Projecting Georgia Tech's Defensive Depth Chart for 2024

Will Georgia Tech be an improved team on defense in 2024?

Georgia Tech has undergone some changes on the defensive side of the football this offseason. 

From depratures in the transfer portal to turnover on the coaching staff, Georgia Tech is going to look differnt on defense and that is probably a good thing. The Yellow Jackets had the worst defense in the ACC and one of the worst in the country. If they can climb to being at least average, this team could be amongst the ACC's best. 

So what could the depth chart look like on defense next season? I am going to take my best stab at predicting that. 

Note: With the new defensive hires, the defense is likely to look different schematically and some positions could change. This is just a best guess given what is on the roster right now. 

Defensive Line

Sylvain Yondjouen will return for Georgia Tech next season / Nathaniel Caudell

Defensive Ends: 

1. Sylvain Yondjouen, Kevin Harris or Makius Scott

2. Eddie Kelly and Jack Barton

Defensive Tackle

1. Zeek Biggers, Horace Locket

2. Ayo Tifase, Shymeik Jones

This is a position that has seen some turnover this offseason. D'Quan Douse, Kyle Kennard, Noah Collins, Etinosa Reuben, Jason Moore, Ezra Odinjor, Malcolm Pugh, and Bryston Dixon. They have added FSU transfer Ayo Tifase and Furman transfer Jack Barton this offseason. 

One big piece will be getting Youndjouen back. He tore his ACL in the season opener against Louisville, but will be back for his last season in 2024. Harris and Scott were contributors and should have similar roles. Eddie Kelly was a young transfer from USF and found himself on the field plenty in 2023 and he is a guy I think that has another gear to hit. 

Zeek Biggers and Horace Lockett are back on the interior. Tifase should compete for playing time after coming over from Florida State and redshirt freshman Shymeik Jones is a candidate to take a leap next year. 

This position will also have a new coach, as former Duke defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator Jess Simpson is taking over as the new defensive line coach. 

Linebackers

Georgia Tech linebacker Kyle Efford / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

1. Kyle Efford, E.J. Lightsey

2. Jackson Hamilton, Jacob Cruz

Speaking of losing players at a position, the linebacker position for Georgia Tech is going to look different in 2024. 

Paul Moala, Andre White Jr, Braelen Oliver, Trenilyas Tatum, Ashton Heflin, and Tyson Meiguez either graduated or transferred, leaving some holes to fill. 

Efford should be an easy one to pencil in for a spot though. He started to come on towards the end of the year and could be in for a big 2024. Lightsey is a Georgia transfer who has talent, but battled some injuries during his time in Athens. Hamilton is another transfer (Louisville) who will compete for a starting spot or should be a top backup. 

Jacob Cruz is an intriguing prospect that will likely be given a chance to earn more playing time. 

Secondary

Georgia Tech safety LaMiles Brooks / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerback

1. Ahmari Harvey and Syeed Gibbs

2. Rodney Shelley and Warren Burrell

Safeties

1. LaMiles Brooks, Clayton Powell-Lee

2. Taye Seymore

Nickel

1. Omar Daniels

Jaylon King is gone, but Brooks and Powell-Lee are experienced and talented players that will be leaders for the Yellow Jackets defense. Ahmari Harvey is the top returning cornerback at a position where there are a lot of new faces or players with inexperienced. Syeed Gibbs (Rhode Island) is one of their top transfer portal pickups and should comepte for immediate playing time, along with Tennessee transfer Warren Burrell. 

WIth K.J. Wallace entering the tranfser portal, I would expect last year's backup, Omar Daniels to take over the starting spot. 

The depth at both safety and nickel are question marks going into spring practive. King is graduating and Sirad Bryant entered the transfer portal. Watch that competition this spring. Former wide receiver D.J. Moore is someone I will have my eye on this spring as he makes his transition over to the other side of the ball and see if he can challenge for playing time. 

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