Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech

7 key returning Georgia Tech players on defense

Georgia Tech linebacker Victor Alexander led the Yellow Jackets in tackles in 2017, with 60, and had two sacks. Tech linebacker Brant Mitchell recorded 51 total tackles in 2017, the second most among players returning for 2018. Tech linebacker Bruce Jordan-Swilling recorded 34 tackles as a freshman in 2017. Tech defensive end Anree Saint-Amour ranked second in sacks (2.5) and tackles for loss (5.5) in 2017. Tech defensive lineman Desmond Branch produced 3.5 tackles for loss in 2017, the third most on the
By
July 7, 2018

Last season, Georgia Tech’s defense ranked 33rd among FBS teams in yards allowed per game (354.3), recorded the 12th-best mark in the nation in percentage of third-down plays converted by an opposing offense (30.9) and basically were middle-of-the-pack in scoring defense, ranking 64th (26.5 points).

Overall, Tech allowed 17 fewer points than it scored in 2017.

» More: 7 key returning Georgia Tech players on offense

Yet, how the season ended may have contributed to the turn of events that led Tech coach Paul Johnson to bring in Nate Woody as the Yellow Jackets’ defensive coordinator in 2018. Tech lost five of its final games and three of its final four, while finishing with a 5-6 record. In those final three losses, Tech allowed first 40, then 43, then 38 points.

Significant improvement from Woody’s defense will go a long way toward getting the Jackets back above .500 and into a bowl game.

Check out the video above for information on seven key returning players on defense for the Jackets.

About the Author

David Wellham has worked as an editor and content producer at the AJC since 2006, but his knowledge of sports in metro Atlanta and Georgia dates to much earlier. He uses his institutional knowledge to help the AJC provide in-depth coverage of area sports and sports teams. David can be reached at 404-526-5424 and dwellham@ajc.com.

Follow David Wellham on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Cheerleaders take the field riding on the Ramblin Wreck car during Georgia Tech football team's annual White and Gold game in Atlanta on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Players split into two teams — Team Swarm and Team Wreck ‘Em — with some players being asked to play on both squads. (Bob Andres for the Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Credit: Bob Andres

Defensive lineman from Florida commits to Georgia Tech

1h ago

Defensive end at Hillgrove High commits to Georgia Tech

Chris Carbin is a 6-foot-4, 236-pound defensive end and is considered a three-star prospect by the 247Sports Composite.

Who were the top Georgia Tech football players in each decade? Here’s what we said.

Starting in the 1950s and running up through the 2010s, here are the AJC panel’s picks for the top Yellow Jackets football players in each decade.

The Latest

Cheerleaders take the field riding on the Ramblin Wreck car during Georgia Tech football team's annual White and Gold game in Atlanta on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Players split into two teams — Team Swarm and Team Wreck ‘Em — with some players being asked to play on both squads. (Bob Andres for the Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Credit: Bob Andres

Defensive lineman from Florida commits to Georgia Tech

1h ago

Defensive end at Hillgrove High commits to Georgia Tech

Who were the top Georgia Tech football players in each decade? Here’s what we said.

Featured

University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue said joining neighboring states to form a new accreditation agency will “keep Georgia’s universities among the best in the nation." (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

AJC ON CAMPUS

Georgia joins five Southern states to form new accreditation agency

In this edition of the AJC On Campus, Georgia is joining a movement to shake up the accreditation system that has long been the model for American higher education.

14 injured in separate boat explosions on Lake Lanier, Lake Nottely on July 4th

Flames erupted from two boats, one on Lake Lanier and another on Lake Nottely, during the Fourth of July holiday, officials said.

Atlanta leaders eye trails as part of solution to city’s traffic woes

The 535-mile expansion plan, known as Trails ATL, aims to make the city more walkable, bringing 10-minute access to trails for 95% of city residents by 2052.