Previewing the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 2024 Season
Atlanta - As the 2024 season approaches, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team, led by head coach Brent Key, is eager to make significant strides in the ACC. Building on the foundation laid in previous seasons, Key and his coaching staff are focused on leveraging the team's blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. With a rigorous schedule ahead, the Yellow Jackets will have to be determined to rise to the challenge and establish themselves as a competitive presence in the conference. Fans and alumni are buzzing with anticipation, ready to support their team through what promises to be an exciting and pivotal season.
Offense Preview:
The Yellow Jacket offense almost doubled its point total from 2022. The biggest difference was the improvement to the passing game as the Paul Johnson era was solely focused on the run game. Haynes King can be thanked for that. He nearly threw for 3,000 yards and his ability to scramble out of the pocket was huge. The offensive line did give up a lot of sacks last season but should improve as four starters are returning. The Yellow Jacket offense is in good shape as long as their playmakers can get the ball.
Defense Preview:
The defense was the worst in the ACC in third-down stops. On top of that, the pass rush was less than desired. They are going to have to create pressure in the backfield and force their opponents into bad situations. The secondary is the bright spot for the Yellow Jacket defense despite having some guys transfer out. If the D-Line can improve, along with the linebacking core, the defense will be able to withstand some of the high-powered offenses in the ACC.
Top Returning Players:
Haynes King QB - The offense revolves around the play of Haynes King. After throwing for nearly 3,000 and rushing for over 700, Haynes is in fantastic shape to surpass those numbers.
Jamal Haynes RB - Haynes was the sole Yellow Jacket to surpass the 1,000+ yards from scrimmage mark. He will be in store for another great season.
Jaylon King DB/S - King had an incredible season. He had four interceptions, nine passes defended, and two fumble recoveries. In his final year of college football, expect him to give it everything he’s got.
Top Incoming Transfers:
Josh Beetham TE - The former all-state QB in high school has left Michigan to come play for Georgia Tech. Watch out for some trick plays coming his way.
Jordan Van Den Berg DT - After appearing in 28 games for Penn State, he has left to attend Georgia Tech. He is originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, which I found to be neat. He will provide an anchor to plug up gaps on the line.
Top Incoming Freshman:
Luke Harpring TE - The four-star prospect is the #15 ranked tight end in the nation, according to 247sports. He played on both sides of the ball in high school so he’s not afraid of making contact. His father, Matt Harping, was an All-America basketball player at Georgia Tech.
Troy Stevenson IV DB - He is the fifth-highest-rated player in the state of South Carolina and a four-star prospect, according to 247sports. He is slightly undersized at 170 pounds but in time will make some plays for the defense.
Top Departures:
Kyle Kennard DL - Kennard is off to join South Carolina after spending four years at Georgia Tech. He had his best season last year and has come to the conclusion that USC is the best place for him.
Under-the-Radar Players:
Kevin Harris DL - He is coming off a season with 27 tackles and one sack. He will be relied upon to step up his production and get to the quarterback. Harris will make a name for himself this season.
Win Total Prediction:
The Yellow Jackets’ win total is listed as 5.5. Now, I really want to cheer for the Yellow Jackets to hit their over, but they have an extremely difficult schedule. Therefore, my thought is to take the under on their win total. I can say for certain they will beat Georgia State and VMI. They definitely have the potential and competitive drive to win at Syracuse, Duke, who’s still relying on the success of Many Diaz to lead the team to continued success, and then at UNC and Miami.
