Georgia Tech’s bye week could open the door for a handful of true freshmen who have already shown flashes this season. The Yellow Jackets have young talent scattered across the roster, and a few of those first-year players may be ready for a bigger workload once the season picks back up.
One name to watch is Outlaw, who has been productive in limited action and already ranks as the sixth-highest graded player on the defense, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). His 71.1 defensive grade stands out, especially when you consider he has logged just 41 snaps.
In that small sample, he has piled up eight tackles and shown enough versatility to be used in different sets and packages. He looks like a player the defense can build around, and with his skill set, it feels like only a matter of time before his role grows significantly.
Stevenson was also trending toward a larger role before getting banged up, which slowed his momentum over the last few games. With cornerbacks Daiquan White and Jaylen Mbakwe dealing with injuries, there’s a path for Stevenson to get more chances once he’s fully healthy.
He has already made an impact on special teams, including a blocked punt this season, and that kind of production can help him carve out a bigger spot. If he gets back to full strength, he could start making a case as a cornerback of the future.
At linebacker, Gamble has put himself in the conversation after his performance against Mercer. He may not be in line to start, but he could absolutely be part of certain defensive packages, especially with some concerns at the position.
Gamble leads the team with one interception and owns one of the best grades on the defense at 92.4, per PFF. His 96.2 coverage grade jumps off the page, and that ability could make him useful in situations where linebackers are asked to handle tight ends or running backs.
Speakman is another freshman who could see his workload rise. He has already been getting reps, but injuries on the interior defensive line and uneven play from the backups could create even more opportunity for him.
He has been effective when called upon, and the coaching staff has clearly liked what it has seen. Through this point in the season, Speakman has eight tackles and a fumble recovery, and there’s reason to think his role will keep expanding.
Then there’s Jean-Noel, a player whose dynamism gives him a chance to become a real second-half threat. Georgia Tech appears set to get plenty from Dalen Penson, Jordan Allen, and Jaiven Plummer, but Jean-Noel could still break through from the slot if he stays healthy and keeps stacking good practice reps.
The path is familiar. Last year, Allen spent time learning from Malik Rutherford before emerging late in the season as a go-to target and a player who could be used in different ways.
Now Allen is one of Georgia Tech’s main weapons. Jean-Noel has a chance to follow that same arc.
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Georgia Tech's Slow Start Is Fueling A Bigger Program Debate
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Geoff Collins is right back at the center of the discussion because slow starts tend to sharpen every program debate, especially when a team is still trying to settle into a new identity. The argument for patience is straightforward: this is a roster in transition, and the long-term value of the rebuild may not show up all at once. Georgia Techs key players and the games ahead will matter a lot here, because they will either show a team beginning to turn the corner or keep the larger questions hanging over the program. [Read more 🡒]