Nov 12, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Matthew Jordan (11) runs for a touchdown during the second quarter against Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Photo Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia Tech, with 18 players returning who started games a year ago, could be ready to return to the ACC Championship Game for the first time since 2014.
But the Yellow Jackets’ success mostly could ride on finding a quarterback to replace three-year starter Justin Thomas, who wound up being the quintessential leader for coach Paul Johnson’s option offense.
There is a four-man battle for the position in camp, although Johnson said the job belongs to Matthew Jordan, until someone comes and takes it away.
“I feel good about that position,” Johnson said. “You know, it’s Matthew’s job to lose, but I think we’ve got four guys at that position that I could call a game for right now.”
Jordan missed spring practice with a foot injury but remained the No. 1 quarterback because of his experience. Jordan took over for an injured Thomas a year ago and led the Yellow Jackets to a crucial win at Virginia Tech. That accomplishment alone means a lot when it comes to establishing starting credentials.
“Matthew Jordan had to go up to Blacksburg, which is a really tough place to play, and start the game, and we were fortunate that he won the game there,” Johnson said. “I think that gave him come confidence and gave our guys some confidence in him.”
With Jordan out this spring, three backups soaked up most of the minutes. TaQuon Marshall, Jay Jones and Lucas Johnson all played well during the spring game. The trio brings quickness and game-breaking skills.
Jones and Johnson are redshirt freshman who, according to Johnson, “may actually be the most talented kids we’ve had at Georgia Tech since I’ve been there at quarterback.”
Replacing a three-year starter like Thomas won’t be easy, but the transition should be made smoother by the number of established starters at the other positions. Four starting offensive linemen return, as well as the top two receivers and top running backs.
“He’s going to be surrounded, whoever it is, by a group of guys that have played a lot,” Johnson said.
“It’s very similar to three years ago when Justin was first starting and he was surrounded by a bunch of guys that had experience and had played a lot of football. That season worked out pretty good. We ended up in the Orange Bowl and beating Mississippi State. Hopefully we’ll have another year like that.”
The Yellow Jackets were 9-4 in 2016 and won their final five games. They defeated Kentucky in the TaxSlayer Bowl in Jacksonville.
Georgia Tech will be tested immediately in the season opener, the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic against Tennessee at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. In addition to ending the season against rival Georgia, the Yellow Jackets have a crossover ACC game against defending national champion Clemson.
The Yellow Jackets were picked to finish third in the ACC Coastal Division behind Miami and Virginia Tech at the ACC Kickoff event in July.
MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: FB Dedrick Mills — A year ago the bruising runner was one of six true freshmen to play for the Yellow Jackets. Mills emerged as a star and gave the team its best B-back – the team’s equivalent of a fullback — in five years. Mills led the team in rushing (771 yards) and scored 13 touchdowns, despite missing four games. He was the MVP of the TaxSlayer Bowl. Mills must stay healthy and remain effective to help the new quarterback get his footing.
BREAKOUT STAR: S A.J. Gray — The junior played in 10 games as a freshman and started all 13 games last season. He will be a key piece of the experienced secondary. At 6-1, 218 pounds, Gray is a hard hitter who doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s also a smart player who is getting better in pass coverage. He could be an all-conference-caliber player before he’s finished. Gray had 72 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, and forced a fumble in 2016.
NEWCOMER TO WATCH: PK Brenton King — The true freshman was a two-time Georgia all-state selection from Mill Creek High School. He has a big leg and is expected to replace Harrison Butker, a four-year starter who graduated as the program’s all-time leading scorer. King’s range extends to 50 yards and he’s capable of burying kickoffs in the end zone, which was a hallmark of the Butker years.
