It was another busy weekend at Georgia Tech, welcoming many big-name brand new employees to campus. Let's dig into some of the notable targets visited last Saturday.
Darren Penson – Penson is a four-star prospect and elite corner for the Sandy Creek Patriots in Fayette County. In 2023, Penson finished with 1,866 yards (1,052 passing, 814 rushing) and 16 total touchdowns. Offensively, his huddle film shows flashes of speed. You can often see him burning defenders or attacking QB keepers on read option plays. Once he gets to the second level, defenses won't have a chance. At the Under Armor Camp Series in Atlanta in February, he ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash. Penson also competes in track and field. He won the 3A state championship in the triple jump as a sophomore and won the state silver medal in the 110M hurdles. Penson also qualified for the New Balance Nationals, where he placed fifth. Penson's speed especially has his 18 offers from Kentucky, and Duke and Hee recently saw him receive an offer from Notre Dame. Saturday will be Penson's second visit to the Flats.
Christian Garrett – Garrett was a two-time state champion during one of the best eras in the Prince Avenue Christian Wolverines program. Garrett finished his junior season with 86 tackles, five sacks, and one interception. He announced his top seven schools in February, and Georgia Tech was named to his list of services. Tennessee, USC, Ole Miss, Clemson, Georgia and Alabama all made that list. It will be critical for Georgia Tech to use this visit to continue to show that Garrett is a top priority for the program as other teams position elite defensive linemen. Saturday will be Garrett's second time on campus in the past three months.
Jalen Berber is a constant presence on campus for the Yellow Jackets and is a top priority target. He established himself as one of the best corners in the Peach State. Notably for Bell, his Grayson teammate, Andre Fuller, recently committed to Georgia Tech. Fuller could be the key to keeping Bell in-state and playing for the Yellow Jackets, although many programs are slated to follow the talented defensive back. Bell also continues to build a relationship with cornerbacks coach Corey Peoples. When I spoke to him in February, he talked about their relationship and Georgia Tech being a contender.
“I’m confident Georgia Tech will be in the top spot along with Miami, Texas A&M and Indiana.”
Despite Georgia Tech hiring new defensive backs coach Cory Peoples, nothing has changed for Bell.
“Coach Corey Peoples made an offer to the state. There's really no difference, it just applies to Georgia Tech,” Bell said.
Christian Ward-Ward received an offer from Georgia Tech in October, and this will be his first time on campus. Despite not having a big role for the Carrollton Trojans in 2023, Ward had 362 yards receiving and five touchdowns on just 12 catches. He is a threat every time he touches the ball and expects to make a big play. The sophomore receiver has potential and he could be the main reason the Trojans return to the state championship. Ward is part of a deep WR room in Carrollton that includes Ryan Mosley, Kiyun Cofer and ATH Zels Hicks, who could be a five-star prospect in 2024. With an elite QB like Julian Lewis, Ward could easily finish the season with over 800 yards on second base. Touchdown numbers.
