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Georgia Tech Football 2018 Player Profile: #29 FS Tariq Carpenter

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 4: Head coach Paul Johnson of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets watches a replay in the first quarter during a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Scott Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 4: Head coach Paul Johnson of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets watches a replay in the first quarter during a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Scott Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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In today’s 2018 player preview we take a look at sophomore Tariq Carpenter who is eyeing up the starting free safety position. 

After playing as a true freshman down the stretch last season, sophomore Tariq Carpenter returns in 2018 as a high potential and impact player in the secondary. With all four secondary spots open this fall for new starters, Carpenter early on is looking like a favorite to land the open free safety spot.

In Georgia Tech’s new defense under defensive coordinator Nate Woody, Carpenter fits the mold of a big, hard hitting and aggressive free safety. Fans should have high expectations for Carpenter in 2018 and he could become a cornerstone of their secondary this upcoming season.

What He Did in 2017:

In 2017, Carpenter spent most of the early season out with an injury but was able to recover in time for the last half of the schedule. He ended up making his debut against Miami and ended up playing in five games on the season. While most of Carpenter’s time in 2017 was spent on special teams and he finished the season with just two tackles, he shows enough promise and potential that left the door open for him to be a high impact player in 2018.

What to Expect in 2018:

If Carpenter does earn and keep the starting free safety job, which we do expect him to do, Carpenter should be in for a solid season.  That being said, don’t expext he sophomore to put up true eye opening numbers. But do expect him to be a constant presence on defense that isn’t scared to make a big hit when needed or putting his body on the line to break up a play.

Carpenter has a shot as mentioned above to be a cornerstone of the Jackets defense. The 6-foot-2, 218-pound safety has tremendous size for a safety that will put him in a great spot to be a highly productive and efficient player for the Yellow Jackets in 2018 and beyond.