Tens of thousands of people have watched Stephen Hill, Orwin Smith and Georgia Tech’s other playmakers dash for long touchdowns this season. Many more saw the highlights replayed on television.
For senior wide receiver Tyler Melton, the glory usually comes from a few dozen teammates and coaches in a darkened video room. That’s where he gets the most recognition for the blocks on the perimeter that spring some of Tech’s biggest plays.
“I get a couple rewinds and some ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ and ‘nice hits,’” Melton said. “That’s all the gratification I need.”
That’s what has to satisfy Melton in coach Paul Johnson’s triple-option offense. In three-plus seasons under Johnson, the Jackets have run the ball on 81 percent of their plays, leaving few opportunities for wide receivers to shine as pass catchers.
Hill and his predecessor as Tech’s top pass target, Demaryius Thomas, have gotten most of those. In 36 collegiate games, Melton has 19 catches for 276 yards and one touchdown.
Melton returned kicks and punts as a freshman, but since then he’s blocked much more often than he’s touched the ball. It’s why a list of highlights in his Tech bio includes the line: “threw a key block that led to Josh Nesbitt’s go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter against Virginia Tech” as a sophomore.
Melton said he eventually accepted that’s how it would be for his time at Tech. Now he relishes the chance to do his part to help the Jackets win.
“You have to find a way to excel,” Melton said. “I came from a high school catching 70 passes per year. That transition at first was shocking, but I’m the type of person that doesn’t give up. My dad has really instilled in me when you start something, finish it.
“I have to be the best at something, so if I’m not going to get 10 catches a game, might as well knock somebody’s head off.”
Melton zealously throws himself at the task. He was so good at it during Tech’s 35-28 victory against North Carolina on Saturday, it earned him a nod from Johnson as offensive co-player of the week though Melton had just two catches for 12 yards.
One Melton play in particular stood out. A-back Embry Peeples took a toss to the left, and North Carolina linebacker Norkeithus Otis stopped and pivoted to his right to follow the play.
Otis could hardly take a step before Melton smashed him with a well-placed shoulder that sent Otis violently to the ground.
“It was one of the best [hits] I’ve seen in my career, over 30 years of coaching,” Tech wide receivers coach Buzz Preston said.
“I didn’t even see it during the game,” Jackets A-back Roddy Jones said. “He drilled that guy.”
Melton admits that the hit left him a bit dazed, but said it was worth it.
“I guess you can equate it to like a boxer and a K.O.,” Melton said. “You feel it, you connect and you see the other person drop. It’s just gratifying that you did your job on that play and everyone else saw you do that job.”
By “everyone” Melton means his teammates, not the public. Offensive lineman may toil in relative anonymity, but they get credit as a group (and individual notice from NFL scouts) when their team runs the ball well and the quarterback stays upright in the pocket.
It’s rare that wide receivers earn the same notice. The Broncos didn’t draft Thomas with the No. 22 overall pick in 2010 because of his blocking.
Melton committed to Chan Gailey in 2007, but decided to come to Tech the following spring though he knew there wouldn’t be many opportunities for catches in Johnson’s offense.
“Like I said, my family philosophy is once you start something, you finish it,” Melton said.
Besides, being a key, if overlooked, part of a superlative offense is not such a bad thing. It’s a “dirty job” for wide receivers to be blockers, Preston said, and Melton is Tech’s best.
Getting the nod from Johnson as offensive player of the game may not be at the same level as cheering crowds and highlight plays but it will do for Melton.
“It’s always nice to get a little appreciation for your hard work,” Melton said. “I don’t mind doing it. I take great pride in it. It’s my job.”
