Where does Georgia Tech go from here? A look at what’s most needed for 2020

When Geoff Collins looks back on his first season as head coach at Georgia Tech, he’ll always see it as a foundational year in the transformation of the program. And he’ll view it with fondness and appreciation, not through the lens of a 3-9 record.

Collins spent a long time in the locker room after the season-ending loss to Georgia. He wanted to say good-bye to his small group of seniors that he believes laid the groundwork for the change in culture that Collins has preached since he was introduced as the new coach nearly a year ago.

“They’re a special group,” Collins said. “The culture they’ve set, so when we come back in January, we’re not having to go 180 to a million miles per hour so abruptly. So sad that they’re gone, but excited about what they’ve done to lay the groundwork for the future of this program.”

Collins must now turn his attention to signing the sort of high school prospects he covets that will enable the Yellow Jackets to again compete for a conference championship — or more. He only had to look across the field at the Georgia sideline to see the sort of talent that is needed to play at a higher level. Collins even mentioned it in his postgame remarks — although he refused to speak the word “Georgia.”

“I remember three years ago when I was the defensive coordinator at Florida, first year in the development of that (Georgia) program, and just to see the impact they’ve made through recruiting, through development,” Collins said. “That’s the way it should be.”

Georgia Tech has started to make inroads in recruiting and have seven commitments from the state’s top 50 prospects. The current roster has two. Collins calls recruiting “the lifeblood of the program” and his staff will scour the state before the early signing period from Dec. 19-21.

Georgia Tech currently has 22 hard commits according to 247 Sports, which ranks the Yellow Jackets No. 25 in the nation and No. 5 in the ACC.

What went wrong in 2019

Injuries took a toll on an already thin roster. From the group that began the season “above the line” and ready to play in games, Collins said 16 were out for the Georgia game. It got to the point where the Yellow Jackets used redshirt freshman Hinson Fowler, a walk-on, to play meaningful snaps against Georgia.

It took four games before the staff identified James Graham as the starting quarterback. Then they had to live and die with his inconsistencies. Graham has a big arm and hit some big plays, but had ongoing issues with accuracy. He will be challenged this spring by returning freshman Jordan Yates and incoming freshman Tucker Gleason.

The kicking game was poor. Kickers Brenton Cox and Wesley Wells were inconsistent and ineffective.

What went right in 2019

For the most part, the players understood that hard work during practice would be rewarded with playing time. Collins said from the get-go that playing time would be parceled out in relation to the effort put forth. “That’s our culture,” linebacker David Curry said. “Maximum effort.”

The staff discovered a pair of standout receivers in freshman Ahmarean Brown and sophomore Malachi Carter. Brown tied Calvin Johnson’s school record for touchdown catches by a freshman (seven) and Carter showed he could catch anything that was close. That group will be helped by the addition of Warner Robins product Marquez Ezzard, who had to sit out the year after transferring from Florida State.

Punter Pressley Harvin III got plenty of chances to kick and delivered. He performed at an All-ACC level, averaging a career-high 44.8 yards on 80 attempt.

What’s most needed for 2020

The offensive line was a patchwork group by the end of the season. They lose impactful graduate transfer Jared Southers, but will get center Kenny Cooper and tackle Jahaziel Lee back after both missed the season with injuries. The search continues for big linemen — Georgia had a 25-pound advantage on Saturday.

The defensive line was also shredded during the season and ended the season searching for abled-bodied players. Kelton Dawson was trending in the right direction before getting hurt and missing the last two games. Michael Lockhart has the makings of a big-time player.