Georgia Tech’s 2019 signing class
Link
https://theathletic.com/728408/2018/12/2...ing-class/
If there is one thing that kept coming up for Georgia Tech’s signing class at the end of the early signing period, it’s the fact that, at least for a time, the emphasis will be on position flexibility. This flexibility is an important focus for the newest class of Yellow Jackets and the players Geoff Collins will be inheriting from Paul Johnson.
It’s no secret that Collins is doing away with Johnson’s option offense and Nate Woody’s three-man defensive front, so moving into the offseason, an emphasis will be put on finding the best fit (position-wise) for a good number of players on Georgia Tech’s 2019 roster. For Collins and the roster, the importance will be on position fluidity and the players’ willingness to try new things in the new schemes. There likely will be a learning curve and growing pains, but if given time, it could produce a new wave of Georgia Tech football, maybe a refreshing change of pace for those who are ready for one.
This notion of fluidity among players and positions is especially important for the incoming signing class. But the transition to what Collins expects offensively and defensively could be easier for this new wave of players than for the ones returning. In fact, it was Johnson who said during one of his final news conferences that Collins wouldn’t be inheriting an option team; he would be inheriting football players who didn’t grow up running the option, players who, under Collins, will be able to revert to what they likely ran in high school.
That said, the incoming class won’t have to revert to anything. For many of the recent signees (if not all), Collins’ plan likely fits their profiles. With the early signing period coming to a close, let’s take an in-depth look at the players in this class so far — with an emphasis on what they present Collins and how they can be used once they get to Georgia Tech:
Demetrius Knight II
QB | 6-2 | 220 pounds | Strong Rock Christian | Locust Grove
While Knight was recruited as a quarterback, there is a high probability that he will find himself in various positions on Collins’ team. Collins explained that Knight will start out at quarterback, but he is not being held to that spot. As far as the pros that Knight brings to Georgia Tech outside of the opportunity to move him around if the need arises, Collins said that Knight ran back-to-back 4.5 40 times during. His speed and physicality are two things — when coupled together — that bring the most excitement. The three-star prospect is at his best when he is on the move, and his speed and strength make him difficult to bring down upon initial contact.
Interesting note: Knight is the first player in the 12-year history of the program at Strong Rock Christian to sign to play Division I football.
What Collins said: “Obviously, we’ll start him off at quarterback, but he is interested in just helping the team however he can. I think there is going to be big things for him in the future, whether it be on offense or defense or at the quarterback position. Really excited for just what he brings to the Flats.”
Devin Ellison
RB | 5-9 | 195 pounds | Bartram Trail | Jacksonville, Fla.
During his high school career at Bartram Trail, Ellison set a program record with more than 3,000 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns. Ellison is a downhill runner and can accelerate well in the open field. He does his best work once he gets to the second level of the defense. His moves can be fairly vicious, and his uptick in speed once he gets past the defensive line is something to be excited about. Ellison will get to work with new running backs coach Tashard Choice, a former Yellow Jackets star who was officially hired Friday.
What Collins said: “Just being around him during the recruiting visit, trying to build relationships with these guys before they get on campus, he’s an engaging personality, and you can tell the guys around him really want to play with him.”
Jamal Camp
DE | 6-2 | 275 pounds | South Forsyth | Cumming
Collins has explained on a few occasions that he plans to transition Georgia Tech’s defense to a four-man front instead of Woody’s 3-4 scheme, which the team ran throughout the 2018 season. This four-man front is something that Camp is likely used to, having run a similar scheme at South Forsyth. Collins said Camp has the ability to move around the defensive line if the need arises. The three-star prospect has accumulated more than 100 tackles during his final two years in high school and averaged more than five tackles per game.
A legacy: Camp is the brother of Jalen Camp, a rising senior wide receiver at Georgia Tech.
What Collins said: “An interesting thing is that the very first set of parents that I ever met were the Camps. (I got) to know them really quickly and got to spend the weekend with them on the official visit. They raised two fine young men, and I’m just excited about their future with us here in Atlanta.”
Zach Owens
WR | 6-3 | 198 pounds | Pope | Marietta
When Collins was asked about Owens, one of the first things he said about the wide receiver was that his versatility jumps off the tape — and it really does. Throughout high school, Owens usually was set up out wide, but he was also able to take some direct snaps or get a couple of handoffs in the backfield, which explains why Johnson probably liked him so much. But Owens’ numbers also back up his versatility. In his final three seasons at Pope, Owens had 3,066 all-purpose yards broken down to more than 1,000 receiving and rushing yards. He averaged more than 100 all-purpose yards per game.
What Collins said: “We will be able to move him around, might even play some ‘H’ for us as we implement the new system. Getting to be around him on his official visit, he’s a very engaging, great kid with high character. He’s willing to work really, really hard to make a name for himself at Georgia Tech.”
D’Quan Douse
DE | 6-3 | 250 pounds | Calvary Day School | Savannah
For any defensive end, there has to be a specific balance between strength and speed. The position calls for someone who has the strength to go up against a sometimes significantly larger offensive lineman and the quickness to jump off the edge to catch a speedy running back or quarterback. Douse has that right balance. His moves off the snap are fluid and quick, a nod to his strong fundamentals.
Another possible use: While Douse is a gifted defensive end, Collins made the comment that Douse could lend a hand on offense, too. Douse has played a little tight end at Calvary Day School, and Collins said he could be used at that position in short-yardage or goal-line situations. That is just a possibility, however, because Douse’s highlights look really good on defense.
What Collins said: “Relentless competitor who plays with a high motor. The thing that gets me excited is that we are trying to build this roster in position flexibility. He can play off the edge, he can move inside on third down.”
Jordan Yates
QB | 6-0 | 186 pounds | Milton | Alpharetta
Georgia Tech is getting arguably the best quarterback to ever go through Milton. Yates is Milton’s career and single-season leader in passing yards and touchdown passes. Oh, and he is the winningest quarterback in Milton history. And while an option coach recruited Yates, he potentially could fit better into the offense that Collins is envisioning for Georgia Tech. More than a runner, Yates is accurate through the air and puts a nice zip on his passes, but he still has the ability to make things happen with his legs when plays break down.
A winning attitude: Yates helped lead Milton to the program’s first football state championship in nearly 70 years with a 14-13 victory over Colquitt County. Collins was at that game and said he was impressed with Yates’ competitiveness and elusiveness.
What Collins said: “My favorite thing about him was that when he came on his official (visit) just how engaged he was in the process, how he was recruiting a number of the guys that were on that recruiting weekend. You can just tell he has that leadership ability. He’s poised and understands to be a great player and a great quarterback, you need other great players to come with you.”
Jordan Huff
DB | 6-2 | 185 pounds | Morgan County | Madison
According to Collins, Georgia Tech’s defense will be playing press-man coverage “across the board” and on almost every single down. To execute that the way he wants, Collins said there is an added emphasis on length with his defensive backs. Huff has the length that will assist him in the bump and run, one-on-one coverage that he likely will see. Huff’s highlight reel is filled with examples of his ability to see the field well. During his career at Morgan County, Huff had three interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.
What Collins said: “I coach the secondary, so I am going to be heavily involved with Jordan, so I’m really excited about him. I’ve built a great relationship with him and his family, and all of them are excited that he is staying close to home so that they can see him play here in Atlanta. But just the length and the speed and the competitiveness that Jordan shows has me really fired up.”
Jeremiah Smith
DB | 6-2 | 190 pounds | Grayson | Grayson
Another player who will be joining Collins and Huff in the secondary is Smith. While Huff flashed his ability to read the field and tally several interceptions, Smith is more physical, with his highlight reel showcasing his abilities as a tackler and a difference-maker in the open field. Collins said he likes Smith at free safety, but he also could play a little nickel and dime for Georgia Tech.
More than football: Smith is also an accomplished baseball player. This year, he was named as one of Georgia’s top 100 junior baseball players. His baseball skills are not lost on Collins.
What Collins said: “I really like baseball players to be at the safety positions for us. I’m back there coaching the DBs, so I am really excited about his range and his ball skills, his intelligence to get everybody lined up to execute.”
Dylan Deveney
TE | 6-6 | 255 pounds | The Hun School | Medford, N.J.
Something interesting about the first tight end to commit and sign with Georgia Tech in 11 years is that he hasn’t even been playing football, let alone the tight end position, for long. Deveney was a standout basketball player before figuring out that maybe football presented him with more opportunities. Midway through his senior season at Shawnee High School, Deveney began playing football. Since then, he played a post-graduate year at The Hun School, where he caught 12 passes for 282 yards in six games. As an athlete who had Division I offers in both basketball and football, Deveney has an upside based on his size and agility. Deveney is the No. 28 tight end prospect in the nation, and Collins pursued him as such. Deveney was Collins’ first in-home visit after it was announced that he would be the head coach at Georgia Tech.
What Collins said: “I wanted to make sure that it was clear to Dylan and to everybody associated with the Yellow Jacket football program that this is the type of offense that we are going to run.”
Kalani Norris
WR | 6-0 | 180 pounds | Christopher Columbus | Miami, Fla.
Collins distinctly remembers Norris drawing his attention at a satellite camp at Miami. When Collins got the job at Georgia Tech, he immediately was excited about the three-star wide receiver making a trip to Atlanta for an official visit. Collins praised Norris’ quality ball skills and route-running ability. Once Norris gets a little stronger, he will be harder to wrap up in the open field, and his yards after initial contact will increase.
What Collins said: “He’s a very versatile athlete. He can play slot receiver for us, but he can also get out on the edge. He has tremendous ball skills and is a really good route runner. He’s highly competitive which is what we need here in the Flats.”
Welsey Walker
CB | 6-1 | 190 pounds | Ensworth | Nashville, Tenn.
On tape, Walker showcases a slight resemblance to current Georgia Tech defensive back and kick returner Juanyeh Thomas. While Thomas has a couple of inches and a few pounds on Walker, the two defensive backs with speed can capitalize on opportunities on defense and special teams. Like Thomas, Walker has a natural awareness that benefits him in both aspects of the game. Collins said Walker likely will play nickel or dime, but the coach expects him to be a “big-time” safety. And while Thomas likely has the returner job locked in, maybe Walker will get a couple of shots at some returns, as well.
What Collins said: “He’s got length. He’s got speed. He’s got range. One of my favorite things watching tape is guys who can really stand out on special teams. They can do a lot of things for us as we implement our package so that we can attack and be aggressive in everything that we do.”
Tony Amerson
RB | 5-11 | 220 pounds | St. James | Montgomery, Ala.
Like Yates was arguably the best quarterback to go through Milton, Amerson is arguably the best running back to play at St. James. Amerson has set numerous program records and became the first player in city history to rush for more than 5,000 yards in a career. He also has recorded six of the top 10 single-game rushing yard totals in program history. As a senior, Amerson rushed for more than 2,000 yards.
How he can be used: Amerson and Ellison, although equally capable, present different skill sets in the backfield. Ellison looks to be the speedier of the two, able to create space with speed, but Amerson is the bulldozer, with the ability to carry a few defenders a few extra yards. Amerson would be the player to get the ball on third-and-short, but that wouldn’t be all he can do as Collins also called him an “every-down” type of back.
What Collins said: “I’ve known his coaches for a long time, and they rave about this guy and just his competitive attitude and how good he wants to be and is willing to work to get it.”
Chico Bennett, Jr.
LB | 6-4 | 215 pounds | Battle Ground Academy (Tenn.) | Ashburn, Va.
Collins said things he greatly values on defense are length and speed — and Bennett has both. He’s really quick off the edge, with the ability to track down a running back or quarterback who gets pressured out of the pocket. Bennett is someone opponents can’t leave unblocked as a few teams did on his tape because he is all over whoever he’s after before they even really realize it.
Interesting fact: Bennett is a member of a military family, so moving around has just been a part of his life. Bennett was born in Texas but has lived in Virginia, Kentucky, Kansas, Tennessee and Germany.
What Collins said: “He’s got a relentless motor, is a great pass rusher, flexibility of positions. He can put his hand down on the ground and come off the edge or stand up and drop into coverage.”
Kenan Johnson
CB | 6-1 | 175 pounds | Lake Minneola | Minneola, Fla.
Johnson is another player who will be joining Collins in the secondary as he works to perfect the group. In just the past two years, Johnson has learned to capitalize on the 50-50 balls. In the past two seasons, Johnson has hauled in 12 interceptions and returned two of his five interceptions in 2018 for touchdowns. In those jump ball situations, Johnson plays with enough physicality to cause an incomplete pass without drawing a penalty, and he has the awareness to make a play if one can be made.
What Collins said: “We are going to be attacking in everything we do in this program especially on defense, so having a long, physical corner out there when we are going to play press coverage (is important). He’s highly intelligent, so if our coverage changes up, he is going to be able to handle it. My favorite thing about him is that he has a short memory. He’s aggressive on the edge, and that is what you need to play an elite corner in this league.”
Jared Southers
OL | 6-5 | 315 pounds | Vanderbilt | South Orange, N.J.
During the next two seasons, the usage of graduate transfers will be an important aspect to Collins’ growing roster. One who immediately can come in and make a difference is Southers. The Vanderbilt transfer has the experience Collins is looking for. Southers made six starts at right guard in 2017 and played mainly tackle this past season. Southers can be a fluid part of the Georgia Tech offensive line after playing several positions on the line throughout his years at Vanderbilt. He also has shown he is more than capable of pushing through to the next level of the defense, especially against some highly touted defenses like those at Georgia and Alabama (both of whom Southers has faced in the past two seasons).
What Collins said: “The big thing as we transition from the triple-option to more of an NFL style is just having someone with experience in that offense who can come in here and provide leadership and provide experience.”
Sylvain Yondjouen
DL | 6-4 | 235 pounds | Don Bosco | Ruisbroek, Belgium
One of Europe’s best is coming to Georgia Tech to play for Collins. Yondjouen could be an interesting addition to Collins’ defense, and he is definitely someone who fits into what Collins expects. A common theme in all of Collins’ defenses through the years is the aggressiveness with which the group plays. Yondjouen’s style of play will fit right in with Collins. Long, physical and quick off the snap, Yondjouen will be enrolling early at Georgia Tech to begin practicing with the team in the spring.
Interesting fact: Yondjouen didn’t grow up playing football but did pick up the sport rather quickly when he began playing at 16 years old. Two years ago, he was selected to play for the Belgian national team and was named the team’s MVP when it played the national team from Spain.
What Collins said: “We had him over the summer up here in Philadelphia, and he is every bit of 6-foot-4, close to about 250 pounds right now, and he’s just a big physical presence coming off the edge. We are transitioning from a 3-4 hybrid defense to more of a four-down; we really need that presence and that big physical defensive end.”
Ahmarean Brown
WR | 5-10 | 165 pounds | Jefferson | Tampa, Fla.
Brown may be undersized, but what he lacks there he makes up for in speed. At the Florida Class 2A track and field championships in 2017, Brown ran a 10.40 time in the 100 meters to finish fourth in the state. This same speed is what shines on film. Brown has exceptional breakaway speed and enough quickness out of the block (or in this case, off the line of scrimmage) to create the separation he needs when facing a corner who maybe has a little more height on him.
What Collins said: “Ahmarean Brown was another young man that hadn’t really been on the radar at Georgia Tech, but we needed some elite speed to be able to take the top off the coverage with the offense that we are going to be implementing, so it was really nice to get that young man out of Tampa.”
Tyler Davis
TE | 6-4 | 243 pounds | UConn | North Bellmore, N.Y.
Like Southers, Davis is a graduate transfer with a lot to offer Georgia Tech in the coming year. Coming out of high school, Davis was a highly touted quarterback with more than 2,000 passing yards in his final two high school seasons. He was the No. 5 prospect in New York before heading to UConn. At UConn, he tied the program record for the second-most touchdown receptions by a tight end in a single season.
Why he’s important: If anything, Davis is important for the future of the tight end position at Georgia Tech. Davis will be a great asset to Collins in assisting Deveney and any other player who Collins decides to add to the tight end room. Davis will be able to help others learn the ins and outs of the position. Davis played in all 36 games during his career at UConn and made 11 starts this past season. He will be the key in helping to groom the tight ends of the future.
What Collins said: “Tyler was one of the best players we played against over the last few years when I was the head coach at Temple, and I was really excited that we were able to transition the recruiting process to get him away from some really good programs. Being able to get (graduate transfers) in, this year especially, is going to be really good for us.”
