Let’s take a look at the last position group: Special Teams!
Season Review
Perhaps the biggest thing of note to happen last season was the change in kicker for Georgia Tech. To begin the season, Gavin Stewart was named the starter at kicker. Stewart had a lot of success, but during the season, he was unseated as the starter by Aidan Birr. Stewart retained the kickoff role and sent 44 of his 69 kickoffs for touchbacks.
Who’s Gone?
Stewart is the main departure from this unit. After graduating with a bachelor’s and a master’s, he transferred to Georgia Southern to play out the remainder of his eligibility this season. The other departure is punt returner Dominick Blaylock. He averaged just over 11 yards per return. As I mentioned in the WR article, Blaylock declared for the draft, but there’s no indication he was picked up anywhere.
Who’s Returning?
With Stewart and Blaylock being the only departures, that means Georgia Tech returns its starting kicker, punter, and kick returners, which is great! Starting at kicker, the Yellow Jackets bring back Aidan Birr who played very well last season. He made 17 of his 19 field goal attempts with a long of 48. During the Spring game, Birr nailed a 62-yard field goal (which would be a Georgia Tech record). He’s a great kicker, and I’m sure he’ll slot in just fine in the kickoff role.
At punter, the Yellow Jackets return the Irishman David Shanahan. Although he struggled a bit with placement and inconsistency early in his career, Shanahan had a solid season last year. He averaged nearly 43 yards per punt and landed 14 inside the 20 with just four touchbacks.
At kick returner, the Yellow Jackets return both starters: Christian Leary and Jamal Haynes. Leary got the bulk of the returns and averaged 22 yards per return, never breaking one off.
Who’s New?
There are a few incoming freshmen at kicker and punter, but they are all walk-ons. We have Andrew Nelms from Pope HS (Georgia), Ashton Paredes from Northside HS (Georgia), and James Whatley from Oak Mountain HS (Alabama).
Season Outlook
I feel very comfortable with Georgia Tech’s special teams unit. I believe they’ll continue to get the job done like they did last year.
Projected Starters:
- Kicker: Aidan Birr
- Punter: David Shanahan
- Kickoffs: Aidan Birr
- Kick Returns: Christian Leary and Jamal Haynes
- Punt Returns: Anthony Carrie OR Zion Taylor (they both served as punt returners during the Spring game)