They will carry the banner for Georgia Tech in autumns to come. This year, most of Georgia Tech’s 2012 signing class carried out scout-team assignments to prep the first- and second-string Yellow Jackets.
A handful have made an impression on their teammates with their ability and promise. Four of Tech’s 17-member class played this season – wide receiver Anthony Autry, defensive lineman Adam Gotsis, punter Ryan Rodwell and defensive back D.J. White. Of the other 13, the following four redshirting freshmen were repeatedly identified by players and coaches for having stood out on the practice field.
B-back David Sims described safety Lynn Griffin as “a physical specimen” who can hit with power and has speed. Sims holds the same hopes for Griffin that teammates have had for safety Fred Holton, another big hitter who has been out the past two seasons with injuries. Coach Paul Johnson said in November that, if not for an injury early on, Griffin (6-foot-0, 197 pounds) would have played this season.
Said quarterback Tevin Washington, “He’s going to be a real special player.”
Both starting safeties, Isaiah Johnson and Jemea Thomas, will return next season, although Thomas could return to corner. Holton and Griffin will be in the mix with Chris Milton, Demond Smith and Coray Carlson.
Defensive end Patrick Gamble was named the defensive scout-team player of the year. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 262 pounds and probably heavier, he is expected to be able to play both inside and outside on the line. Quarterbacks and B-backs coach Brian Bohannon particularly noted Gamble’s attitude and effort.
“Pat sticks out more just because he’s strong, he’s quick,” A-back Orwin Smith said. “He flies around.”
Like all the freshmen, Gamble will begin his first full offseason in the strength and conditioning program and figures to add weight and strength. Smith said that if he and fellow freshman lineman Francis Kallon can develop a more tenacious style, “they can bring some damage to some teams.”
With nose tackle T.J. Barnes and end Izaan Cross graduating, spots will be open in the line rotation for Gamble, Kallon and others.
Wide receiver Micheal Summers, one of three wide receivers signed in 2012, caught the attention of outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu.
“Mike, he has great hands, he can catch the ball really well,” he said. “I can’t wait till he starts playing.”
Summers (6-1, 190) and fellow freshman receivers Travin Henry and Autry, both rehabilitating knee injuries, should be ready to compete with Darren Waller and Jeremy Moore next season.
“He might not look like it, but Mike is an athlete,” Sims said.
Center Freddie Burden, Summers’ teammate at Statesboro High, was the offensive scout-team player of the year.
“I don’t go against Freddie a lot, but he’s quick for his size,” Cross said. “He needs to get a little bit stronger, but he’s very quick for his size. Quick feet.”
Burden (6-3, 292), who figures to back up Jay Finch next season for Finch’s senior season, could have played this season, Attaochu said.
“He’s a competitor,” Attaochu said. “He’s pretty legit.”
Quarterback Justin Thomas has split time with the second-string offense and the scout team. When he has run the scout offense, he has given the Tech defense trouble with his speed.
“I really don’t know who’s fastest (on the team),” Attaochu said, “but he’s pretty quick, elusive.”
Thomas (5-11, 169) has been impressing teammates since he arrived last summer, back when he stung receivers’ hands with zipped passes in seven-on-seven drills. He’ll compete with quarterback Vad Lee in the spring for the starting job.
“I actually think (Lee) and Justin are going to be fun, watching them in the spring next year,” Sims said, “because Justin is electric.”
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