Kyle Efford is heading into the final stretch of his college career with the kind of responsibility that comes with being a redshirt senior and a longtime presence at linebacker. Since his redshirt freshman season, he has been a steady part of the defense, and now he’s the one expected to help set the tone.
That role comes with a clear message from Efford himself. “I have no other option but to be a vocal leader and to lead my team by example, but also, if I need to speak up, I'll speak up.” With summer workouts winding down, Efford and his teammates are moving toward preseason practice and the September 3rd Thursday night home opener against Colorado.
Efford is currently at 225 pounds, and both he and the coaching staff are comfortable with where he is physically. Weight has been a major point of emphasis across the roster this offseason, with an eye toward getting players to their best playing weight.
Brent Key wants his defensive line to be bigger, but also quicker. Efford has seen that work up close and says several of the big men have trimmed down and are getting off the ball faster. “I feel like our big guys getting vertical, cutting the ball off, taking double-teams.”
That push for improvement extends beyond the front. Efford says the second and third levels still have plenty of room to grow, and he wants the linebackers to be sharper in the gaps, more active from sideline to sideline, and better at communicating and getting down.
“There's room for development everywhere. There's not one specific area.
But I feel like we need to develop across the board.”
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Georgia Tech Faces One Huge Quarterback Fear Entering 2026
Georgia Tech spent the spring sorting out its quarterback picture, and Alberto Mendoza emerged from that competition as the player set to guide the offense into 2026. The former Indiana backup won the job after a strong camp, giving the Yellow Jackets a new face under center as they try to carry forward after Haynes Kings run as one of the ACCs top quarterbacks.
The concern now is less about who starts and more about what comes after him. Mendoza is stepping into a situation with a new offensive coordinator, a young group of skill players and three new starters on the offensive line, which puts a premium on every snap he takes. Georgia Tech also does not have much proven depth behind him, so how Mendoza handles his first season as the full-time answer will go a long way toward shaping the offenses ceiling. [Read more 🡒]