Georgia Tech special teams coach Ray Rychleski is wary of Georgia return specialist Isaiah McKenzie. He has run back 11 kickoffs with a 28.1 yards-per-return average. McKenzie also averages 12.7 yards per punt return with two touchdowns in 18 returns.

“He’s not as big and strong (as injured Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley), but he’s fast and quick,” Rychleski said. “The biggest thing about them is that the returner is one of the best in the country.”

On the flipside, Rychleski is hoping to returner Jamal Golden can spring a long runback. Golden has been relatively quiet since two standout games returning kicks against Miami and Duke but is still averaging 26.6 yards per kick return, 14th in the country.

“We feel good about our return game,” Rychleski said. “Jamal’s done a good job. He’s doing what we ask him to do.”

About the Author

Keep Reading

South Carolina State University head football coach Chennis Berry joined the team in 2023 after coaching at Benedict College, a historically Black college in Columbia, South Carolina. Last year, Berry's team saw its season end in heartbreak in the Celebration Bowl and this time, it ended in triumph with a 40-38 win. (Courtesy of South Carolina State Athletics)

Credit: South Carolina State University Athletics

Featured

Students at Carver Early College School of Technology attend the school’s art class on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. Atlanta Public Schools plans to convert the campus to a school of the arts that will serve grades 6-12. The plan depends on voters extending a one-cent sales tax for education. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller