Georgia Tech’s offensive line has become one of Brent Key’s calling cards, and that hasn’t changed as the Yellow Jackets head into fall camp. Since taking over in 2023, Key has built the program around a physical front, and each season Georgia Tech has fielded one of the ACC’s better offensive lines.
This year, though, there are some real pieces to replace. Keylan Rutledge became the first Georgia Tech first-round pick since 2010, Joe Fusile was a multi-year starter at left guard, and both Harrison Moore and Tana Alo-Tupuola handled the center jobs.
Geep Wade also moved on to Nebraska after three seasons. Even so, there’s a familiar presence back in the building: former Georgia Tech assistant O-Line coach Allen Mogridge returned to The Flats after a season at App State.
The projected starting five gives a clear picture of where things stand right now: Ethan Mackenny at left tackle, Kevin Peay Jr at left guard, Joseph Ionata at center, Malachi Carney at right guard, and Jameson Riggs at right tackle.
Mackenny is set to anchor the left side, and he should be in line for a big year. After playing 757 snaps last season, he earned a 67.8 grade from Pro Football Focus. With more veteran help around him in recent seasons, Mackenny now has to take on more of a leadership role in the room.
Carney is making a move of his own, shifting from right tackle to right guard. Georgia Tech will lean on him for leadership too, and his 2024 numbers show why. In 768 snaps, he posted a 67.9 grade from PFF, including a 72.1 pass-blocking grade.
Ionata arrives from Alabama and is the favorite to take over at center. That move would give Georgia Tech a clear answer in the middle as camp opens.
The biggest battles appear to be at left guard and right tackle. Peay Jr is expected to compete for the left guard spot and has developed quickly.
Riggs, meanwhile, looks like a real challenger at right tackle after two years of development and periodic snaps. Last season, he logged 196 snaps and finished with a 48.8 overall grade at PFF, but he’s also being viewed as a possible breakout player this season.
There’s depth in the mix, but the competition is still sorting itself out. Will Reed, who transferred in from Princeton last season, is in the running for one of the starting jobs or a major reserve role.
Andrew Rosinski, now in his second year after transferring from North Carolina, is also competing for playing time. Markell Samuel brings experience from App State and Oklahoma State and is in the mix for one of the open spots or a top backup role.
A few younger names are also worth tracking. Xavier Canales, a redshirt freshman, is part of the group that could matter more down the road, with Georgia Tech still working through depth at left guard and right tackle.
Jimmy Bryson is likely to battle for the backup center role with Ionata expected to start. Blake Belin has switched to the offensive line after arriving on the other side of the ball, but he’ll need time before making an impact.
Josh Petty, a former five-star recruit, battled injuries in the spring and saw limited action as a freshman. Jordan Floyd, a redshirt sophomore, has been developing for a couple of seasons and could push for a spot near the top of the depth chart.
Favour Edwin, who spent the last two seasons at Auburn, will compete for playing time in his third college season. Krew Moledor, a freshman, is more likely to be a developmental piece for the future.
Then there are the Heard brothers. Courtlin and Courtney Heard drew strong reviews in the spring, and while true freshmen usually have a steep climb on the offensive line, they’re the two newcomers most likely to challenge for snaps this season. At the very least, this should be an important year for their development.
Georgia Tech has competition everywhere up front, and that’s exactly how the program likes it. The main pressure points are left guard and right tackle, but the larger question is how the full depth chart settles over the next month.
There’s not a ton of experience here beyond a few veterans, which leaves some uncertainty. Still, Key has earned the benefit of the doubt with this group.
The talent is there for Georgia Tech to be solid again - the only question is whether the Jackets can avoid any drop-off after losing a first-rounder like Rutledge.
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Georgia Tech's Transfer Overhaul Puts Several Crucial Jobs In The Spotlight
Georgia Techs roster makeover has put a long list of new faces in position to shape the season, and the changes are especially pronounced on offense and in the trenches. With so many starters gone, the Yellow Jackets are leaning on transfers to stabilize the lineup, from quarterback Mendoza, a first-time starter who arrives after backing up at Indiana, to additions at running back, receiver and tight end who are expected to help settle a unit that needs answers quickly.
The same is true on defense, where the staff is counting on incoming help to raise the level of play right away. Carter, Walker and Thomas are among the transfers brought in to fortify the front, while other newcomers are being asked to fit into key roles as Georgia Tech tries to replace production and keep the depth chart from feeling too thin before the season begins. [Read more 🡒]