Kevin Roche spent the winter and spring trying to turn promise into a real role.
The second-year Georgia Tech tight end appeared in just four games as a freshman, but that limited run did not stop him from putting together a strong offseason. Roche said the spring was especially important for his development as he pushed to become a more complete player.
"The spring was big for me," Roche commented. "That has been really big for me."
A big part of that growth came from the work he put in away from the field. Roche said he focused on adding size and strength over the winter and felt the results in the weight room. "I got some numbers up in the weight room."
His pass-catching ability was never really the question. What Roche targeted next was the part of the job that can separate a receiving tight end from a true all-around one: blocking.
He spent the offseason tightening up his technique and footwork, and he believes that work showed up once spring practice arrived. "I think I’ve come a long way."
That progress was helped along by the coaching staff, with tight ends coach Nathan Brock and George Godsey playing a key role in building his confidence. Roche also pointed to the veterans and upperclassmen around him last season as important influences as he adjusted to college football.
He singled out seniors Josh Beetham, Brett Seither and JT Byrne, along with second-year player Luke Harpring, as steady examples in the room. "They were great role models for me."
In Other News...
Georgia Tech Could Catch Tennessee In A Risky Early QB Spot
Tennessee has made its call at quarterback, naming freshman Faizon Brandon the starter for the season opener against Furman after he beat out sophomore George MacIntyre. Brandon arrived with plenty of buzz as a highly rated recruit, and his strong offseason scrimmage work was enough to push him to the front of the line as the Volunteers prepare for a schedule that gets tougher fast once SEC play arrives.
For Georgia Tech, the interesting part is not just who Tennessee chose, but how much is now riding on a young quarterback stepping into a demanding spot right away. The Volunteers do bring back experienced help around him on the offensive line and at the skill positions, which should ease the transition, but early-season quarterback situations can still be volatile in a hurry. If Brandon settles in quickly, Tennessees offense may have found its path, and if not, this is the sort of opening that can create ripple effects later in the year. [Read more 🡒]
Georgia Tech's Tight End Pecking Order Just Took An Interesting Turn
Fall camp is in the books for Georgia Tech, and the Yellow Jackets head into the Colorado opener with a tighter feel around one of the offenses most important position groups. Among the tight ends, Chris Corbo has become a notable presence after working back from a spring injury, and his return has added both stability and experience to a room that also includes Kevin Roche Jr. and Gavin Harris.
Corbos emergence matters because Georgia Tech has been looking for reliable production and leadership at tight end, and he has started to provide both as camp wrapped up. With the season about to begin, his role should carry real weight in an offense that will lean on its tight ends for more than just blocking, even as the rest of the pecking order continues to settle. [Read more 🡒]
Georgia Tech Commits Are Already Showing Why This Class Feels Different
Several Georgia Tech commits in the 2027 class were back on the field Friday night, and the early returns offered a useful snapshot of why this group has drawn so much attention. Wide receiver Antwan Lockett found the end zone and kept making plays even in a loss, while offensive lineman Joshua Sam-Epelle helped fuel a productive rushing attack in a double-overtime defeat. The results did not all break their way, but the energy and impact from Techs pledges showed up in different ways across the board.
On defense, Justin Weeks flashed against one of the better running backs on the schedule, and linebacker Cole Crawford added multiple tackles and quarterback hurries in a decisive win. It is still early in the process, but nights like these help explain why Georgia Tech views this class as more than just a collection of commitments. The pieces are already showing up in high school games, which is exactly the kind of sign the Yellow Jackets want to see as the group continues to develop. [Read more 🡒]