Defense rose to occasion for Jackets last season

Sports

Photos: Tech defenders to watch

Led by a core of key returning defenders that includes Adam Gotsis, KeShun Freeman, P.J. Davis and D.J. White, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets begin spring practice Monday.

A swarm of Yellow Jackets: Returning players who stuffed Shaun Wilson of Duke last season include Adam Gotsis (96), Demond Smith (12) and Corey Griffin (14). (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Cornerback D.J. White: Here he makes one of the great plays in the history of the Tech-Georgia rivalry, his interception in overtime at Sanford Stadium on Nov. 29, 2014. He secured the victory for the Yellow Jackets. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Defensive back Jamal Golden: He leaps to secure a game-clinching interception against Miami at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Oct. 4, 2014. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Defensive back Chris Milton: He races for a touchdown on an interception against Clemson on Nov. 15, 2014 at Bobby Dodd Stadium. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Defensive tackle Adam Gotsis anchors they Yellow Jackets' defensive line. (Ga. Tech Athletics/Danny Karnik)

Linebacker Paul Davis: He celebrates after he sacked Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Oct. 4, 2014. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Linebacker Tyler Marcordes: Here he defends Georgia tight end Jeb Blazevich and forces him to loose control of a pass in their game at Sanford Stadium on Nov. 29, 2014. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Linebacker Tyler Marcordes: Here he sacks Nick Schuessler of Clemson on Nov. 15, 2014 at Bobby Dodd Stadium. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)

Defensive end Rod Rook-Chungong: He reacts after intercepting a pass during the Orange Bowl against the Mississippi State on Dec. 31, 2014. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Defensive end KeShun Freeman: In his stellar freshman season, Freeman (42) brings down Virginia running back Taquan Mizzell on Nov. 1, 2014 at Bobby Dodd Stadium. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Safety Demond Smith: Smith makes a diving tackle to bring down T.J. Logan of North Carolina during their game Oct. 18, 2014 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Linebacker Anthony Harrell: Harrell (2) tackles Miami wide receiver Stacy Coley in their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Oct. 4, 2014. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

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A swarm of Yellow Jackets: Returning players who stuffed Shaun Wilson of Duke last season include Adam Gotsis (96), Demond Smith (12) and Corey Griffin (14). (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

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