Looking At Georgia Tech's Spring Transfers Through PFF

How have Georgia Tech's transfer additions graded out in their careers?

Jackson Caudell | May 17, 2023

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Leading up to their spring game, Georgia Tech had just one commit in the spring transfer window (Princeton Offensive Lineman Connor Scaglione), but they have had a busy week in adding three more transfers to a class and they are three guys that are going to be looking to make an impact.

The Yellow Jackets have done a lot of work in the transfer portal and one of those spots is in the wide receiver room. The latest addition to that room is former Georgia receiver, Dominick Blaylock.

Note: Idaho transfer Paul Moala and Scaglione are not listed here as neither Idaho or Princeton was not graded by PFF.

Can Dominick Blaylock make a big impact at Georgia Tech next season? :: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Georgia Tech wide receiver room has seen a big overhaul this offseason and it was needed. This group lost Nate McCollum, Ryan King, and Kalani Norris to transfer, and E.J. Jenkins and Malachi Carter to no more eligibility (Jenkins signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets). McCollum, Jenkins, and Carter were the top three receivers on the team last year. On top of all of that, projected starter Leo Blackburn tore his ACL during spring practice and will not play this season.

During his three seasons in Athens, Blaylock posted PFF (Pro Football Focus) grades of 78.9 (2019), 60.4 (2021), and 67.6 (2022). He played the most snaps of his career during the 2019 season (181) and graded out with an 80.9 in the pass game and 52.4 in run blocking. After missing the 2020 season with an injury, Blaylock came back and played just 28 snaps during the 2021 season.

Blaylock got above the 100-snap total last season, playing 152 total snaps and getting a 65.9 grade in the passing game and 76.0 in run blocking.

It is clearly not a large snap count for any of the seasons that he played, but there is clearly an upside with Blaylock if he can stay healthy.

The other two additions came on the defensive side of the ball.

Kansas State cornerback Omar Daniels committed to the Yellow Jackets last week and he is hoping to add depth to the secondary and possibly challenge for the starting across from Myles Sims.

Daniels is a 6'0 178 LBS cornerback that played 122 snaps last season for the BIg 12 champions, which was a big bump up from the two snaps he played in the 2021 season. His snaps came on the outside corner position, but Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Andrew Thacker loves versatility and I would not rule him playing in the slot.

Daniels's overall grade from last season is 65.2, with his highest individual mark coming in run defense with a 72.0 grade. He finished with a 53.2 grade in tackling and 63.5 in coverage.

He has not played a lot of snaps in his career, but Daniels should exceed his snap total from last year. He has ability in coverage and will be competing with Kenan Johnson and Kenyatta Watson for the starting spot.

Will Omar Daniels grab a starting spot in the secondary? / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

USF transfer defensive lineman Eddie Kelly's grades and stats won't blow you away, but this is a versatile defensive lineman that could find a way to figure into the rotation this upcoming season for Georgia Tech.

Kelly played the most snaps out of the three transfers we are discussing here with 290 played last seaosn. He finished with a 52.5 grade in defense, 53.8 in run defense, 57.3 in tackling, 52.3 pass rush, and 56.5 in coverage (only seven coverage snaps.

When you look at all three of these guys, nothing stands out about their grades on PFF from the past, but Georgia Tech is banking on getting more out of these guys. Blaylock showed his talent when healthy and Daniels and Kelly should see more production and consistency with more snaps played.

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