In seasons to come, Georgia Tech’s linebackers will be players who look the part for defensive coordinator Al Groh.
Freshmen such as Jabari Hunt-Days, Nick Menocal and Anthony Harrell, among others, “fit the paper model,” as Groh put it. They were recruited to play linebacker in Groh’s 3-4 defense and pack plenty of size.
Groh’s four starting linebackers don’t all fit that mold. Julian Burnett and Steven Sylvester were recruited to play in former defensive coordinator Dave Wommack’s 4-3 defense. Daniel Drummond came to Tech as a B-back and switched to linebacker in the spring. Only Jeremiah Attaochu came to Tech to play in Groh’s defense. Sylvester sees a leap forward coming.
“I just feel like this year, we’re kind of putting our foot in the ground, kind of saying, ‘This [year] is our staple,’” Sylvester said. “And next year is the year they’ll just take off and they’ll be just tremendous.”
To improve Tech’s defense, which finished ninth in the ACC and 64th in FBS (formerly Division I-A) in total defense last season, Sylvester and his linebacking brethren will have to deliver, regardless of what model they fit. Groh likens linebackers to the No. 3, 4 and 5 hitters in a baseball lineup.
“That has to be a position in every defense that produces [playmakers],” Groh said.
Inside linebackers Burnett and Drummond and outside linebackers Attaochu and Sylvester look like they can handle it. Sylvester led the team in tackles for loss with 10.5 last season. Burnett led the team in tackles despite starting eight games and despite being undersized, is one of Tech’s biggest hitters. Drummond has drawn raves for his improvement and combination of strength and speed. Attaochu could be Tech’s next defensive star.
“Jeremiah’s motor is unbelievable,” Sylvester said.
In their second season in Groh’s defense, the linebackers hold deeper understanding and familiarity with the scheme. Decisions on how to read plays are made without thinking.
“Coach Groh uses the term ‘getting to the ball like mad dogs,’” Drummond said. “Basically, our identity is that we’re all accountable to each other. We’re all going to be getting to the ball.”
Burnett has taken over leadership of the group from former starter Brad Jefferson, Sylvester said. Attaochu replaces Anthony Egbuniwe.
“He’s the force in the middle,” Sylvester said of Burnett. “But everybody else, as far as Drummond and Jeremiah go, they’re just kind of rolling with the punches. They came right in and didn’t miss a beat.”
To Groh, part of the fun of coaching is to use the players available and, he said, “try to mix and match ’em and come up with what we need.” In that, Attaochu feels the same way.
“I’m excited to see how we work as a team, just feed off of each other and make each other better,” he said. “No one person makes plays. We’re all making plays as a team.”
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