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Georgia Tech Football Spring Game Players to Watch: #70 OL Jared Southers

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 10: A general view of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets' football game against the Miami Hurricanes during the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 10: A general view of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets' football game against the Miami Hurricanes during the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /
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Next up in our spring game players to watch series is graduate transfer #70 offensive lineman Jared Southers.

For the first time in a decade, Georgia Tech’s offensive line will be expected to pass protect more than they are to run block. The one problem is that most of Georgia Tech’s offensive line doesn’t have experience in pass protection situations. At least, a considerable amount of experience that is. Add in the factor of the Jackets losing their best offensive Parker Braun in the process and it makes the addition of Southers all that more important.

That means that Southers next Friday will be one of the key players to watch on the Yellow Jackets offensive line. With the most experience in pass protection situations and a versatile offensive lineman, the Jackets will need the Vanderbilt native to have a strong leadership role an impact in 2019.

While it’s only a spring game, it will be important for Southers and the rest of the offensive line to have a strong game. The Jackets last year were one of the worst offensive lines when it came to pass protection and that was despite having Parker Braun and Andrew Marshall at their disposal. Now, there’s a lot of new faces on the offensive line in 2019 which could make it even trickier for the Yellow Jackets.

That all being said, Southers was brought in to help that transition from a triple-option offense offensive line to a pro-style offensive line. He was expected to become a leader on the line and to make an immediate impact.

Next. Georgia Tech Football Spring Game Players to Watch: #85 Ahmarean Brown. dark

All in all, we expect Southers to be one of the Jackets best offensive lineman next Friday. Specifically, we’ll be watching how he performs in certain situations, his footwork, and overall mechanics. Additionally, we look to see if the Jackets look to move him around in the game, using his versatility. Overall, he doesn’t need to be a perfect offensive lineman but he needs to be able to get the job done and not get bullied by opposing front sevens.