Could This Be The Deepest Running Back Room Georgia Tech Has Had Under Brent Key?

Training Camp is underway for Georgia Tech, as the Yellow Jackets continue to build towards what they hope is a special season in year three under Brent Key. Through the first couple of days, one of the main talking points for the coaches has been the confidence and the depth of this team, especially on offense. Whether it is quarterback, running back, or wide receiver, both Key and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner have lauded this team's depth and yesterday, Faulkner even went as far as to say that he thinks this will be the deepest running back room that they have had since Key took over as the head coach:

"High potential. The stuff we talk about all the time. I do believe this is the deepest room that we've had. I think we've got five guys six guys that we can roll out there. Daylon Gordon, a guy I haven't seen much of as far as on offense over the last couple of years, just continues to flash, right? He's got great presence, great leadership, and everything that he does and the way he goes about his business. And then Trelain Maddox, who's the ultimate pro, right? He's had multiple injuries, but hopefully he can stay healthy. He's another guy. And then obviously Malachi Hosley we added. And JP and Shane Marshall have both flashed. Two kids, Shane just getting here, and the way he's been able to pick things up in two days is very impressive and a testament to his high school program down there. So we're really excited about that room. deepest we've been and we've got some good battles going on to get on the field there."

Is Faulkner correct? I think he could be, but health is going to be a big factor for this group. Jamal Haynes spent some of last year banged up and on Tuesday, Key talked about Chad Alexander working through an injury right now:

"Chad will be out part of the season this year, but I don't know when to expect him back. He's way ahead of schedule, way ahead of progress. He's actually, you know, he's made so much improvement this offseason. You know, but, you know, that could be something, could be October, I don't know, could be September. He's way ahead of schedule on that. So, again, that's why we increased the depth of that position. You know, we've got seven scholarship guys there at that position and at the running back spot. And it's important we use those guys multiple times with the way we use them, not the way we practice. All of a sudden, one guy rolls an ankle, one guy gets twisted up in a helmet, comes off, and you're down at the bottom of the depth chart. So in my mind, whoever ends up being the third, fourth, or fifth running back, those guys are just as important as one and two. You're going to play a lot of football this year."