No. 20 | Georgia Tech

By Charles Drake | 08.30.2010

Head Coach    2009 Record    Returning Starters

Paul Johnson      11-3 (7-1)       6 Offense, 6 Defense

Offensive Overview
All-everything quarterback Joshua Nesbitt comes back in 2010 for what he hopes is a special senior season. What isn't coming back for the Yellow Jackets are their other two top offensive playmakers from the 2009 season -- WR Demaryius Thomas and RB Jonathan Dwyer. Hoping too fill those two gaping holes will be talented sophomore receiver Stephen Hill, and the duo of junior Roddy Jones and senior Anthony Allen in the backfield. The offensive line lost three starters off of the 2009 group, but center Sean Bedford should lead the line and help it gel rather quickly -- the line should not be a concern. What should be a concern, is the blocking on the edge by the receivers -- something Thomas did very well -- the depth at quarterback behind Nesbitt, and the fumbles that hampered Georgia Tech in 2009. Having two leaders like Nesbitt and Bedford -- with the talent returning at A-back and B-back -- should help Georgia Tech buy time in it's search for answers at receiver.

Defensive Overview

Incoming Defensive Coordinator Al Groh will switch the scheme from a 4-3 to a 3-4; a tricky proposition when you haven't recruited for that scheme. That said, Groh is a highly thought of defensive mind, and the Jackets return a ton of promising players. On the line, Jason Peters could be the answer to the question "How does Georgia Tech replace Derrick Morgan?". Linebacker is the biggest concern for the Jackets, especially on the outside. All-ACC candidate Brad Jefferson leads by example in the middle, but Georgia Tech must find players to provide pressure from the outside backer positions or they could struggle. The secondary is loaded, senior Mario Butler and junior Jerrard Tarrant will lead a deep and instinctive group. Throughout preseason practice, true freshman safety Isaiah Johnson had the look of a special player and could just add another piece to the playmaking DB group.

Team Superlatives
Most Likely to be a leader on offense: QB Joshua Nesbitt
Most Likely to be a leader on defense: LB Brad Jefferson
Most Likely to be a household name by December: WR Stephen Hill
Most Likely to make an instant impact: S Isaiah Johnson
Most Likely to lead the team in tackles: Jefferson
Most Likely to lead the team in sacks: DE Jason Peters
Most Likely to lead the team in receiving yards: Hill
Most Likely to lead the team in rushing yards: RB Anthony Allen
Most Likely to win a national award: C Sean Bedford

Prediction

2010 Prediction: 9-3 (5-3)

The two biggest keys for success in 2010 will be the emergence of a receiving threat, and the defenses ability to pick up the new scheme and make the personnel fit into it. Georgia Tech's schedule is manageable in 2010. The first seven games should get the Jackets off to a quick start, but coming down the stretch is no cakewalk. A five game stretch of @Clemson, @Virginia Tech, Miami, Duke, and @Georgia will determine if Georgia Tech is playing their bowl game before or after New Year's.