Georgia Tech B-back Dedrick Mills and backup B-back KirVonte Benson have been suspended for the Yellow Jackets’ home opener Saturday against Mercer for violating team rules. Coach Paul Johnson confirmed the disciplinary measures in a text message.

The suspensions were reported earlier Wednesday by Jackets Online.

An early-enrollee freshman, Mills started the opener against Boston College last Saturday and has earned Johnson’s praise for his effort and potential. He became Tech’s first first-year freshman to start the season opener since 2008. Mills was listed as the starter as late as Tuesday night when the depth chart for the Mercer game was released.

Benson, a redshirt freshman, has been lower on the depth chart along with Marcus Allen and Quaide Weimerskirch.

With Mills out of the lineup, the likely starter will be Marcus Marshall, who started three games last season and led the Jackets in rushing.

For Mills, it’s a lost opportunity to gain more familiarity with the offense in a potentially lower-stakes setting. Likewise, Benson might have had a chance to get on the field against an FCS opponent.

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