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Georgia Tech Football 2018 Player Preview: #31 AB Nathan Cottrell

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 4: Nathan Cottrell #31 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets rushes with the ball in the third quarter during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Virginia defeated Georgia Tech 40-36. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 4: Nathan Cottrell #31 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets rushes with the ball in the third quarter during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Virginia defeated Georgia Tech 40-36. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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Georgia Tech Football redshirt junior Nathan Cottrell will look to up his contribution effort in 2018 after becoming a regular in 2017.

What He Did in 2017:

In 2017, Nathan Cottrell saw himself become a regular for the Yellow Jackets offense after having just one carry in 2016. During the 2017 season, Cottrell got off to a big start with a rather impressive six-carry, 79-yard effort against Tennessee to start the season. The Knoxville, Tennessee native not only showed out against his hometown school but kept up the impressive play throughout most of the season.

Cottrell on the season ended up taking carries in nine of their 11-games and despite never reaching more than five carries for the rest of the season was able to produce when called upon. He finished the season with 33-carries and 271-yards, an average of 8.2-yards per carry. What he failed to do on the season was record his first career touchdown.

What to Expect in 2018:

Cottrell in 2018 should see a similar role for the Yellow Jackets as he splits time with Qua Searcy and Clinton Lynch. With becoming a regular in 2017, the redshirt sophomore was able to show the coaching staff what he could bring to the table on a regular basis. Cottrell’s average carry of 8.2-yards per game also lead the tea in 2017 for all rushers, an impressive note for his season considering the Yellow Jackets offensive diversity.

Cottrell is currently listed as a second string A-back though his playing time could rise considerably depending on the play of each of the a-backs. Last season, the offense wasn’t able to use the a-backs as much as they preferred due to TaQuon Marshall’s lack of playing experience with the offense. Now that Marshall is entering his second year as a starter, Cottrell and the rest of the a-backs should see a considerable increase in their total amount this season.

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Cottrell may not get a huge increase in touches compared to that of Searcy and Lynch but should still see an increase. If the glimpses he showed in 2018 are any indication of what he could provide at the position, the Yellow Jackets have a great backup option and an A-Back who can provide and deliver when needed.