2014 Georgia Tech commitments

AJC recruiting expert Michael Carvell details the commitments to Georgia Tech. This list will be updated continuously. Check back for updates.

SIGNINGS

Step Durham, cornerback, Atlantic Coast High School of Jacksonville, Fla.

• Colleges: Committed to Georgia Tech over Vanderbilt, among 25 scholarship offers, on June 8, 2013.
• Why Georgia Tech? "I have a lot of reasons for picking Georgia Tech. Location played a key factor. They have a great recruiting staff. And, also, I have a better chance of getting on the field and making a major impact when I first get to college at Georgia Tech."
• Vitals: 5-foot-11, 185 pounds. 3.5 GPA and wants to major in business. "If the NFL doesn't go well, maybe I will open my own business."
• Recruiting rankings: TBA
• Things to know: Durham was one of four 2014 Tech recruits to enroll early. Said coach Paul Johnson: "He's another guy that was real highly recruited. He's a cover corner. He's a guy that's going to come and hopefully have the chance to compete early. Spring practice ought to help him a bunch because it puts him ahead of the curve" … In 2010, Durham said he made history by becoming the first freshman to start on the varsity at Atlantic Coast … Vertical jump of 38.5 inches.
• They said it: "He's a talented corner and a good all-around guy. He's going to be able to come in and compete immediately for playing time. He could push for a starting job from getting the experience of going through the spring with the team." – Jacketsonline's Kelly Quinlan.

KeShun Freeman, defensive end, Callaway High School

• Colleges: Committed to Georgia Tech over Stanford and Tennessee on June 7, 2013.
• Why Georgia Tech? "I said 'Coach (Paul Johnson), I've been thinking about a lot of things, and I've been praying about it — and I've decided I want to go to Georgia Tech. He was like 'Yeah. I can breathe now.' He was so happy. He was smiling. He was laughing and everything. It was amazing. He was so excited about me."
• Vitals: 6-foot-1, 230 pounds. Has a 4.0 GPA and plans to study with pre-med with the hopes of being an anesthesiologist.
• Recruiting rankings: TBA
• Things to know: Freeman was one of four 2014 Tech recruits to enroll early. Said Johnson: "He is going to enroll here in January. He's going to have spring ball and we're excited. He was heavily recruited and had a bunch of offers. We're hopeful that he can come in and fill a void rushing the passer off the edge at defensive end." … As a senior, Freeman posted 153 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 3 blocked kicks … As a junior, Freeman had 96 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss. He had around 20 early scholarship offers … Declined a later offer from Notre Dame. 
• They said it: "He's an energetic and fun guy who loves to play the game of football. He has to put some weight on his frame but he has tremendous potential at either linebacker or defensive end. Where he ends up ultimately depends on how his body fills out over the next year." — JacketsOnline.com's Kelly Quinlan

Tre Jackson, linebacker, Lowndes High School

• Colleges: Committed to Georgia Tech on March 15, 2013, less than a week after getting his first BCS scholarship offer from the Yellow Jackets. 
• Why Georgia Tech? "It was just because of the faith they had in me to offer me a scholarship. That meant a lot to me. People were saying, being that I'm a 5-foot-10 linebacker playing in the box, I might not get a lot of opportunities like that, especially to a great D1 school. Georgia Tech had a lot of faith in me, and that's the kind of school I need to be associated with." 
• Vitals: 5-foot-9, 225 pounds, 3.92 GPA and likely will pursue a career in sports medicine. 
• Recruiting rankings: TBA 
• Things to know: Jackson was one of four 2014 Tech recruits to enroll early … As a senior, Jackson was named Region 1-AAAAA Defensive Player of the Year with 70 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 QB hurries, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions … As a junior, Jackson led Lowndes with 45 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for losses. He also had two interceptions and recovered two fumbles. 
• They said it: "I just think Tre is a good football player. I think he was the defensive player of the year down in that region, where there are a lot of good players. I know he loves to play the game. He's real physical. And he has been committed for a pretty good while now." – Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson

Matthew Jordan, quarterback, Jackson (Ala.) High School

• Colleges: Committed to Georgia Tech over Nebraska, among 18 offers, on June 29, 2013. He actually privately committed to the Yellow Jackets a week earlier, but waited until a party with friends to go public with his decision. 
• Why Georgia Tech? "I visited Georgia Tech … and I just knew I fit in there. It felt like home to me. They (Georgia Tech) have kind of been wanting to throw a little bit more, so I think I will bring more of a passing attack." 
• Vitals: 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, with a 4.083 GPA. "I wanted to become a pharmacist. But now that I'm going to Georgia Tech, I'm probably going to change it to mechanical engineering. I'm not set on that, but that's what I'm leaning towards right now." 
• Recruiting rankings: TBA 
• Things to know: Jordan was one of four 2014 Tech recruits to enroll early. Said Yellow Jackets coach Paul Johnson: "He's had a great career there in high school, and he's accomplished a lot. He's a guy who has made a lot of plays. He can do everything we want to do with the offense. He can run, and he can throw. We're only going to take one quarterback in this class, and he's it." … As a senior, Jordan completed 154 of 241 passes for 2,173 yards and 24 touchdowns, along with 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,272 yards and 15 touchdowns … As a junior, Jordan completed 83 of 143 passes for 1,324 yards and 15 touchdowns, while also running for more than 700 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also caught three touchdown passes while splitting time at quarterback with a teammate … Nearly all colleges were recruiting Jordan at dual-threat QB, while Alabama scouted him as an athlete … Was talked into playing for school golf team, and had a handicap of 10 or 12 strokes. 
• They said it: "He's a very good quarterback, and very good athlete. I think he will be great in that option system over there at Georgia Tech. We're a spread and gun (offense) but we do run some zone-read and things out of that. I think he will be able to pick up that system at Georgia Tech. He's a 4.0 student. He's real sharp and he's real savvy. He's one of the hardest-working kids we've ever had here." – Jackson High School coach Danny Powell

Trey Klock, tight end, Lower Dauphin High School of Hummelstown, Pa.

• Colleges: Committed to Georgia Tech over Boston College on June 16, 2013, while also considering Rutgers and Syracuse. 
• Why Georgia Tech? "When I visited for the first time, I felt welcome there right away. There was just something different about Georgia Tech than I felt about the other schools. I took several visits to other schools, and I enjoyed them. But I knew right away that Georgia Tech was where I needed to be, so that's why I committed early." 
• Vitals: 6-foot-4, 265 pounds. 3.8 GPA and wants to major in business. 
• Recruiting rankings: TBA 
• Things to know: Recruited by Georgia Tech as a "jumbo athlete" and could play defensive end, defensive tackle, or offensive tackle, depending on his growth … Plays football under his father, Rob Klock, who is head coach at Lower Dauphin …. As a senior, Klock had 86 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 9.5 sack and 5 fumble recoveries … Missed last five games of his junior year with a broken foot. Also missed entire seasons of basketball (plays power forward) and baseball (plays first base) for his high school teams … Very athletic for size, and played quarterback until the ninth grade. 
• They said it: "(As a junior), he made All-State on the defensive side of the ball. I guess defensive end is the position where he got he most looks. Again, I'm biased. I was a quarterback in college, and I love coaching the offensive side of the ball. I'd love to see him play tight end (in college), and if the system doesn't go there, I don't know where he ends up. I know this: He ended up choosing a fantastic school with a great tradition. He's going to get a great education and get a chance to play big-time football in the ACC. He can't go wrong." – Trey's father, Rob Klock

Michael Preddy, defensive end, Porter-Gaud School of Charleston, S.C.

• Colleges: Committed to Georgia Tech over Wake Forest, Louisville and Rutgers on July 12, 2013 
• Why Georgia Tech? "I had a feeling that Georgia Tech was the school where I wanted to be for the next four or five years. I went on my hunch and I just committed. 
• Vitals: 6-foot-5, 250 pounds. 2.9 GPA and wants to study business and finance 
• Recruiting rankings: TBA 
• Things to know: Preddy is a relative newcomer to football, going out for the team as a junior. He missed most of his senior season after breaking a small bone in his foot. 
• They said it: Porter-Gaud coach Rick Reetz told WSCS-TV: "Michael is entering only his second year of playing high school football, and I am sure he will continue developing even further at the college level. He is athletic, has a big frame and size, and he has such great potential. He has all of the attributes of a successful Division I athlete and now you can see him really starting to come into his own on the field" … Said JacketsOnline.com's Kelly Quinlan, "He's a good two-way athlete. He's very athletic. He could play tight end, offensive tackle, or defensive end in college. He's going to start off at offensive tackle because he fits with what Paul Johnson likes to do with his offensive tackles – getting to the second level (to block the linebackers)."

Antonio Simmons, defensive end, University Christian School of Jacksonville, Fla.

• Colleges: Committed to Georgia Tech over UCF, South Florida and Air Force on Nov. 3, 2013. 
• Why Georgia Tech? "I love the players, the coaches, the environment and the fans. I just felt like I was at home there." 
• Vitals: 6-foot-4, 200 pounds 
• Recruiting rankings: TBA 
• Things to know: Simmons transferred to University Christian for his senior season and was moved to defensive end because of a lack of depth at the position. Said University Christian coach David Penland: "He's a playmaker, he can change a game at any point and time. He leads our team in sacks. He's probably close to one of the fastest kids I've seen come off the ball. His first couple of steps are really fast." … As a junior, Simmons played wide receiver and running back at another school … He's a raw athlete with a nice ceiling of potential. 
• They said it: "He's a traditional pass-rush guy. He's very similar to Jeremiah Attaochu, who just left Tech. The guy can just get to the quarterback. He has a knack for it." — JacketsOnline.com's Kelly Quinlan

Andrew Marshall, offensive lineman, West Forsyth High School

• Colleges: Committed to Georgia Tech over Duke and Wake Forest on Sept. 5. 
• Why Georgia Tech? "Georgia Tech felt like home – great education, great facilities, great coaches and excellent football." 
• Vitals: 6-foot-4, 265 pounds. 
• Recruiting rankings: TBA 
• Things to know: Marshall didn't allow a sack during his senior season … Marshall was on the radar of a lot of colleges, including Auburn and South Carolina. He picked Tech about two weeks after getting an offer from the Yellow Jackets. 
• They said it: "Andrew is a sort of the traditional center-type guy for Georgia Tech. That's a real bad need because they've had trouble finding centers who work well in this offense. Andrew is a guy they targeted really early on, pushed for, and held off some pretty good teams to get." — JacketsOnline.com's Kelly Quinlan

Lance Austin, cornerback, Lamar County High School

• Colleges: Along with his twin brother Lawrence, Austin committed to Georgia Tech over South Carolina and Vanderbilt on June 17, 2013. 
• Why Georgia Tech? "It was the fact that they offered me and my brother, so we get to play together in college – that's one reason. Georgia Tech is a great academic institution. They sold us on life after football as well. Another fact that contributed was that they told us we can come in and play as freshmen and contribute." 
• Vitals: 5-foot-8, 178 pounds, 3.4 GPA and likely will study engineering. 
• Recruiting rankings: TBA 
• Things to know: Considered to be "heart and soul" of Lamar County's team that made an appearance in the state championship … Playing quarterback as a senior, Austin rushed for 1,097 yards and 19 touchdowns, while passing for 827 yards and 12 touchdowns with one interception. On defense, Austin had 44 tackles and 3 interceptions … The twins were only considering colleges that would take both of them… The brothers were members of Lamar County's 400-meter relay team that won a state championship in track in 2012. 
• They said it: "The twins are pretty similar. They are both are really good. They are identical in a lot of ways (with their athletic skills). They will have a chance to play right off the bat because Georgia Tech (graduated) their two starting corners." — JacketsOnline.com's Kelly Quinlan

Lawrence Austin, cornerback, Lamar County High School

• Colleges: Along with his twin brother Lance, Austin committed to Georgia Tech over South Carolina and Vanderbilt on June 17, 2013. 
• Why Georgia Tech? "I picked Georgia Tech mainly because of the post-graduate opportunities, and getting a degree from there." 
• Vitals: 5-foot-8, 178 pounds, 3.4 GPA, and wants to study engineering or business. 
• Recruiting rankings: TBA 
• Things to know: As a senior at Lamar County, Austin rushed for 1,348 yards and 19 touchdowns while helping team reach the state finals. He also caught 10 passes for 21 yards and four touchdowns. On defense, Austin posted 69 tackles, including 14 tackles for loss, and four interceptions.
• They said it: "The twins are my favorite recruits. I've probably seen them more than any other recruits in this class at Georgia Tech events. They are great athletes, and they can play on either side of the ball. They have a high football IQ, and they play bigger than they are. They are not the biggest guys in the world, but they can hit. They are aggressive. They have tremendous cover skills. And they can play on the other side of the ball, if needed." — JacketsOnline.com's Kelly Quinlan

Qua Searcy, defensive back, Lamar County High School

• Colleges: Committed to Georgia Tech over Louisville, North Carolina and Wisconsin on June 19, 2013.
• Why Georgia Tech? "I think it's because (high school teammates) Lance and Lawrence committed to Georgia Tech earlier, and they started recruiting Qua," Lamar County coach Franklin Stephens said. "I think Qua has been up there to visit once or twice — I know for the spring game. And when Lance and Lawrence committed on Monday, I think they became instant recruiters for Georgia Tech. Quay was one of those guys that Georgia Tech was really interested in."
• Vitals: 5-foot-11, 165 pounds.
• Recruiting rankings: TBA
• Things to know: Teammates at Lamar County with two other Tech commits, twins Lance and Lawrence Austin … As a senior, Searcy had a team-high 88 tackles with five interceptions. He also returned two kicks for touchdowns. On offense, Searcy rushed for 400 yards and 4 touchdowns, while catching two touchdowns.
• They said it: "Qua is a really interesting guy. I'm not sure where he will ultimately end up. They've taken him as a wide receiver but he could play safety, he could play corner, and he could play A-Back. He's really a dynamic athlete. He has good cover skills at corner and has great hands at receiver. He was a great 'athlete' take for Georgia Tech. You've got to have guys like him who you can plug into holes. He really wanted to come to Georgia Tech really bad, and his friends were there." — JacketsOnline.com's Kelly Quinlan

Tyler Merriweather, defensive end, Demopolis (Ala.) High School

• Colleges: Committed to Georgia Tech over Memphis and Louisiana Tech on June 8, 2013, one day after visiting the Yellow Jackets for a team picnic.

• Why Georgia Tech? "It's not all about football. Academics are important, with me wanting to be an engineer. Georgia Tech has good academics, good football and it's a short distance from home. I couldn't ask for a better situation … Honestly, I loved everything about my Georgia Tech visit. I loved the college atmosphere, and how the coaches are all like family. You would think Georgia Tech would be crazy because it's in downtown Atlanta, but it's just a great place."
• Vitals: 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, 4.1 GPA, and wants to study electrical engineering.
• Recruiting rankings: TBA
• Things to know: As a junior at Demopolis, Merriweather registered 52 tackles, six sacks, four forced fumbles, and two recovered fumbles.
• They said it: "Tyler is a high-motor pass rush guy. He could play either defensive end spots. He has a lot of flexibility." — said JacketsOnline.com's Kelly Quinlan

Jalen Johnson, safety, Oneonta (Ala.) High School

• Colleges: Committed to Georgia Tech over Arkansas State, Southern Miss and Furman on May 30, 2013.
• Why Georgia Tech? "I just think you can get a great education at Georgia Tech, they play good football there, and it's close to home. That's pretty much it."
• Vitals: 6-foot-3, 195 pounds.
• Recruiting rankings: TBA
• Things to know: Johnson missed his senior season after tearing his ACL and MCL in a preseason scrimmage. He told al.com in late January that he was nearly back to full health: "I go to rehab twice a week with a professional trainer. I'm running and jumping and getting close to back to normal. At first I was scared, but I've gotten used to it and it's getting better. The doctor said (recovery) would be six to eight months, and Feb. 27 will be six months. I think I should be ready by then" … Johnson's team lost in the state championship games his sophomore and junior seasons, but won in the finals during his senior year. Johnson watched the game from the sidelines, because of injury.
• They said it: "He's a great athlete. Georgia Tech got after him early, and his recruitment got derailed after he hurt his knee. But I think if he had not gotten injured and actually played his senior year, he would have been one of the top players in Alabama this year … He could play safety or wide receiver. Coach Roof likes him, from what Jalen told me, as a big free safety-type guy with range. He has ball-hawking skills in the secondary, and chases down the ball really well with good vision." — JacketsOnline.com's Kelly Quinlan

Gary Brown, offensive lineman, Alonso High School of Tampa, Fla.

• Colleges: Committed to Georgia Tech over Indiana on Sept. 23, 2013.
• Why Georgia Tech? "I committed to Georgia Tech for three reasons. First, the value of the education there is unbeatable. I will be able to pursue my interest in entrepreneurship, as well as get a degree from a well-known school. Secondly, (assistant Mike Sewak) and I have built a great relationship over the past six months, and I really like his coaching style and the players there. Thirdly, Georgia Tech offers great business experience because of Fortune 500 companies located in Atlanta."
• Vitals: 6-foot-2, 280 pounds.
• Recruiting rankings: TBA
• Things to know: Brown announced his college decision via Twitter.
• They said it: "He's a lot like Shaq Mason, the starting right guard. Gary is a very intelligent player. He's very athletic. If he was a little bit taller, he'd probably would've been a really high-profile national recruit." — JacketsOnline.com's Kelly Quinlan

C.J. Leggett, running back, North Gwinnett High School

• Colleges: Committed to Georgia Tech over Pitt and UCLA on Dec. 20. Leggett got a late offer from Tech after the completion of his senior season, and committed to the Yellow Jackets before taking an official visit.
• Why Georgia Tech? "I've watched a lot of their film. Offensively, I think it's a good fit for me because they run inside and outside and that's my strength. Also, I committed there because it's a really good school academically."
• Vitals: 5-foot-9, 200 pounds
• Recruiting rankings: TBA
• Things to know: Leggett and Travis Custis, who signed last year, are the most talented running backs that Tech has signed since Jonathan Dwyer … Leggett transferred from Chattahoochee High School to North Gwinnett for his senior season, rushing for 1,784 yards and 23 touchdowns. He was slowed by turf injury early in the season, but rushed for 840 yards and 9 touchdowns in five playoff games as North Gwinnett appeared in state championship … Leggett will get a look at both the A-Back and B-Back positions (running back) at Tech. "I feel I could do both," Legget said. "I can use my speed and moves to get to the edge, but I can also get the tough yards when you need to pound it in there. I can do a good mixture of both" … Leggett wants to study medicine or business in college, with the goal of being an orthopedic surgeon. His father is a doctor, and his mother works as an attorney.
• They said it: "What stands about C.J. Leggett is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He presents a solid combination of strength and speed. He has a decisive style of running. He should be very productive in Georgia Tech's scheme." –247Sports.com's Kipp Adams

Jake Stickler, offensive lineman, Manatee High School of Bradenton, Fla.

• Colleges: Committed to Georgia Tech over Missouri on July 26, 2013
• Why Georgia Tech? "It was between Missouri and Georgia Tech. On the ride back from Missouri, I had a lot of time to think. It was a 20-hour drive. They're both good schools, but the curriculum at Georgia Tech is more what I'm looking to study. I'm undecided, but I'm leaning more toward business right now. Also, there was just the difference in the coaches. I really have a good relationship with (Tech assistant Mike) Sewak. I like the way he coaches. I like the way we get along. That played a part in it, along with distance from home."
• Vitals: 6-foot-6, 280 pounds
• Recruiting rankings: TBA
• Things to know: Stickler is not sure exactly where he will play at Tech but he's fine with that. "I don't know. Coach Sewak said they're looking to keep me at tackle, but the head coach kind of threw out a hint that maybe I will be at center. As long as I'm on the offensive line anywhere, that's fine with me. I just like to play football. And I've played every position on the offensive line except for center. I've played guard and tackle on both sides, and tight end."
• They said it: "He's a very lean and athletic offensive lineman. He's athletic enough to play guard or tackle in college. He has a nice frame that will fill out well once he gets into the strength and conditioning program." — JacketsOnline.com's Kelly Quinlan

Jake Whitley, offensive lineman, North Augusta (S.C.) High School

• Colleges: Committed to Georgia Tech over Appalachian State, Maryland and Marshall on Sept. 4, 2013.
• Why Georgia Tech? "I love the coaches and the atmosphere. And you can't beat the education."
• Vitals: 6-foot-3, 310 pounds.
• Recruiting rankings: TBA
• Things to know: Whitley was having a good senior season, but missed the last half with a knee injury after another player rolled into his legs during a game. He tore his ACL and PCL in his left knee, but did not have to undergo surgery. He is expected to be at full strength by the summer … Whitley was selected to play in the Shrine Bowl, which features the top players in South Carolina and North Carolina … His older brother, Jackson Whitley, was a first basemen from North Augusta who was selected in the 13th round of the MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels.
• They said it: "Jake is an interesting guy. He was having a really great senior year until his injury. He was a guy who was flying under the radar a little bit. He will have a chance to come in and play at guard or center. He's a high-motor guy who is very much into being coached. He's a coachable guy — JacketsOnline.com's Kelly Quinlan