Georgia Tech returns one of its most talented teams in quite some time this season and hopes to improve on their 7-6 record from last year. One of the main reasons for their success last year was that they saw a number of players take the next step in their development. Whether it was Haynes King, Jamal Haynes, Eric Singleton Jr. or the entire offensive line, Georgia Tech saw a number of players improve last year.
Who could be the guys who make it happen this season? Georgia Tech returns a number of starters, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have players who could take the next step. Here are a few players I’m keeping an eye on.
Receiver General Leo Blackburn
Georgia Tech has one of the deepest receiving corps in the ACC, but they could elevate if they can get a good season out of Leo Blackburn. Blackburn is one of the most physically impressive players on the Georgia Tech roster at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, and if he can stay healthy this season, he could add a whole new element to the Yellow Jackets’ offense. While Singleton Jr., Malik Rutherford and Christian Leary are all talented, they don’t have Blackburn’s size.
TE Jackson Hawes
In terms of the passing game and numbers, Georgia Tech didn’t have a tight end who put up huge numbers. Dylan Leonard and Luke Benson offered a lot in terms of blocking and leadership and won’t be easy to replace. Georgia Tech took two transfers at tight end this offseason and Yale transfer Jackson Hawes is a gjy to watch. Brent Key has praised Hawes at different times for his ability to make tough catches over the middle and be a physical target in the passing game. I think Hawes could take a step forward and give Haynes King another dangerous target in the passing game.
DT Horace Lockett
Georgia Tech’s defense wasn’t great last year, but the Yellow Jackets have talent on the interior of the defensive line. Zeek Biggers was an All-ACC honorable mention and Georgia Tech added Miami/Georgia State transfer Thomas Gore and Penn State transfer Jordan van den Berg to provide depth and impact. The guy I think is ready to take a big step forward is redshirt sophomore Horace Lockett. At 6’6 341 LBS, Lockett could pair with Biggers to create a very good duo inside and I think the run defense will take a much-needed step forward if that happens.
LB Kyle Efford
Kyle Efford could be primed for a big 2024 season. Efford took over the final seven games of last season and finished with 81 tackles, one sack and one interception. Efford finished as the 7th-highest graded defensive player according to PFF (Pro Football Focus), playing 375 snaps and finishing with a solid 69.2 grade. The way Efford came through late in the season for Georgia Tech should give fans optimism that the position will be better in 2024. It may seem like a stretch to say that someone who led the team in tackles is going to take the next step, but that’s how good I think Efford could be.
DB Clayton Powell-Lee
Powell-Lee has been on the field since he was a freshman and I think his third year might be his best. Powell-Lee is one of Georgia Tech’s highest-rated returners on defense according to PFF (Pro Football Focus). Last season, he finished with a 74.2 defensive grade on 698 snaps and he has only improved since he took the field in 2022. He was Georgia Tech’s second-leading tackler last season, finishing with 71 tackles, two pass deflections and an interception. In 2022, Powell-Lee finished the year with 46 tackles, two pass deflections and an interception. He played well in a win over Virginia Tech, totaling six tackles and an interception in the game and he was named the ACC Defensive Back of the Week after that performance.
