With Georgia Tech’s spring practice beginning Monday, we’ll take a look at each position group and how the depth stacks up for the Yellow Jackets. Players will be rated as starting, competing or depth.
The transfer of Marcus Marshall to James Madison has given backups to Dedrick Mills more hope that they can see the field soon. At A-back, the trio of Clinton Lynch, J.J. Green and Qua Searcy could achieve greatness this fall.
B-BACKS
Dedrick Mills: Starter
In part because of his production and in part because of the lack of experience behind him, Mills is about as firm a starter as there is on the roster.
KirVonte Benson: Depth
He has playmaking ability and is in position to be the No. 2 B-back behind Mills, but he’ll need to show consistency. Potential contenders Jerry Howard and Jordan Ponchez-Mason will arrive this summer.
Quaide Weimerskirch: Depth
Weimerskirch, who played in seven games in a special-teams role, did not have a great start as a Tech ballcarrier — he fumbled in his only carry of the season.
A-BACKS
Clinton Lynch: Starter
Lynch, who was highly productive in his second season as a starter, will miss the spring after having undergone surgery, according to coach Paul Johnson.
Qua Searcy: Competing
The hero of the win over Georgia started six games this past season and figures to make steps in consistency with a lot of practice time coming this spring.
J.J. Green: Competing
Whether he starts, Green almost certainly will earn plenty of playing time in the rotation. A terrific perimeter blocker, he started 10 games last season.
Nathan Cottrell: Depth
He returned nine kickoffs late in the season and played special teams. He’s now a year and a half removed from his ACL tear.
Xavier Gantt: Depth
Gantt redshirted last season. With Isiah Willis and Lynn Griffin moved on, now’s the time for him and others to move up the line behind the Green/Lynch/Searcy trio.
Omahri Jarrett: Depth
He was stuck deep on the depth chart, getting into one game as a redshirt freshman. Getting onto special teams can be a goal.
Incoming freshmen: Jerry Howard, Jordan Ponchez-Mason.
Coming Thursday: Wide receivers, offensive line and kickers/punters
Coming Friday: Defensive line, linebackers and defensive backs
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