The Latest: Georgia Tech players to use 'attacking' defense

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Latest on ACC Media Days (all times local):

12:53 p.m.

Georgia Tech linebacker Brant Mitchell says he's looking forward to the new "attack style" defensive scheme installed by Yellow Jackets new defensive coordinator Nate Woody.

Mitchell says players will be moving a lot on defense, making them more unpredictable to the opposing offenses. He's hoping it will allow defensive players to show off their athleticism and speed.

Coach Paul Johnson says the Yellow Jackets need a simpler scheme, allowing them to play faster.

He likes what he's seen so far from Woody, who directed Appalachian State's 3-4 defense the past five seasons. Appalachian State was 15th in the nation in scoring defense the last three seasons.

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11 a.m.

Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford says he's excited about the future of his conference, saying at the opening of the ACC Media Days that "we are in the best shape we have ever been as a conference with football and basketball."

He also says the ACC's proposed early signing period change "has been a positive addition to the recruiting calendar. The early signing period was initiated by the ACC, as was the new redshirt rule."

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1:50 a.m.

The Atlantic Coast Conference opens its preseason media days Wednesday with a focus on the Coastal Division.

The division hasn't had a repeat champion since 2011. This time, Miami is trying to hang onto that top spot after Mark Richt's Hurricanes had their first 10-win season since 2003.

The Coastal also features two of the longest-tenured coaches in the league, with Duke's David Cutcliffe and Georgia Tech's Paul Johnson entering their 11th seasons.

Four of the seven division teams — Miami, Virginia Tech, Duke and Virginia — played in bowl games last year. North Carolina finished last in an injury-riddled three win season, which came just two seasons after the Tar Heels won 11 games and claimed the Coastal crown.

The two-day session concludes Thursday with the Atlantic Division teams.

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