2) How is the defensive transition going?
A good amount of Georgia Tech’s defense will be learning their third playbook in three years this spring with the change of coaching staff. Last year, the Jackets played in a 3-4 scheme, with three defensive lineman and four linebackers. However, the Jackets will have several looks come the 2019 season as they play in a “multiple” scheme defense under defensive coordinator Andrew Thacker.
With the multiple defensive schemes, the Jackets will be learning multiple schemes including 3-4 defenses, 4-3 defenses, nickel defenses, and dime defenses. No matter, how you look at it, the Georgia Tech defensive playbook in 2019 is going to be a little thicker than previous seasons. That being said, there is one carry over from the Nate Woody defense of last year and that’s the main focus. Creating havoc and forcing turnovers. It’s no secret that college football teams live and die by the big plays on both sides of the ball and it’s been clear that for Geoff Collins being able to create big plays defensively has always been a goal. It’s why he’s coached some of the nation’s best defenses at Mississippi State, Florida, and Temple.
Specifically, we’ll be keeping a close eye on Georgia Tech’s front seven. It’s well known that Tech’s secondary has a chance to be a top of the line group in 2019 but the front seven will help dictate the play of the secondary. The Jackets front seven will need to create more pressures and sacks this year.