Projecting Georgia Tech's two-deep depth chart ahead of Fall Camp

Georgia Tech will have plenty of competition in camp this fall

Jackson Caudell | Jul 30, 2023

Projecting Georgia Tech's two-deep depth chart ahead of Fall Camp /

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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Fall Camp is almost here for Georgia Tech and after previewing every position group, it's time to project the two-deep depth chart for the Yellow Jackets.

Projecting the depth chart for Georgia Tech was an interesting exercise because of the number of position battles this team has heading into the season. There is not a more important position battle for the Yellow Jackets in fall camp and Brent Key will have a decision to make leading up to the season opener against Louisville.

The Georgia Tech coaching staff saw a remaking this offseason since Key took the helm. Buster Faulkner has taken over as the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach, Norval Mackenzie is coaching running backs, Josh Crawford is coaching wide receivers, and Geep Wade is coaching the offensive line. Chris Weinke is the only holdover on the offensive coaching staff and he will be the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

On the defensive side of the football, Andrew Thacker remains the coordinator, but he is going to have some help. Kevin Sherrer joined the coaching staff this offseason and will be the co-coordinator and linebackers coach. Yellow Jackets legend Marco Coleman is back as the defensive line coach and Travares Tillman returns as the defensive backs coach.

This is going to be an interesting first season for Key and this staff as the program tries to get back to its first bowl game since 2018.

Here are the links to the in-depth breakdowns of each position: Quarterback, Running Backs, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends, Offensive Line, Defensive Ends, Defensive Tackles, Linebackers, Cornerbacks, Safeties, and Special Teams.

Quarterback

Zach Pyron at spring game — Who will start at quarterback for Georgia Tech? / Georgia Tech Athletics

1. Zach Pyron

2. Haynes King

Overview: This is a close battle and it truly could go either way, but I am leaning towards Pyron for now. He showed enough in his limited action last season and with better playmakers and a better play-caller, he could be in for a solid season.

Running back

1. Dontae Smith or Trey Cooley

2. Jamie Felix or Evan Dickens

Overview: While these two guys are likely to start the year as the top two, I think Jamie Felix and Evan Dickens will be factors at some point this year. It could be a running back by-committee approach this season for Georgia Tech.

Wide Receiver

Malik Rutherford could lead Georgia Tech in targets / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Outside Receiver: D.J. Moore, Avery Boyd

Outside Receiver: Dominick Blaylock, Chase Lane

Slot: Malik Rutherford, Christian Leary

Overview: This is the group I feel the least confident in projecting. Georgia Tech has brought in a lot of new players to this position and multiple guys are going to see playing time. I think Rutherford could lead the team in targets and D.J. Moore could be in for a breakout season. The four transfers are going to have every opportunity to play as well. Look for plenty of guys to see playing time here.

I will be interested to see where some of these guys line up on the field. Leary and Rutherford possess the body type and frame of slot receivers, but that is where Blaylock lined up most of the time at Georgia according to PFF (Pro Football Focus) and I think Blaylock is a guy that will play plenty for Georgia Tech. Lane, Janneh, Boyd, and Moore project best to the outside. Faulkner will have options of who to use and where and that is something to keep a close eye on. The best guys will get on the field no matter where.

Tight End

1. Brett Seither or Dylan Leonard

2. Luke Benson

Overview: I think Seither's familiarity with Faulkner and the fact that this position has not been productive for Georgia Tech in the past few seasons will give him the edge. Expect to see both players on the field though. Luke Benson should also see snaps.

Offensive line

Georgia Tech offensive tackle Jordan Williams will be a leader up front this fall — Jordan Williams will be the leader for the Georgia Tech offensive line in 2023 / Atlanta Journal-Constitution- Credit: Danny Karnik, Georgia Tech Athletics

Left Tackle: Corey Robinson II, Jakiah Leftwich

Left Guard: Joe Fusile, Jordan Brown

Center: Weston Franklin, Brandon Best

Right Guard: Connor Scaglione, Paul Tchio

Right Tackle: Jordan Williams, Elias Cloy

Overview: This is arguably the most important position on the team for Georgia Tech. This young unit struggled in 2022, but with a new coach and a year of experience, improvement is a must and certainly possible.

Defensive Line

Defensive End: Sylvain Yondjouen, Noah Collins

Defensive Tackle: D'Quan Douse, Zeek Biggers

Defensive Tackle: Makius Scott, Etinosa Reuben

Defensive End: Kyle Kennard, Kevin Harris

Overview: There is experience returning for the Yellow Jackets, but multiple players are going to have to step up, especially on the edge. The defensive tackle spot is intriguing and one player to keep an eye on is Reuben. He is a transfer from Clemson and could play on the edge or the interior, but he will factor heavily in the rotation. Two guys not listed to watch for are USF transfer Eddie Kelly and defensive tackle Jason Moore.

Linebackers

Starters: Trenilyas Tatum and Andre White Jr

Backups: Kyle Efford and Braelen Oliver

Overview: With Charlie Thomas and Ace Eley gone, there is going to be plenty of competition here. Expect all four of these guys to play and rotate in. Guys not listed that could compete for time on the field are Paul Moala, Tyson Meiguez, and Ashton Heflin.

Secondary

Cornerback: Myles Sims, Kenan Johnson

Safety: LaMiles Brooks, Khari Gee

Safety: Clayton Powell-Lee or Jaylon King

Nickel: K.J. Wallace or Rodney Shelley

Cornerback: Kenyatta Watson, Ahmari Harvey

Overview: This is the best position on the team heading into fall camp. Even with the loss of Zamari Walton, this group is talented and should take another step forward. There is going to be competition at the corner spot opposite of Sims, but the trio of Brooks, Powell-Lee, and King at safety is a huge plus. Either Wallace or Shelley will be at the nickel spot, but both are likely to play plenty.