Jamal Haynes is back! But who else is back with him?
Season Summary
Last year was a big season for Georgia Tech running backs! After coming to the Flats as a wide receiver, Jamal Haynes transitioned to running back and ran away (pun fully intended) with the starting job. He finished the season with 1,059 yards and 7 touchdowns, becoming the Yellow Jackets’ first 1,000-yard rusher since 2017. That’s a long time!
The second running back spot transitioned a bit during the season. Toward the start, it seemed like Louisville transfer Trey Cooley was the clear number 2 guy. He had at least 50 rushing yards in each of the first three games. But as the season continued, Cooley’s role diminished, and Dontae Smith began to show up more. Smith’s big showing out came against UNC, where he rushed for 178 yards and a touchdown.
Who’s Gone?
The main departure here is Smith. Smith was one of the shining knights of the Geoff Collins era. Behind Jahmyr Gibbs and Jordan Mason, Smith really found his own as a change-of-pace back in 2020. He continued to progress and saw more time. It is a little disappointing that he never earned the opportunity to be THE guy, but in the moments that Smith played, you knew there was always a chance he would break off a 70-yard run.
Who’s Returning?
Haynes and Cooley both return this season as do a couple of reserves: Jamie Felix and Evan Dickens. There are a couple other guys too, but these are the two that are most likely to see playing time this season. Dickens is a guy I’ve been a fan of since he came to the Flats. He is a very tough runner, and I walked away from the 2023 Spring Game super impressed with what I saw. But with the running back room as full as it was last year, there wasn’t much room for Dickens to show out.
Felix is another guy who is very intriguing. He was originally a four-star running back out of Camden County. Going back and watching his senior film, Felix is great at finding the hole and exploiting it. His defensive film shows it a little better in my opinion, but he also has a great burst of acceleration which will help him get to the deeper levels.
Who’s New?
Georgia Tech added two new running backs to its arsenal through its recruiting class this year: Anthony Carrie and Trelain Maddox.
Carrie comes to Georgia Tech highly coveted. Schools like Texas A&M and NC State also had late visits for Carrie. Watching his film, it’s easy to see why. He’s fast, he finds the hole, and he can shake off would-be tacklers. I’ll keep it simple. He’s going to be good. Carrie had 6 carries in the Spring Game, with his longest going for 15 yards.
Maddox’s film is a lot of fun to watch! As fast as Carrie was, I think Maddox is a step faster. Seeing him break off that run at the beginning of the film was great. The other thing that intrigues me about Maddox is his receiving in the flats. Haynes King likes to get the ball around, and Maddox will give him a very useful weapon out of the backfield.
Season Outlook
Another position preview article, another very solid group! Jamal Haynes is back and is likely going to play well. Aside from him, the Yellow Jackets have some other unproven but high potential guys that could step into the starting role.
Projected Depth Chart
- Jamal Haynes
- Evan Dickens OR Jamie Felix
- Trevion Cooley
- Trelain Maddox AND Anthony Carrie (Redshirt both)