Gamble prepares for one last time
Georgia Tech defensive tackle Patrick Gamble will live on in the memory of Jackets' fans for blocking the field goal in the win over FSU in 2015 that led to the return and touchdown by Lance Austin. Gamble will play his final game as a Jacket in the TaxSlayer Bowl against Kentucky and the fifth-year senior is trying to manage his emotions in the final days leading up to the game.
"Emotionally it hasn't hit me, but being around the team has," Gamble said. "We have a game coming up and that's it. There won't be anymore practices here (in Atlanta) and I have definitely realized my time is coming to an end of being a part of the Georgia Tech football team as a player."
Gamble practiced for the last time at Tech on Wednesday.
"I think in the end it will be laughs and smiles and knowing I've made it through five years here. I'm just going to be happy here. I made it here," he said Tuesday.
Unlike when he arrived in Atlanta, the Jackets' defensive line has talent and experience that could prove to make what has been a weakness a strength in 2017. Gamble says he thinks the core of the returning line will provide a strong foundation for the defense next year.
"I think we have a lot of talent and guys who know what it is like to play. We will have two senior ends in Antonio (Simmons) and KeShun (Freeman). Inside you have Desmond (Branch), Tay (Brentavious Glanton), (Brandon) Adams and Kyle (Henderson) so they will have some experience going forward," he said.
Gamble hopes to follow in the footsteps of his friend Adam Gotsis who is playing for the Denver Broncos. He was invited to the Tropicana Bowl for seniors but Gamble hopes to land in a more prestigious bowl game. Either way he hopes he can make it in the NFL like Gotsis did.
"It has always been a lifelong dream. Anytime you have a shot to make money playing a game you've played your whole life, that is something anybody would want," Gamble said. "I've talked to Adam all the time and he has told me what it is like and what to expect and I have some insight on what will come."
In the NFL, Gamble projects as a defensive tackle or 3-4 end, just like Gotsis did a year ago.
"I'm glad I can play either way. I've got film at defensive end and defensive tackle and I'm comfortable at either one. I just hope I get that opportunity," he said.
Jackets' defensive line coach Mike Pelton has produced several NFL defensive tackles and he thinks Gamble could make the league in the right situation.
"With Pat it depends on where he fits. I think if he gets with the right squad he could make it," Pelton said. "He has a chance, but he is a right fit guy."
As for Gamble, his days on the Flats are numbered, but he has one more game and one more thing to look forward to before he goes.
"I'm waiting for the young guys to carry me off the field. That is something we do here, carry the seniors off and I look forward to remembering things like that," he said.
Gamble has two wins over Georgia, wins over 11 of the 13 other ACC programs including top ranked Clemson and Florida and a blocked field goal attempt that will live in highlights for years to come. Not a bad career for a kid from Carrollton that most people thought would be an offensive tackle.