Defensive line coach Giff Smith has a wealth of young talent redshirting on the bench this season at defensive end and true freshman Euclid Cummings has been turning heads since arriving in Atlanta. Cummings has been a key part of the scout team this season helping prepare one of the best offenses in the nation every week by simulating the opposing team's defense.

"It is has been good working on the scout team and getting more experience playing," Cummings said.

The thing Cummings has spent the most time on since arriving at Tech is building up his lean body for the grind of an ACC season.

"I have been working on my body since day one trying to get bigger and stronger," he said. "I have been working on my core and trying to get more flexible."

Since arriving at Tech in June Cummings has added over 20 pounds of muscle while increasing both his speed and flexibility. Cummings weighed in at 230 when he arrived in June.

"Right now I have added around 25 pounds since I got here. I am at 261 and I think, this is the right weight for me," he said. "When I first started doing the scout team work I lost some weight, but my body has gotten used to the grind of it. Coach Smith has me working on getting more flexible."

Facing the first team offense everyday in practice has also presented some unique challenges especially when the staff moves the ends inside to make them work harder from defensive tackle.

"It has made me a better player facing the ones every day. Coach moves me inside to defensive tackle in practice to get used to taking on base blocks and things like that," he said. "I have really enjoyed my scout team experience. Every week you get to try something new and learn new assignments."

After watching from the sidelines all year, Cummings has the itch to knock some heads and he is eagerly awaiting his shot at the two-deep in the spring.

"It has been really exciting watching the team succeed this year. I see where I can help the team next year. Derrick [Morgan] may leave so hopefully if that happens I can step up and contribute to the team," Cummings said.

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