Georgia Tech is entering a new era. The Yellow Jackets hired Brent Key back in September of 2022, after going 4-4 as the interim head coach upon the dismissal of Geoff Collins. Two of Key's four wins came against Top 25 opponents. Now, with the coaching staff set, what can we expect from the players on the roster?
Some have speculated that redshirt senior running back, Donate Smith, could be in line for the starting job and could be the workhorse back in a run-centered Tech offense. However, one Yellow Jackets' beat writer doesn't agree.
During his appearance on "Off the Bench" with Garrett Chapman, Chad Bishop, of the AJC, shared his thoughts on what to expect from the running back group for the Yellow Jackets in 2023. "I would think their best case scenario is to have a one-two punch with Dontae Smith and Trey Cooley."
Donate Smith made just four starts in 2022 but did appear in all 12 of the Yellow Jackets' games, posting career highs in carries, 87, and rushing yards 420. However, Georgia Tech is not starved for options when it comes to ball carriers.
Bishop went on to say, "You don't bring in a transfer from Louisville in Trey Cooley to have him be the backup." Georgia Tech also recently converted former wideout, Jamal Haynes, to the running back position to add some pass-catching ability to their backfield.
Dontae Smith will have to earn that "workhorse" label and standout in what looks to be a crowded running back room.