The new Georgia Tech media guide, released at the ACC Kickoff media event that began Wednesday, included four departures and three notable position changes.
Safeties Gentry Bonds and Jarett Cole, running back Xavier Gantt and offensive lineman Boe Tufele were all not listed on the roster for the coming season. None of the four were in the NCAA’s transfer database Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the transfer portal.
Tufele was a redshirt freshman last season and did not play in any games last season. Cole, who was a rising sophomore last season, played in six games in 2018 and recorded two tackles. Gantt, a sophomore in 2018, played in four games last year, rushing twice. Bonds, a redshirt freshman, did not appear in any games.
Jahaziel Lee, who primarily played center and tackle on the offensive line through his first three seasons, was listed on the roster as a defensive lineman. He switched between offensive line and defensive line in spring practice. He also has switched his jersey number from 53 to 95, possibly an indication of the firmness of the switch. It is “strongly recommended” in the NCAA rulebook that offensive linemen wear between 50 and 79.
Tech has need for depth on the defensive line, particularly at the two tackle spots.
Incoming freshman Demetrius Knight, who signed as a quarterback, was listed as a linebacker on his bio. The move does not come as a surprise, as he was one of two quarterbacks in the signing class (Jordan Yates is the other), he had played multiple positions in high school and had indicated his willingness to move from quarterback.
Jair Hawkins-Anderson was listed as a defensive back after playing his first two seasons at wide receiver. Hawkins-Anderson saw time at cornerback in the spring and showed playmaking ability at that position.
The position changes are not necessarily permanent. Coach Geoff Collins may continue to adjust the lineup and has routinely had players play on offense and defense.
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