May 23, 2013
Friday August 31, 2012
ATLANTA (AP) -- Charles Perkins is opening the season as Georgia Tech's surprise starting running back on Monday night at No. 16 Virginia Tech.
Coach Paul Johnson said Friday Perkins, a sophomore, had the best week of practice and will share time with Zach Laskey and possibly David Sims. Johnson says a new leader at the key position could emerge against the Hokies' strong defense.
Perkins will be the B-back, the position that produced the top rusher in Johnson's first three seasons -- Jonathan Dwyer for two straight years and Anthony Allen in 2010.
The balance changed last season when quarterback Tevin Washington led the team with 986 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns. Sims and Orwin Smith are the leading returning rushers among running backs.
Perkins ran for only 95 yards in 2011.
Copyright 2012 Associated Press
