Georgia Tech Football: Three offensive players to watch vs. South Carolina State

Georgia Tech will look for a more complete offensive performance this week

Author:
Jackson Caudell
Publish date:
Sep 6, 2023 6:20 PM EDT

In this story:

For Georgia Tech's offense this week, it is going to be all about consistency.

For the first, third, and fourth quarters against Louisville, Georgia Tech had a hard time moving the ball consistently and finishing drives. Aside from a few Haynes King scrambles, the offense could not piece together much in the second half.

But in the second quarter, Georgia Tech's offense exploded.

The Yellow Jackets scored four touchdowns, hitting explosive plays through the air, and running the ball well. That version of the Georgia Tech offense has not been seen in a long time and if they can be more consistent, they could be a dangerous group.

Going into this week's game against South Carolina State, putting together four quarters of good offensive performance is the goal, especially against an overmatched opponent. The Yellow Jackets should win comfortably, but how they do so should be of intrigue.

So who are the players to watch this week on offense for Georgia Tech?

RB Jamal Haynes

Haynes converted from wide receiver to running back this year in hopes of bringing an explosive element to the Yellow Jackets backfield. While head coach Brent Key said this group would be running back by committee, it was unclear how many snaps each player would play. Haynes took full advantage of his opportunity against the Cardinals and then some.

Haynes led Georgia Tech with 11 carries and he tallied 51 yards. He also caught four passes for 56 yards, including a 46-yarder. He provided that explosive element both in the passing game and the running game. Haynes has a chance to be a big impact player all season and I want to see if he can keep it going on Saturday.

OT Ethan Mackenny

It is hard for a true freshman offensive tackle to earn playing time so early, but Ethan Mackenny has done that at Georgia Tech.

After Corey Robinson got the start for the Yellow Jackets at left tackle, he was replaced by Mackenny, who played the majority of the snaps at the position. While he was not perfect (what true freshman is?), Mackenny showed what made him one of the top members of the Georgia Tech recruiting class in 2023.

Key spoke highly of the true freshman this week and said he is going to play plenty of snaps this Saturday:

"You will see him again this week. He is a very talented young man. Ethan is a guy we have had at camp for several years and I have known him a long time, I have known his family for many, many years. He is a super talented guy that has grown into his body, 290 LBS plus guy, I remember the first time having him at camp he was 225 LBS and about 6'5 and I said if that kid can ever grow into his body, then he has a chance and low and behold, he certainly has.

He is going to be a fine football player, he really is. He plays the game the right way when he had an opportunity to get in the game. I thought he might heading into the game but did not know for sure if he would but the opportunity presented itself and he ran with it. The moment was not too big for him at all. He was as dialed in and as locked in as he would have been if he had started 10, 15, 20 games up to that point.

Are there corrections and things he has to get better at, yeah, there definitely is, but for the first time out there, I thought he did a fine job, especially in the run game he did some good things. Behind him in the running game, he plays the game the right way, he is an o-lineman at heart and I say that in a good way so the more experience that he can get, the better that he can become."

WR Eric Singleton Jr

Another true freshman? Yep.

Singleton Jr. was someone that I have thought could have a breakout season since preseason camp and he showed his ability in the opening game against Louisville. He caught two passes for 34 yards, including the only touchdown of the second half for the Yellow Jackets, and a 29-yard completion. He has a lot of speed and has really come on for Georgia Tech and he is only going to get better.

Georgia Tech is heavily favored for a reason on Saturday and in games like these, it can provide true freshmen with an opportunity to see more snaps and show that they can make an impact at their position. Georgia Tech has plenty of guys who are playing at the wide receiver position, but Singleton will still earn reps and I am excited to see what he can do on Saturday.

Georgia Tech vs. South Carolina State will kick off at 1:00 p.m. this Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

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