Let’s hop back into position previews!
Ed. Note: Thank you for your patience as we had a bit of a hiatus in our position previews! Life just managed to get crazy for a few of us all at the same time, but we are back and ready to go. Special thanks to Akshay for getting Analytics Week done in the interim.
Season Review
After more than a decade of Georgia Tech’s offensive line being the weakest link on the offense, the offensive line turned out to be quite a surprise last season. In his annual season preview magazine, Phil Steele ranked Georgia Tech’s offensive line as the 10th-best unit in the country. For a team that has had as many consistent struggles on the offensive line that Tech has had, this type of work by Brent Key and Geep Wade is unparalleled. Massive kudos to both of them for getting this offensive line turned around.
Who’s Gone?
The Yellow Jackets lose exactly one starter from last year’s offensive line: right guard Connor Scaglione. Scaglione transferred in a played solidly at right guard last season. He was a good player. The only other notable departure is reserve tackle Jakiah Leftwich who transferred out this offseason.
Who’s Returning?
Literally everyone else! I’m going to keep it short. Scaglione is the only starter that does not return this season.
Who’s New?
Georgia Tech brought in several offensive linemen this offseason. In fact, they brought in 7 guys: OT Jameson Riggs (recruit), C Tana Alo-Tupuola (recruit), OG Harrison Moore (recruit), OT Jordan Floyd (recruit), OT Kai Greer (recruit), OG Nick Pearson (transfer from Kentucky), OG Keylan Rutledge (transfer from Middle Tennessee).
Of these additions, Rutledge is the one that is primed to have the most immediate impact. He is set to take over the right guard position from Connor Scaglione. Rutledge is a great addition. At MTSU, he was All-Conference USA last year and earned “Offensive Lineman of the Game” honors four times last year and was voted a permanent team captain. Rutledge missed most of the Spring due to injury, but he should be back to full strength for the Fall.
Season Outlook
Georgia Tech’s offensive line was a pleasant surprise last season. With only one change in starter, I see no reason why that won’t continue to be the case this season.
Projected Starters:
- LT – Ethan Mackenny
- LG – Joe Fusile
- C – Weston Franklin
- RG – Keylan Rutledge
- RT – Jordan Williams
What do you expect to see from the offensive line this season?