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Georgia Tech Football: A Look Back at the Highest Rated Georgia Tech Recruits Since 2000

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

Oct 17, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets cheerleaders ride the Ramblin Wreck car before a game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets cheerleaders ride the Ramblin Wreck car before a game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions
NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions /

#1. 5* WR Calvin Jonhson – 2004

When it’s all said and done Calvin Johnson might be the greatest Yellow Jacket of all-time but easily the best in the current millennium.

Johnson, was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and considered the 23rd best prospect in the 2004 recruiting class. Johnson was also ranked as the fifth best wide receiver prospect and the third best in the state of Georgia.

As soon as Johnson stepped on campus he was a force to be reckon with. In his freshman season, Johnson had 48 receptions, 837-yards, and seven touchdowns. His sophomore numbers were very similar with 54 receptions, 888-yards, and six touchdowns. HIs junior season however proved how great Johnson could truly be.

In his junior season, Johnson made 76 receptions for 1,202 yards and 15 touchdowns. Following his junior season at Georgia Tech, Johnson declared for the NFL Draft. He would go onto be selected with the second overall pick by the Detroit Lions.

By being the second overall pick, Johnson became and still remains the highest selected Yellow Jacket in the history of the NFL Draft. As well as only one of three Yellow Jackets to be selected in the first round since 2000.

The other two selected in the first round? Defensive end Derrick Mason (2010 Tennessee – 16th overall) and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (2010 Denver – 22nd overall).

Once Johnson was selected by Detroit, he would go onto have one of the greatest wide receivers careers ever seen. In his short nine-year career, Johnson had 731 catches, 11,619-yards, and 83 receiving touchdowns. He recorded 1,000-yard seasons all but two years and holds the record for most in a season with 1,964.  He also holds the second greatest receiving game of all-time with 329-yards against the Dallas Cowboys in 2013. Johnson retired from the NFL following the 2015 season.

Next: Georgia Tech Football: Jackets Make Final ESPN 2016-17 Power Ranking

Johnson’s illustrious career at Georgia Tech landed him in the school’s all-time receiving leaders;

  • Receptions: 2nd – 178
  • Receiving Yards: 1st – 2,927
  • Receiving Touchdowns: 1st – 28

Johnson was inducted into Georgia Tech’s Hall of Fame in October of 2016.

Hit or Miss: This is a pretty easy one. The top Yellow Jacket recruit of the last 16-years is also their biggest HIT.