What positions will Georgia Tech be shopping for in the Transfer Portal?
As Georgia Tech prepares to move into the offseason, I expect to see Brent Key be pretty active in the transfer portal. Today, I wanted to briefly go over the positions I’d like to see him go after.
High Priority
Looking for: Immediate starters
Defensive End
Georgia Tech wracked up 17 sacks this season. Our returning production from that is 8.5 sacks (tbh might have mathed this wrong, but I don’t want to look at it again). We need pass rushers in a big way! I fully expect Georgia Tech to take at least 2 (if not more) guys at defensive end. We need base ends and edges. Romello Height should be back, but he only had 2.5 sacks this season.
Defensive Tackle
Jordan Van Den Berg was a great find this season, and I fully expect him to start next season. But Georgia Tech loses all three players listed on the depth chart at nose tackle: Zeek Biggers, Thomas Gore, and Horace Lockett. I expect Tech to find a big ugly to put in the middle of the line next to Van Den Berg.
Punter
Georgia Tech is in the market for a new punter with David Shanahan graduating. Kennesaw State and Georgia State have both had punters enter the portal. Seems like an easy move to me. They both averaged around 45 yards per punt, so I’m on board!
Medium Priority
Looking for: Guys who could start, but would otherwise be strong depth pieces
Offensive Tackle
This was under low priority (and probably wouldn’t have even been mentioned) before Corey Robinson II announced that he would be entering the transfer portal. Georgia Tech returns a couple guys with starting experience, and I expect Ethan Mackenny to take one of the tackle spots vacated by Robinson and Jordan Williams, but that other spot will be up for grabs. I’d like Tech to bring in a veteran OT who can challenge for the spot. Ideally, one of the younger guys on the roster steps up and fills it, but I’d like to have that assurance.
Center
Copy and paste everything from the section about offensive tackle. Weston Franklin is graduating and won’t be returning. Center really isn’t a spot that you want to put a super young guy, so I imagine Tech will add someone here as a grad transfer.
Tight End
Avery Boyd and Jackson Hawes are both graduating. Boyd’s slot should be filled by some combination of Brett Seither and Luke Harpring, but I think Tech will add a more blocking-forward tight end to help replace Hawes.
Linebacker
Tah’j Butler had some glimpses of potential in limited action this season, but I’d like to bring in a veteran to compete with him for Trenilyas Tatum’s job next season. Alternatively, if you can get an absolute stud here (like someone with the speed to cover tight ends), I think you absolutely go for it.
Low Priority
Looking for: Added depth
Cornerback
I will be shocked if the starting cornerbacks next season aren’t Ahmari Harvey and Zachary Tobe, but I don’t really know that we have much behind them.
Safety
Ditto from above. Especially with LaMiles Brooks graduating, we don’t return much here.
Wide Receiver
I would really love to add a big receiver to go opposite Eric Singleton, but I also think that Isaiah Canion is more than capable to fill that role. This is more if you find a guy that fits that mold, go for it, but it’s not super necessary.
Quarterback
With Zach Pyron headed to the portal, Georgia Tech returns two quarterbacks with in-game action. Graham Knowles will be available off the bench next year, but I wouldn’t mind adding a veteran guy a la Tim Byerly to serve that emergency QB role.
What positions do you want to see Georgia Tech target in the transfer portal?