia Tech All-American JOE HAMILTON says: "You know, at first Jonathan wasn't too enthused about being a fullback with his hand on the ground. Then he saw what he could accomplish in Coach (Paul) Johnson's offense and he just flourished in it. He's going to lead the nation in rushing because we'll be more comfortable in the option offense. People thought they had trouble stopping us last year—wait until they see the offense this season."

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: JONATHAN DWYER, RB, Georgia Tech

http://www.sportingnews.com/college-football/article/2009-08-24/college-football-preview-acc-predictions

Dwyer ESPN's No. 9 Heisman Candidate

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/heisman08/index

Dwyer one of CBS' Top 8 Heisman Hopefuls

One of the sleepers on this list, but he did have nine 100-yard rushing games, including four in the final five games. If he can get the ball a little more, he has a chance to rush for 1,700 yards, which will make him an automatic Heisman contender.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/heisman

T-shirts orders temporarily on hold

Due to concern about using Jonathan Dwyer's name on the t-shirts we've made, we've temporarily taken the online orders away.

We'll get them back up as soon as we get the persmission needed. We will not be selling the t-shirts for any profit, just at production costs so as many people as possible can show Dwyer their support.

In the meantime, the site is still going strong to continue the Fight for Dwyer for Heisman!

NCAA 2010 As It Should Be

We all know that football video games are one of the best ways to have your program (or player) in the spotlight. In fact, there is often no better celebration of a season's success than to have the team or player's picture on the box cover. So to keep this spirit in line with the Dwyer Brigade's goal of getting #21 the respect he deserves as well as showing that Georgia Tech is the real deal, I think we should begin to petition EA Sports to use the following cover for next year.

Dwyer Brigade shirts are here!

So order away (to the left there)! They'll only be $8 for a limited time.

You'll also be able to pick one up at the Mash On The Gas tailgate on game days.

Let's fill Bobby Dodd Stadium with the Dwyer Brigade!

JD to be featured on 'Football Saturdays in the South' tomorrow

The show will air tomorrow on Raycom at 4 pm ET:

http://www.theacc.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082109aaa.html

2009 CFN Preview - Unit Rankings ... RBs

1. Georgia Tech

With all due respect to Oklahoma and USC, Georgia Tech, too, belongs in the discussion when it comes to the nation’s most talented collection of running backs. Not only is Jonathan Dwyer a bona fide All-American candidate, but he’s now surrounded by a terrific ensemble that’ll keep defenses from focusing on stopping him. If opponents commit too many resources to stopping the junior, Roddy Jones, Anthony Allen, and Marcus Wright will make them pay.

http://cfn.scout.com/2/887668.html

Athlon 2009 Heisman Watch: Jonathan Dwyer

http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/17419/2009-heisman-watch-jonathan-dwyer

Dwyer #1 RB on Mel Kiper's 2010 Big Board

#1 RB and #13 player overall. Don't forget, he's a Junior.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft10/insider/news/story?id=4411477&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2fdraft10%2finsider%2fnews%2fstory%3fid%3d4411477 (must have ESPN Insider... lame)

JD on Maxwell Award watch list

given to the outstanding collegiate football player in America:

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-6-543/ACC-has-six-on-Maxwell-Award-watch-list.html

Dwyer doesn't need a poster

but we'll give him a website and some t-shirts...

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/preview09/news/story?id=4390992

Dwyer is Sports Illustrated's #1 Player in the ACC

After leading the league in rushing, averaging seven yards per carry and notching nine 100-plus yard games, Dwyer became the first sophomore to win ACC Player of the Year honors. A hard-nosed runner, he's a perfect fit for Tech's flexbone offense.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0908/cfb.top.10.acc.players/content.10.html#ixzz0OhNBwtRG

Welcome to the Dwyer Brigade

Here you will find all of the reasons Jonathan Dwyer should bring the Heisman Trophy back to Georgia Tech, home of John Heisman himself.