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Georgia Tech Football Meet the Freshman: AB TIjai Whatley

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 9: Members of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Cheerleaders perform during the game against Jacksonville State Gamecocks on September 9, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 9: Members of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Cheerleaders perform during the game against Jacksonville State Gamecocks on September 9, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Next up in our Georgia Tech “Meet the Freshman” series is a-back Tijai Whatley, a former three-star recruit out of Rome, Georgia.

One of two commitments out of Rome, Geogria, Tijai Whatley is one of three running backs that joined the program from the 2018 recruiting class and the second highest ranked. The three-star recruit out of the Darlington School was ranked as top-1,200 player in the country as well as a top-100 player with the athlete designation according to 247Sports.

At 6-foot-2, 195-pounds, Whatley presents a great option for the Yellow Jackets in what will be a loaded backfield for years to come. Whatley in high school lined up all around the offense, really showing off versatility which for the Yellow Jackets is invaluable especially as an A-Back. His time lining up at receiver surely had to be a huge selling point for the Yellow Jackets when they were deciding to recruit Whatley.

Recruitment Refresher:

As mentioned above, Whatley was a three-star recruit by 247Sports composite rankings and was considered overall a top-1200 player which is still among the best in the country in all reality. In his recruitment, he received at least 16 scholarship offers that included several notable programs. The Power Five teams to offer outside the Yellow Jackets were Boston College, Kansas, North Carolina, Rutgers, and Wake Forest.

What to Expect in 2018 and Beyond:

Currently on the roster, the Yellow Jackets have five scholarship A-Backs that have been with the program prior to the 2018 season. Add the three running backs (includes Whatley) from the 2018 recruiting class and there are eight A-Backs that will be battling for playing time this upcoming fall. Obviously, not everybody is going to see playing time. With two veteran presences in Qua Searcy and Clinton Lynch, playing time will be sparse for backups barring injury.

Next: Georgia Tech 2018 Player Previews: #3 DB Tre Swilling

Ultimately, Whatley’s chances of playing this upcoming season is probably bleak overall. The Jackets are going to want to redshirt at least two of the four freshman most likely as they look towards the future as they will lose at least two A-Backs prior to the 2019 season. All that being said, Whatley’s versatility does put him in a great spot to contribute eventually but it may be just too tough to break into the rotation in 2028.