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Georgia Tech Football 2020 Preliminary Position Preview: Safety

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 2: Vincent Davis #22 of the Pittsburgh Panthers rushes for a 61 yard touchdown in front of defender Juanyeh Thomas #1 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the first half of a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on November 2, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 2: Vincent Davis #22 of the Pittsburgh Panthers rushes for a 61 yard touchdown in front of defender Juanyeh Thomas #1 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the first half of a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on November 2, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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In our final non-special teams 2020 preliminary position preview for Georgia Tech’s 2020 season, we took a look at the safety position.

In our last installment of Georgia Tech Football 2020 preliminary position previews, we took a look at the cornerback position. Today, we look at the safety position that returns both of their starters from last season but the depth at the position is a bit of a concern.

Starters:

Tariq Carpenter (SR): Carpenter is entering his senior season after a 62-tackle campaign in 2019. Carpenter, one of the Jackets better defensive backs in coverage, he’s totaled three interceptions and 10 pass deflections through the last two seasons. Overall, Carpenter may be the most reliable player in the Jackets secondary and will look to raise his draft stock this upcoming season with a third-straight strong season.

Juanyeh Thomas (JR): The highly athletic and versatile safety has developed into quite the player for the Yellow Jackets over the last two years. The true junior recorded 60 tackles last season on top of having one forced fumble, one interception, and three pass deflections. Despite not receiving any postseason honors, he statistically was one of the better defensive backs in the ACC last season. An explosive player, Thomas has become a fan favorite over his first two years on The Flats and with another strong season in 2020, he may be on track for some well deserved attention from outside Atlanta.

Backups:

Derrik Allen (RS FR): A wildcard of the group, the former Notre Dame safety was not eligible to play last year and will make his Tech debut in 2020. Allen, a former four-star prospect has the skill set and talent to be a starter but may need time to get back into the flow of game speed after missing all of last season. If he can get up to speed quickly, he could become an impact player sooner than later for the Jackets.

Jaylon King (RS SO): A former top recruiting prospect, King had a quality first full season on the field last year for the Jackets. As a redshirt freshman, King appeared in all 12 games and made 14 tackles including a tackle for a loss during his time on the field.

Avery Showell (RS JR): A versatile player, Showell could actually play both ways if needed but will most likely be at safety this year for the Jackets. Last year in a backup role, Showell appeared in 11 games for the Jackets and totaled 16 tackles in the process.  Not a flashy player by any means Showell is a quality rotational safety for the Jackets.

Overall:

Overall, like the cornerback position, the safety position should be one of the stronger parts of the Jackets team overall in 2020. Returning nearly everyone in their secondary, the secondary as a whole will be looked upon to be the leaders of the Jackets defense.