Georgia Tech’s latest portal chase for Albert Mendoza came together fast, and it came with the usual uncertainty that follows any transfer decision. Key called it “such an inexact science with the transfer portal.” The window to make a call is short, and the staff leaned on a wide range of conversations before moving forward.
What stood out in Mendoza’s case was competitiveness. Key said he talked to a lot of people about that trait and added, “We left no stone unturned.”
Georgia Tech also wanted to be first to get Mendoza on campus, then use that time to ask the tough questions. Key described the process as a two-way street, one that also included getting to know the parents and their character.
“You put it all together and cross your fingers and hope to hell that you get it right.
That approach fits the way Key has handled the portal more broadly. Georgia Tech has had players visit and never even reach a conversation with Key, because the assistant made the call that they were not the right fit.
“They might be a great player, but they don't fit what we are looking for at that position.” In Mendoza’s case, the priority was clear: Key wanted a quarterback with multiple years of eligibility.
“That was a big thing that I wanted.” He has made it clear that he prefers players he can develop, especially under center.
Up front, Key has been encouraged by both sides of the line. He has been especially positive about the defensive line since spring, saying, “I think they've really established themselves from a maturity standpoint, a play standpoint and a confidence standpoint.”
The offensive line has also settled in, and Key pointed to the flexibility he wants from that group. “It's no secret that I'm going to play multiple guys in multiple positions.”
His goal is to have players who are developed enough to step in as backups, and when he summed up both units, he said, “I've been pleased with both of them.”
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For now, the testimony would only come into play on a rebuttal basis, and only if Shilos defense team opens the door to prior testimony, which it does not currently intend to do. Even so, the courts ruling leaves Deion Sanders with an off-field issue hanging over him at a time when Colorado would rather keep the focus on football, and the situation could still shift depending on how the bankruptcy case unfolds. [Read more 🡒]
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For Georgia Tech, being mentioned alongside that group is notable on its own, especially with the Yellow Jackets continuing to push for the kind of defensive back talent that can change the ceiling of a class. Easterling-Flores has plenty of time before a decision, and with several blue-blood programs still involved, the next phase of this recruitment will be about which staff can keep building momentum while the others keep making their own case. [Read more 🡒]
Georgia Tech Has A Chance To Deliver The Season Fans Want Most
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Jason Semores defense is another reason the conversation around this team has shifted, with the new coordinator expected to bring a more aggressive approach that could help the Jackets create the kind of momentum good teams need. The bigger question is whether all of those pieces can line up by the time the rivalry game with Georgia arrives, because if Georgia Tech is going to deliver the season its fans want most, the stretch run may decide whether this becomes a fun upgrade or something far more memorable. [Read more 🡒]