What to look forward to in White and Gold game 

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets announced April 13 as the date for their annual White and Gold game. This is the name of the spring football game that all college football teams play to get ready for the season. These are crucial moments for rookies to show what they can bring to their team and can even settle a position battle for some players. Whichever the case might be, it will be the first time that fans see the Yellow Jackets 2024 team. So, what are some of the things to look for in this year’s game?  

The whole defense 

There are two things that every Yellow Jacket fan can agree on: THWG and that the defense last year needed much more improvement. With Andrew Thacker being bumped down to the safeties coach early last season, we will get to see what new defensive coordinator Taylor Santucci can do. What scheme does he like to run on defense? Who does he like and where? How aggressive or conservative will he be with his playcalling?  

Defensively, there are many questions to be answered after a lackluster performance last season. The Yellow Jackets ranked dead last in total defense in the ACC last season, mainly because of their rushing defense. They allowed 30 more rushing yards per game than anyone else in the conference.  

The Yellow Jackets lost a huge chunk of production on the defensive side of the ball. The biggest star on the defensive side of the ball, Kyle Kennard, is gone. Defensive backs KJ Wallace and Kenyatta Watson II are gone. Jaylon King and Myles Sims are out of eligibility. However, one could argue that this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  

In my opinion, almost any spot on the defensive side of the ball aside from LaMiles Brooks at one of the safety spots, Kyle Efford at linebacker, and Clayton Powell-Lee will assuredly be the top cornerback for the Yellow Jackets in 2024. Every spot on the defensive line seems to be up for grabs, so a big game by someone in the White and Gold game could turn them into an instant fan favorite.  

Incoming transfers and freshmen 

Head coach Brent Key must have seen the same defense the fans saw for 13 games last season. In response, he recruited heavily in the transfer portal for defensive players. Defensive back E.J. Lightsley from the University of Georgia was a big signing for Key, as well as linebacker Jackson Hamilton from Louisville. Add in defensive linemen Jack Barton from Furman and Ayobami Tifase from Florida State, and I would say that Key has done an exceptional job in the transfer portal. At least he recognizes where the team can use some leadership roles and upperclassmen heading into 2024.  

According to Craig Haubert at ESPN, the Yellow Jackets have the 34^th ranked recruiting class in the nation. This puts them at their highest rank since 2020. Key was able to recruit heavily this offseason to get some playmakers. Of those is a Top 200 Recruit, ATH Isiah Canion, who has played quarterback, wide receiver, and cornerback throughout his high school career. Four-star defensive back Troy Stevenson has signed his Letter of Intent but is waiting to enroll in the college.  

Key did a good job grabbing offensive linemen when recruiting as well, bringing in four three-stars. Two tackles, Jordan Floyd and Jameson Riggs, and two interior linemen, Harrison Moore and Santana Alo-Tupuola. The Yellow Jackets didn’t necessarily need to go out and grab linemen, but they can add depth to the team in that area. With Key being an ex-offensive lineman in his playing days, he can surely get the guys he wants in those positions to execute how he wants to.  

Starting battles 

As I mentioned before, there will be some position battles, but they will mainly be on defense. Offensively it seems like the Yellow Jackets are all set thanks to the returning production from last season. Can Haynes King take that next step as a quarterback? The receiver around him will be playing with more experience than last year and should be better. The number 2 running back spot could go to either Trey Cooley or incoming freshman, three-star running back Anthony Carrie.  

Wide receiver depth was something that the Yellow Jackets lacked in 2024, so will we finally get to see what a healthy Leo Blackburn will do? Could he be good enough to overtake Malik Rutherford for the number 2 spot?  

While these are questions that we will get to see the answer to in action, the White and Gold game on April 13 just can’t get here soon enough for Georgia Tech fans.