Ole Miss Week 3 Opponent Preview: Georgia Tech Offensive Players To Watch
There's a buzz in Atlanta surrounding Georgia Tech football after the start of a new era. Will it carry over to an upset win in Oxford?
The Yellow Jackets might still be looking for their first winning season since 2017, but they're on the right track under full-time first-year coach Brent Key. Key, a former Georgia Tech lineman during the glory days in the 90s, took over for Geoff Collins and impressed, pushing the program to a .500 record in the final eight games.
Key might have lost the interim tag, but he also lost a plethora of proven talent. Then again, the newcomers added might be what leads to wins in close matchups. Jeff Sims struggled running the offense at Bobby Dodd Stadium and has looked putrid through two starts at Nebraska. Nate McCollum has one catch through two games with North Carolina.
As for Key, he seems to have a quarterback with potential, a multitude of receivers who can work after the catch, and a stout offensive line. Add in a promising run game, and the Yellow Jackets can hold their own.
But will it be enough against No. 17 Ole Miss on Saturday night?
Follow along with TheGroveReport.com as we preview every aspect of the matchup with the Yellow Jackets throughout the week. Check out here for more information on the program's persona.
Now, let's look at several key offensive players to watch for come Sept. 16.
Offensive Players to Watch
QB Haynes King
King won the starting job over part-time starter Zach Pryon during fall camp. He's a wild card of sorts when it comes to the passing game. When he's on point and in a rhythm, there's evidence of a passer who can deliver at all three phases of the field. When he's off, teams benefit.
Similar traits were evident during his time at Texas A&M. In his first start against Kent State, King tossed three touchdowns and three interceptions. Against the Cardinals, he tossed an early interception, but rebounded with three touchdowns before coughing up a fumble that eventually gave Louisville the lead.
Last week against the Bulldogs, King was nearly perfect, going 21-of-29 for 290 yards and four TDs. Teams also must be weary of his athleticism in the open field. In two games, he's rushed for 53 yards on 11 carries.
RB Jamal Haynes
Haynes, a redshirt sophomore from Loganville, Ga., mostly saw reps on special teams last season. This year, he's split reps with Trey Cooley as a member of the first-team offense. While Cooley finds the end zone, Haynes gains yards after contact. On 20 carries, he averaged 8.2 yards per play and picked up 13 first downs.
RB Trey Cooley
A transfer from Louisville, Cooley continues to produce in a semi-starting role opposite Haynes. He's been effective in creating separation on long runs, as evident by his two rushing scores over 15 yards. Cooley also has soft hands and uses his elusiveness and vision to pick up yards in the passing game.
WR Eric Singleton Jr.
Singleton has more upside than any pass-catcher on the roster. He's a freshman who's still adapting to college defenses, yet he's made the most of his reps with the first-team offense. He's been on the receiving end of a touchdown in both games and averaged over 17 yards per catch. Expect him to be King's top target in Oxford.
