Georgia Tech’s defensive line took a hit Wednesday. Eddie Kelly and Jack Barton entered the NCAA transfer portal, according to multiple reports. Both were expected to be on Tech’s two-deep depth chart next season.
In his one season with the Yellow Jackets after transferring from South Florida, Kelly (6-foot-4, 278 pounds) made 38 tackles (ranked 10th on the team), five tackles for a loss, registered 1.5 sacks and broke up two passes. He made a career-high nine tackles against South Carolina State on Sept. 9.
Barton (6-4, 265) had been with the program only since January after a standout career at Furman. A Centennial High School graduate, Barton was a 2023 preseason All-Southern Conference second-team selection and twice made the SoCon academic honor roll.
In 13 games during the 2023 season, Barton made 25 tackles — six for a loss — and recovered a fumble. He also blocked two kicks. Barton made 63 tackles in 40 career games for the Paladins after arriving on campus in 2019.
About the Author
