Canes Rising Contributor
Name: Georgia Institute of Technology
Mascot: Yellow Jackets
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Home Stadium: Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field(Capacity: 55,000)
Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference(ACC)
Athletic Director: Mike Bobinski
Head Coach: Paul Johnson
Time Capsule
It's been a long 4 years since the magical 2009 season for fans of the Ramblin' Wreck. Paul Johnson's teams have struggled, going 28-25 since 2009. The Yellow Jackets were inconsistent last season, unable to beat any of the conference elites, and suffered another loss to the Georgia Bulldogs. The flexbone looked antiquated last year with quarterback Vad Lee being unable to spark a consistent passing game. Defensively, the Jackets struggled, giving up points in bunches. Defensive Coordinator Ted Roof oversaw one of the worst defenses in school history.
What To Expect This Season
Offense
The flexbone is getting a much needed facelift. The offense, which has looked outdated over the last couple of years has been utilized less this season. Paul Johnson has started to go to more shotgun looks, and spread concepts. This will help the Jackets in the passing game, which has been one of the worst in FBS over the last couple of seasons. However, this change doesn't involve the installation of a modern passing game. The Jackets still don't have true route trees, and quarterbacks are still making simple reads. Last season's starting quarterback, Vad Lee, transferred, leaving Justin Thomas to lead this offense. Thomas, who saw playing time last season, is a better passer than Lee, but isn't the gifted athlete Lee was. The traditional offense still uses a B-Back, and Zach Laskey is the prototype at the position. Laskey is a tough, physical runner who thrives in traffic. The 2 A-Backs, Charles Perkins and Tony Zenon are unknowns who have feasted on weak competition this season . The rejuvenated passing game will feature big, strong receivers who can not only block, but stretch the field vertically. DeAndre Smelter is the best of the bunch, averaging 16.4 yards per catch last season. Darren Waller is a solid receiver, but has struggled with consistency. Michael Summers has emerged in his sophomore season, but it remains to be seen if he can be a consistent threat. The Tech O-Line is smaller than most lines, but are masters of the cut block, and are known as a physical bunch. The Jackets lost a lot of experience, but return Shaquille Mason, a 2nd team All-ACC selection.
Defense
Defensive Coordinator Ted Roof has his hands full once again. Georgia Tech has been dreadful defensively the last 3 years, and this unit lost some key contributors from last season. Jeremiah Attaochu and his 12.5 sacks are gone, and no one on the roster will be able to match his production. The defensive line returns one starter, nose guard Adam Gotsis. Gotsis is a solid player who had 5.5 sacks last season. The linebacker corps returns a fair amount of talent, with Quayshawn Nealy and Demond Smith leading the way. The linebackers have been active this season, especially with Roof calling a ton of blitzes. Last season, Georgia Tech's leading tackler wasn't a defensive linemen, or a linebacker. It was Jemea Thomas, a defensive back. Thomas graduated, and leaves a big hole in the defensive backfield, which struggled last season. The Jackets also lost another member of the secondary, as Demond Smith was moved to linebacker over the offseason. Jamal Golden and D.J Smith are the leaders of this unit, which will be tested all season.
Special Teams
The Yellow Jackets have been extremely mediocre in this area for the better part of 4 years. Harrison Butker has a strong leg, but is inaccurate on intermediate length kicks. He's only connected on 25% of kicks between 30-39 yards this year, but he's perfect from 40+. Ryan Rodwell has consistently improved during his short career, and has shown an ability to tilt the field with his punts.
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