Evaluating Georgia Tech's Transfer Portal Haul

At tight end, Georgia Tech got Yale's Jackson Hawes and former Mississippi State and Georgia tight end Ryland Goede. While I don't think either player is an All-ACC caliber player, they have skills that can be used in this offense. They also bring experience and given how Georgia Tech rotated tight ends this year, everyone should get some playing time. 

Hawes was a second-team All-Conference tight end for Yale this season and last season. For his career, the 6'5 255 LBS tight end caught 35 passes for 375 yards and six touchdowns.

Goede has one career catch. 

It was no secret that Georgia Tech had to find some guys on the defensive side of the football. The Yellow Jackets had the worst defense in the ACC and one of the worst in the country and have to improve in those areas next season. Georgia Tech has seen a fair amount of players leave on that side of the ball as well, such as Kyle Kennard, D'Quan Douse, and K.J. Wallace. 

So far on the defensive line, Georgia Tech has brought in Furman defensive end Jack Barton, who will bring experience and has the chance to be a starter or at least provide depth. Just last week, Florida State transfer defensive lineman Ayobami Tifase committed to Georgia Tech over other offers that included Wisconsin, Coastal Carolina, FAU, Marshall, and FAMU. I think he will be a starter at defensive tackle or right in the mix for it. 

Georgia Tech was losing Paul Moala, Braelen Oliver, Ashton Heflin, Trenilyas Tatum, and Andre White Jr at linebacker and needed to grab a few replacements. They went to Louisville to get Jackson Hamilton and went to their archrival Georgia to land E.J. Lightsey. 

I think Kyle Efford is likely to be a starter, but the other spot is open for competition. Hamilton played three years for the Cardinals from 2021-2023 and in his three seasons, he totaled 17 tackles and one pass deflection. At 6'1 220 LBS, he will bring athleticism to the position and I am anxious to see how he will fit in the defense next year.

From Lightsey's bio at Georgia Athletics:

2022: Saw action as a reserve LB in four games...made his collegiate debut in win over Samford...credited with one solo tackle vs. the Bulldogs...also played in wins over Auburn, Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech...had two stops vs. the Commodores.

High School: Fitzgerald HS, coached by Tucker Pruitt… 247Sports.com three-star prospect...ranked as the #44 inside linebacker nationally, the #34 prospect in Georgia and #490 prospect nationally...PrepStar Magazine three-star prospect, ranked as #469 prospect nationally...ESPN.com three-star prospect, #21 ILB nationally and #67 prospect in Georgia…rivals.com three-star prospect, #36 inside linebacker nationally and the #52 prospect from the state of Georgia...helped lead Fitzgerald HS to the GHSA Class 2A championship with 13-2 record in his 2021 senior season…named to 2021 Georgia Class 2A All-State First Team Defense by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and GHSF Daily…named Class 2A Defensive Player of the Year by AJC and GHSF Daily… named 2021 MaxPreps Small Town All-America Football First Team selection.

Georgia Tech was losing three corners and needed to address the position in the portal. Myles Sims was out of eligibility and Kenan Johnson and K.J. Wallace hit the transfer portal. 

The Yellow Jackets landed highly sought-after Rhode Island transfer Syeed Gibbs and Tennessee transfer Warren Burrell, both of whom should compete for playing time. 

Gibbs totaled 52 tackles, three tackles for loss, six pass breakups, and three interceptions this season. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

Burrell was an SEC-level starter at cornerback for Tennessee before he got hurt and if he can stay healthy, this could be a huge get for Georgia Tech. They could look to keep adding to this position as well.

From his bio at Tennessee Athletics:

"Experienced cornerback who had a career year in 2021 as one of the Vols’ starters before missing the majority of the 2022 season with an upper body injury … Played in 40 games with 22 starts, all at cornerback, and has two years of eligibility remaining … Accumulated 89 total tackles, has nine PBUs, one interception and a fumble recovery to his credit … Plays with the SEC graduate patch after earning his degree in Dec. 2022."

I think the Yellow Jackets did well to address their immediate needs and they still could add more players in the transfer portal. Brent Key is still in the process of hiring a defensive coordinator and when that process is over, you might see more additions being made. Don't forget there is also a spring window for the transfer portal. The coaching staff did good in getting impact players through the portal in 2023 and have made some solid additions so far. I don't know if you have a star player, but they have guys that fit the system and can improve the positions they are in. 

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