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Georgia Tech Football Countdown to Kickoff: No.29 DB Tariq Carpenter

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 15: Tariq Carpenter #29 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets reacts after breaking up a pass intended for Rafael Araujo-Lopes #82 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on September 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 15: Tariq Carpenter #29 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets reacts after breaking up a pass intended for Rafael Araujo-Lopes #82 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on September 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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The countdown to kickoff is now under 30 days and in honor of just 29 days remaining until toe meets leather, we look at junior defensive back Tariq Carpenter.

Junior defensive back Tariq Carpenter is looking to make another impact in 2019 after being a starting strong safety for the Yellow Jackets in all 13 games of 2018. The Ludowici, Georgia native was able to have a breakout sophomore season after playing in just six games as a true freshman and recording two tackles on the season.

While no starting jobs are being granted by Geoff Collins’ without a little competition, Carpenter should be a heavy favorite to win the strong safety job once again in 2019. As the Jackets starting strong safety last season, Carpenter recorded 55 tackles including 1.5 tackles for a loss while intercepting two passes and forcing one fumble. Additionally, he had five pass breaks upon the season, strong numbers for a first-year starter who had to face some decent quarterbacks and passing offenses throughout last season.

In 2019, Carpenter will be looked upon as a leader of the Jackets defense and among their secondary. That being said, the secondary should be one of the Jackets strengths in 2019. Last season, their pass defense wasn’t horrible but could be improved upon, allowing 211 yards per game. The secondary won’t be a “no fly zone” per se but with the talent, the Jackets have gathered over the past few years and the experience they return, it should be considered strong in 2019. Carpenter, of course, will be looked upon as one of the centerpieces of that secondary and one of the leaders of the defense as a whole, in our opinion.

Expectations should be high for Carpenter as his numbers from last season, for the most part, should be considered baseline numbers for his expectations. Safties can often be among team leaders in tackles and with Carpenter, you have a safety who has a tremendous sense of where the ball always is and how to get there who’s also not afraid to make some heavy contact.

When Carpenter wasn’t on the field last year, it made a difference, it was evident in their 49-38 loss to USF as once Carpenter was ejected from the game due to targeting, USF’s offense was able to open up and really do more especially through the air. If Carpenter can stay healthy and stay on the field in 2019, the sky is the limit of what he could achieve and we wouldn’t be shocked if he found himself on an All-ACC team at seasons end.

Tariq and the Yellow Jackets will start their season off on August 29th when they take on the Clemson Tigers in Memorial Stadium as the Jackets look to upset the national champions in the inaugural game of the Geoff Collins’ era.