Linebacker Gavin Barthiel commits to Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech vs. the Citadel on September 14, 2019 at Bobby Dodd Stadium. (Danny Karnik/Georgia Tech Athletics)

Georgia Tech vs. the Citadel on September 14, 2019 at Bobby Dodd Stadium. (Danny Karnik/Georgia Tech Athletics)

Linebacker Gavin Barthiel of Lakeland, Fla., became Georgia Tech’s first commitment at his position group for the 2021 class Wednesday, announcing his decision via Twitter.

Barthiel, a three-star prospect from Lake Gibson High, became the 15th player to commit to coach Geoff Collins’ 2021 signing class. Barthiel, listed at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, is rated the No. 69 outside linebacker in the country and the No. 144 prospect in the state of Florida (247Sports Composite).

Barthiel previously announced scholarship offers from Nebraska, Louisville, Minnesota, Boston College and Vanderbilt, among others. He announced Tech’s offer Jan. 16.

In his highlight video, Barthiel plays with a noticeable ferocity and drives with impact into ballcarriers.

After Barthiel’s commitment, Tech’s class ranks 31st nationally and ninth in the ACC (247Sports Composite).

Lake Gibson is the alma mater of former Tech offensive lineman Errin Joe, now on the Yellow Jackets coaching staff as a graduate assistant.