As is typical, a handful of players will change positions before Georgia Tech’s spring practice, which begins March 28.
The most prominent is the transition of quarterback Christian Campbell, who redshirted last season, to safety. Coach Paul Johnson said that Campbell wanted to make the move, seeking to get on the field this season rather than back up quarterback Justin Thomas next season. The fact that Campbell recently broke his hand also was a factor.
“He wanted to (switch),” Johnson said Thursday. “He’d asked about it before.”
Campbell would have gone into spring practice behind not just Thomas, but also backup Matthew Jordan, who played in five games last season, four at quarterback. Campbell does not have significant experience at safety, but was recruited to play there by other schools, Johnson said. It’s possible Campbell could eventually return to quarterback.
For the spring, the quarterback depth chart will include Thomas, Jordan and walk-on Chase Martenson. Quarterback signees Jay Jones and Lucas Johnson are expected to enroll in the summer. One player who was an option for quarterback, A-back TaQuon Marshall, will stay at that position.
At safety, Tech loses starters Jamal Golden and Demond Smith, but Campbell will compete with A.J. Gray, Shaun Kagawa and Corey Griffin, among others. Jalen Johnson, who moved to wide receiver last preseason, is also moving back to safety.
Offensive lineman Chris Griffin, who started five games at right tackle as a freshman before suffering a knee injury in the 2015 offseason, will move to guard.
