Georgia Tech freshman Kel Johnson’s powerful debut this past weekend earned him a worthy honor – ACC player of the week. In three games to start the season, Johnson was 8-for-14 with two home runs and three doubles. He was 4-for-5 in Tech’s season opener Friday against St. John’s, becoming the first freshman to produce four hits in his debut since Derik Goffena in 1998.
The Jackets beat St. John’s Friday night 17-3 at Russ Chandler Stadium and then split with Fordham Saturday. Johnson played right field in the Friday game and the nightcap of the Saturday doubleheader and was the designated hitter in the Saturday opener.
Johnson became the first freshman to win ACC player of the week after the first week of the season since 2008 (Mike McGee, Florida State). Johnson was a highly-touted prospect out of Palmetto whom coach Danny Hall said has the potential to be an elite hitter.
Tech plays Georgia Southern Tuesday in Statesboro at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast online on ESPN3.
