Georgia Tech Spring Depth Chart Projections: Running Back

Who will emerge as the starting running back for Georgia Tech?

Jackson Caudell | Feb 9, 2023

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Georgia Tech had talented running backs last season, but a combination of poor offensive line play and injuries slowed down this room.

Last year's leading rusher Hassan Hall ran out of eligibility, but veteran running back Dontae Smith is back for another season. I think Smith is a talented player who is due for a breakout season. I think 2023 could be that season.

The running backs are also going to have a new position coach. Norval McKenzie is coming over after coaching the running backs at Vanderbilt and he was also at Louisville previously.

There are a couple of newcomers that Georgia Tech fans need to know about this spring. After having success with a Louisville transfer running back last season, Georgia Tech is going right back there for another transfer. Trevion Cooley is a veteran running back who made plays for the Cardinals and I expect him to be a big factor this season.

After having a few de-commitments at the position during the 2023 recruiting class, Georgia Tech was finally able to land one during the early signing period. Evan Dickens (IMG Academy, FL) backed off of his commitment to Coastal Carolina and would sign with the Jackets during the early signing period and he is an early enrollee.

So who will have the upper hand this fall?

Georgia Tech running back Dontae Smith — Dontae Smith will be the front-runner for the starting running back job at Georgia Tech / Lee Luther Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

I think being the most experienced running backs, Smith and Cooley are going to have the first crack at the job. Smith finished with 420 yards and five touchdowns on 80 carries, averaging 4.8 per carry. Smith is explosive when he is healthy and can catch the ball out of the backfield and I would think that he will be the starting back entering the spring.

Cooley is hoping to have an even bigger impact in Georgia Tech's backfield than Hall did last season. In two seasons at Louisville, Cooley ran for 709 yards and three touchdowns and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. Cooley is going to be a big factor in the backfield for Georgia Tech next season and he was a good addition through the portal.

The most intriguing aspect of the running back room next year to me is the two young running backs, 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 and I am ready to see his progression in the spring.

Redshirt Sophomore Daylon Gordon is another name to know for the spring.

Projected Georgia Tech Running Back Depth Chart For Spring

1. Dontae Smith

2. Trevion Cooley

3. Jamie Felix

4. Antonio Martin

5. Evan Dickens

I think Smith and Cooley are going to be 1A and 1B heading into the spring. I am excited to see if one of the young guys can possibly challenge for the top spot though and one of the most underrated storylines of the spring.

If these guys stay healthy and the offensive line takes a step forward, this could be a solid unit all season long for the Yellow Jackets.

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Published Feb 9, 2023

JACKSON CAUDELL

Jackson Caudell has been covering Georgia Tech Athletics For On SI since March 2022 and the Atlanta Hawks for On SI since October 2023. Jackson is also the co-host of the Bleav in Georgia Tech podcast and he loves to bring thoughtful analysis and comprehensive coverage to everything that he does. Find him on X @jacksoncaudell