2024 Coming Up For Georgia Tech

Part 2- The Defense

Georgia Tech made major progress on the gridiron in 2023, posting a 7-6 overall record including a rousing comeback win over UCF in the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa in late December. 2023 brought Tech's first winning season since 2018 and first bowl win since the 2016 win over Kentucky in the Gator Bowl under Paul Johnson.

Tech's overall improvement came largely on the basis of a more productive offense. In 2024, further improvement will hinge largely on better defensive play. Last year the Jackets gave up an average of 29.5 points per game, which explains how a team that scored 33 per game finished 7-6.

Tech's 2023 defense was a "bend-and-then- break" outfit that gave up a late lead to BC and surrendered four straight scores in a home loss to Bowling Green. The Jackets yielded a whopping 5.6 yards per rush last year. That number has to be much lower if Key's crew has any real hope to get more wins.

On the good side, last year's group did show a knack for getting late turnovers in their big wins over UNC and especially at Miami. That said, these were two late wins , by narrow margins , which is not a reliable way to build a better record.

To push that improvement,Key brought in new DC Tyler Santucci from Duke. Santucci had been at Texas A& M the year prior to Duke. In his lone season in Durham, Santucci's defense allowed only 19 points per game, which was best in the ACC and 16th in the country.

Brent Key also brought in a herd of transfers, to add size and depth. And on the Defensive line, Tech will get Sylvain Yondjouen back on the field after losing him to injury in 2023. Zeek Biggers will play inside along with Makius Scott.

Kyle Efford returns to anchor the defense from inside linebacker. along with Trenilyas Tatum. And in the secondary, Clayton Powell- Lee returns at safety with LaMiles Brooks. Ahmari Harvey returns at one corner, likely paired with transfer Warren Burrell (Tennessee).

Santucci's task will be to blend this group– including numerous new names– into a cohesive, effective defense, with emphasis on stopping the run and generating a consistent pass rush. The development of this year's D line will be the responsibility of new line coach Jess Simpson. Tech will certainly miss defensive linemen Kyle Kennard and Eddie Kelly, but with new talent and a new scheme, the defense should be improved.

If Brent Key and his staff can make that happen, Georgia Tech will be bowling again this post-season.

Patrick Conarro

RamblinSports.com