Georgia Tech returns one of their most talented teams in a long time this season and is looking to improve on last year's 7-6 record. A big reason for last year's success was the fact that many players took the next step in their development. Whether it was Haynes King, Jamal Haynes, Eric Singleton Jr. or the entire offensive line, Georgia Tech saw many players improve last year.
Who can do that this season? Georgia Tech returns some starters, but that doesn't mean they don't have players who can take the next step. Here are some players I'm keeping an eye on:
WR Leo Blackburn
Georgia Tech has the deepest wide receiver corps in the ACC, but Leo Blackburn could take the team to the next level if he can stay healthy this season. Blackburn is one of Georgia Tech's biggest players at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, and could add an entirely new element to the Yellow Jackets' offense if he can stay healthy this season. Singleton Jr., Malik Rutherford and Christian Leary are all talented, but don't have the size of Blackburn.
TE Jackson Hawes
In terms of the passing game and numbers, Georgia Tech did not have a tight end that put up big numbers. Dylan Leonard and Luke Benson offer a lot in terms of blocking and leadership and will not be easily replaced. Georgia Tech added two transfers at tight end this offseason, with Yale transfer Jackson Hawes being the one to watch. Brent Key has praised Hawes on multiple occasions for his ability to make tough catches up the middle and be a physical target in the passing game. I think Hawes can step up and give Haynes King yet another dangerous target in the passing game.
DT Horace Rocket
Georgia Tech's defense wasn't great last year, but the Yellow Jackets have talent on the interior of their defensive line. Zeke Biggers was an All-ACC honorable mention selection, and Georgia Tech added Miami/Georgia State transfer Thomas Gore and Penn State transfer Jordan Van den Berg to add depth and impact. But it's redshirt sophomore Horace Lockett who I think is poised to take a big step forward. At 6-foot-6 and 341 pounds, Lockett could team up with Biggers to form a very good duo on the interior, and the run defense could take a much-needed step forward.
LB Kyle Efford
Kyle Efford could be poised for a big break in 2024. Efford started the final seven games of last season and recorded 81 tackles, one sack and one interception. Efford was the seventh-highest graded player on the defense by PFF, earning a solid grade of 69.2 on 375 total snaps. Efford's late-season production at Georgia Tech should give fans optimism that the position will get even better in 2024. It may seem like a stretch to say a player who led his team in tackles is going to take the next step, but I think Efford has the potential to be that good.
DB Clayton Powell Lee
Powell-Lee has been on the field since his freshman year, and I think his third year will be his best. According to PFF (Pro Football Focus), Powell-Lee is one of Georgia Tech's highest-rated defensive backs. He finished last season with a defensive rating of 74.2 on 698 snaps, and he has continued to improve since taking the field in 2022. He had the second-most tackles at Georgia Tech last season, recording 71 tackles, two pass deflections, and one interception. In 2022, Powell-Lee finished the season with 46 tackles, two pass deflections, and one interception. He recorded six total tackles and one interception in a game-win against Virginia Tech, and was named ACC Defensive Back of the Week for his performance.
