[ad_1]
Heading into the 2021 season, Georgia Tech had one of the worst secondaries in the entire country and lost most of the key contributors from this team to this past season. Despite some ups and downs, this class is vastly improved in many areas and with cornerback Zamari Walton set to return for the 2023 season, Georgia Tech is poised to have the ACC’s best secondary in 2023.
One reason for the improvement is the emergence of the safety mix of LaMiles Brooks and freshman Clayton Powell-Lee. Brooks finished as Georgia Tech’s all-time leading rusher by PFF (Pro Football Focus), while Walton and Powell finished No. 3 and No. 5. That will be a strength as the top three returning sophomores graduate. The entire defense and maybe the entire team.
Clayton Powell-Lee was one of the top freshmen in the ACC last season.
Brett Davis-America Today Sports
After losing safeties Tariq Carpenter and Juanye Thomas, Georgia Tech had to replace both experienced safeties heading into 2022. Jaylon King and Derrick Allen, the two supposed starters, were replaced for different reasons. Allen was replaced by Powell-Lee due to King’s injury early in the season, which was the right decision. Both players responded by putting up strong seasons.
Brooks finished the season with 52 tackles and a team-leading three sacks. His best performance came in a loss at Virginia, when he finished with nine tackles and six picks. Brooks was the best player on the field that night and I expect many more performances from Brooks in the future.
When a true freshman steps into a starting role, there can be many ups and downs that come with their game, but on a week-to-week basis, Paul-Lee has stepped up in a big way in the backfield of the Teh defense. He finished the year with 46 tackles, two pass breakups and an interception. He played well in the win over Virginia Tech, totaling six tackles and an interception in the game and was named ACC Defensive Back of the Week.
Zamari Walton has improved as the 2022 season continues.
Lee Luther Jr.-America Today Sports
Walton was a starter from day one against Clemson, but his improvement has been a highlight of the season for the Georgia Tech defense. He’s been struggling for the past few seasons, but not to the level he was in the second half of the season. Walton finished the season with 36 tackles, an interception and six pass breakups, second on the team behind Brooks.
Georgia Tech finished the season ranked sixth in the ACC in pass defense and sixth in interceptions. There is plenty of room for improvement on those numbers and with Brooks and Powell-Lee heading into their second seasons as starters, I expect improvement on those numbers.
One thing that stands out about Georgia Tech’s defense going into next season is the guys they won’t be returning. Yellow Jackets senior pass rushers Keon White and Charlie Thomas and Ace Ealy, the team’s leading players from last season, are all gone. Until some other people step up and take over those positions, the secondary will be the strength of this team, and even if there is no drop in production, this class will be worthy of the Yellow Jackets. To be able to rely on.
Follow us on social media for the latest on Georgia Tech athletics!
Facebook: All Yellow Jackets
Twitter: @AllYellowJacket
Follow Jackson on Twitter: @jacksoncaudell
Check out all the latest tech news at AllYellowJackets.com
Check out the Georgia Tech home page
Listen to the Goal Line Stand podcast for the best Georgia Tech and national college football coverage!
More Georgia Tech related content:
Three big road losses from Georgia Tech to Virginia
Georgia Tech lost to Virginia and dropped to 0-3 in ACC play
Zamari Walton has announced his return for the 2023 season
Georgia Tech offers three-star running back Chris Davis
Georgia Tech offers 2024 athlete Jaylin Lackey
Georgia Tech offers four-star offensive tackle Ethan Calloway
Georgia Tech Adds South Carolina State and Gardner-Webb to Future Schedules
Georgia Tech Basketball at Virginia: Game Preview and Prediction
Analyzing Georgia Tech’s offensive line after signing day
Georgia Tech linebackers coach Jason Seymour named FootballScoops Linebackers Coach of the Year
[ad_2]
Source link
