Georgia Tech Football Transfer Profile: Trevion Cooley

How will Trevion Cooley fit in Georgia Tech's backfield this upcoming season?

Jackson Caudell | Feb 17, 2023

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Georgia Tech had success with a transfer running back from Louisville last season, so why not go get another one?

Hassan Hall went on to lead the team in rushing last season with over 500 yards and now, Trevion Cooley is hoping to make a similar impact for Georgia Tech this upcoming season.

Not only did Hall leave, but Dylan McDuffie hit the portal again and transferred to Kansas. That meant that Brent Key and new running backs coach Norval Mckenzie were going to need to add another experienced runner to the team.

Cooley is coming to Georgia Tech after two seasons with the Cardinals. A 5'10 210 LBS running back from Knightdale (NC), Cooley had 709 yards and three touchdowns in two seasons at Louisville and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. He also had 21 catches for 239 yards and three touchdowns.

During the 2021 season, Cooley played 232 total snaps according to PFF (Pro Football Focus), and finished with a 68.4 grade. He had a 67.5 grade in the passing game, a 68.5 grade rushing the football, and a 52.7-grade pass blocking.

What kind of impact will Trevion Cooley have for Georgia Tech in 2023? / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

He improved those numbers in 2022 but did play fewer snaps. Cooley finished with a 73 grade and was the fifth-highest-graded player on the Cardinal's offense. He graded 75.7 rushing, 65.6 in the passing game, and 24.6 pass blocking.

Now, if Cooley is going to want a featured role in this offense, he is going to have to improve his pass blocking. His pass-blocking snaps were few to be fair, but a 24.6 grade is still pretty low.

Here was Cooley's scouting report from 247 Sports from his days as a high school prospect:

"Has a sturdy, compact build with a developed lower half. Turned in a productive junior season, rushing for nearly 2,000 yards and 21 touchdowns. Uses his burst and long speed to get upfield quickly and pull away from defenders in the open field. Has a long stride once he opens up his gait at the second level. Runs with pace and gets to the edge with ease on outside runs. Shows the ability to run through arm tackles at the second level. Is able to make cuts and lateral moves in tight spaces. Runs a bit upright and could stand to improve on his pad level, which would help in exposure to contact. Has the talent to develop into a Power Five starter and NFL pick."

His NFL comparison was former LSU running back Derrius Guice.

So could Cooley start for the Yellow Jackets?

Right now, I will give the edge to Dontae Smith, who is returning for one more year on The Flats. Smith is an explosive back when healthy and I think that he should be considered the favorite. I like Cooley's potential however and even if he does not start, he is going to find a way to be featured in this offense.

Behind Smith, there are talented, but young players. Jamie Felix and Antonio Martin. Felix earned more carries as the year went on and Martin did not receive any. Felix finished the year with 23 carries for 80 yards. Martin was the highest-rated recruit for Georgia Tech in the 2022 class according to 247Sports and I am ready to see his progression in the spring.

The Yellow Jackets signed one running back in the 2023 class. Evan Dickens (IMG Academy, FL) was a late addition to the class after a couple of de-commitments earlier in the cycle and while I don't expect him to see the field much in 2023, I will never completely rule something out. He is talented, but it is just really difficult for a true freshman to see the field at any position. Keep an eye on him though.

I projected Cooley to be the main backup for the spring, but he should see plenty of carries this fall. Hall was great as a change-of-pace runner for the Yellow Jackets last season and I think Cooley could be used similarly.

Cooley is going to have a chance to show out against his former team in the first game of the season as well. Georgia Tech opens against Louisville on Friday, Sept. 1st.

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