Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – ACC Preview

Heading into the 2007 season the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets look to build on their impressive 06' season that saw them win the ACC Coastal title. Gone is the teams best player WR Calvin Johnson but a couple of capable replacements will be at Head Coach Chan Gailey’s disposal to replace him. After having a tremendous recruiting class the future looks bright for Tech.

SportsBetting.com has Georgia Tech 75 to 1 Odds to win the 2008 BCS

The offense will be in the hands of first year starting QB junior Taylor Bennett. Bennett, 6-3 215, has a nice arm and good size, having shown flashes in limited action he looks like a player. The team will be balanced but more of a running team this year. Between the tackles, hard charging RB Tashard Choice, 6-1 205, returns after having a stellar 06' campaign gaining 1,473 yards. Paving the way for Choice will be smash mouth blocker Mike Cox, 6-1 250. Wideouts James Johnson, 6-0 190, and Demaryius Thompson, 6-3 220, will be have the task of replacing Calvin Johnson. Redshirt Freshman Thomas is a very strong receiver that is fast and has outstanding vertical leap. Four starters return too an  offensive line that can do damage at the point of attack.

The Tech Defense is a good one that operates out of the 4-3 and comes after opponents with confusing schemes. Eight starters return on defense from a fast group of players . Middle Linebacker Phillip Wheeler, 6-2 230, is a stud who will be an NFL first rounder next year. The rest of the backers are untested but athletic. Tech added some strong recruits to a quick D-line. At defensive end the Yellow Jackets have nice depth with three guys that can play some ball. The secondary returns 3 of four starters with star Safety Jamal Lewis, 6-0 200, leading the charge. Lewis teams with Djay Jones, 6-1, 200 to form one of the better safety tandems in the nation. The corners are adaquate and experienced. Special teams are spearheaded by All-American punter Durant Brooks. The kicking game is so-so. The return game was not good last year but look for someone to step up.

Georgia Tech will have a challenge to be better than last year but they have skills in all three phases of the game. Taylor Bennett could make this offense better than last year so expect 8+ wins.

Brad Marchetti’s Opening Game Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Power Ratings : 20-80 Scale

20- Poor
30- Well Below Average
40- Below Average
50- Average
60- Above Average
70- Very Good
80- Great

Coaching: 65
Quarterback : 60
Backs : 65
Receivers : 60
Offensive Line : 65
Defensive Line : 70
Linebackers : 65
Secondary : 65
Special Teams : 65