What does Georgia Tech’s depth chart look like going into the summer?
Consider this an estimation at how the Yellow Jackets stack up at the end of spring practice. Notes below.
Credit: Ken Sugiura
Credit: Ken Sugiura
1. Eight returning starters is obviously a positive. Tech returns 91 percent of its receiving yardage and 57 percent of its rushing yardage. Further, two of the returning starters (wide receiver Ricky Jeune and A-back Clinton Lynch) have started the past two seasons. Moreover, nine of the players in the projected first string are slated to return in 2018, as are eight of the second string.
2. Going into preseason camp, offensive line coaches Mike Sewak and Ron West will be trying to develop a three-man rotations at tackle and guard and a dependable backup at center. Those possibilities could be on the second string right now or a freshman coming in this summer.
3. Coach Paul Johnson referred to B-backs KirVonte Benson and Quaide Weimerskirch as "2A" and "2B" and said they brought different strengths to the position. It's conceivable that the competition to be the No. 2 B-back will continue into the preseason, with freshmen Jerry Howard and Jordan Ponchez-Mason entering the fray.
4. While Jalen Camp appears firm in the No. 3 wide receiver spot, Antonio Messick seems to have made strides in making a bid for more playing time in his final season. Jair Hawkins-Anderson, a redshirt last season, is still learning the offense, but shows potential.
5. At A-back, Nathan Cottrell and others behind J.J. Green, Clinton Lynch and Qua Searcy will have a challenge winning regular snaps because of the productivity and experience of that estimable trio, but Cottrell improved this spring and appears fully past his ACL tear in Aug. 2015. Omahri Jarrett and Xavier Gantt are also in the mix.
6. Of the second-string 11, though, only two players, Green (who is essentially a third starter) and Devine, have played significant amounts of time. Others, such as Benson and quarterback TaQuon Marshall, have barely played at all.
7. The two-deep is certainly subject to change with the arrival of the freshman class and competition in the preseason. Offensive tackle Zach Quinney and Howard are among players who could challenge for playing time.
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