Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson offered his support to the son of a former assistant who is fighting a rare heart condition that likely will require a transplant. Jarren Jasper is the 14-year-old son of Navy offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper, who played for Johnson at Hawaii and then coached for him at Georgia Southern and two different stints at Navy.

Jarren is suffering from supraventricular tachycardia, which can cause excessive heart rate because of faulty electrical connections in the heart. Johnson recorded a video for Jarren, joining several other schools and coaches sending him well wishes, including Duke, Clemson and Michigan. Tech also sent him a Yellow Jackets jersey with his father’s No. 4.

Johnson spoke fondly Saturday of the Jasper family, saying he had known Jarren since he was 2 or 3 years old.

“We’ve known Donna and the kids for a long time,” Johnson said. “It’s a tough, tough situation, but they’re pretty tough people. They’ll work through it.”

About the Author

Keep Reading

Georgia Tech defensive back Omar Daniels (white shirt) defends against a catch during the first half of a game against the Clemson Tigers on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Atlanta, at Bobby Dodd Stadium. (Jason Allen/AJC)

Credit: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com