Two more Jackets out as RB Griffin announces transfer, DB Thomas declares for draft

As Tech tries to re-establish itself after the recent coaching shake-up, the player departures continue. Running back Jamious Griffin, once a key recruit to kick off Geoff Collins’ tenure, will enter the transfer portal. Starting DB Juanyeh Thomas will also be gone next season after electing to enter the NFL draft.

Griffin’s departure slims down an already-slimmed running back corps, leaving Dontae Smith as the obvious front-runner for the RB1 spot in 2022. Smith led the Jackets in yards-per-carry in 2021, averaging 5.6 per touch.

Thomas’ exit wraps up a solid career on the flats, both as a defender and an exciting punt and kick returner. His 100-yard interception return during Miami’s 2-point conversion attempt in November kept Tech within a field goal, but as was often the case this year they couldn’t close the gap and ultimately lost.

As is the norm these days, Thomas and Griffin made their announcements on social media. Here’s Griffin’s:

And here’s Juanyeh’s draft declaration: