After two months on campus, some members of Georgia Tech’s freshman class have already made an impression on their teammates. At the Yellow Jackets’ annual preseason media day Thursday, a handful of players shared observations of teammates in the freshman class.
Linebacker Jaquan Henderson, whom coach Paul Johnson said might be the fastest player on the team, has shown his quickness to linebacker Brant Mitchell.
“I’ve spent some time with him on 7-on-7 and stuff,” Mitchell said. “Definitely has good ability to break on the ball, and very explosive. He’s quick. I’m excited to be out there with him.”
Henderson, from Newton High, was one of the most sought-after members of Tech’s class. He committed to UCLA and then Tennessee before landing with the Jackets.
He is one of three linebackers in the class. T.D. Roof from Buford High and Bruce Jordan-Swilling from New Orleans are the two others. Jordan-Swilling and his brother Tre Swilling, the sons of Tech great Pat Swilling, have impressed A-back Qua Searcy.
“I feel like they stood out a lot,” Searcy said. “Every time we run, they’re always in the front, they’re always pushing the other guys. I just feel like their work ethic is amazing.”
Like Henderson, the Swillings also are prominent members of the freshman class. Tre Swilling selected Tech over Alabama, LSU and Florida State, among others, schools that also offered a scholarship to Bruce Jordan-Swilling.
Quarterback TaQuon Marshall gave a nod to B-back Jerry Howard, from Rock Hill, S.C.
“Just his size, and he can really move,” Marshall said.
Howard is listed at 6-foot and 215 pounds. He chose Tech after previously committing to East Carolina. He’ll join the competition to back up Dedrick Mills with sophomores Quaide Weimerskirch and KirVonte Benson.
“He’ll definitely push them, too,” Marshall said.
Howard, the Swillings and Henderson all are candidates to play this season, as they seem capable of breaking into the three-deep depth chart and also contributing on special teams. The decisions on which of the freshmen will will play and which probably will redshirt will be made in the next couple of weeks of practice.
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