If you’re looking for reasons why Georgia Tech’s offense took a big leap last season, the offensive line would be at the top of that list. Georgia Tech made big strides from their front five in 2023, leading the ACC in rushing and having one of the best offensive lines in terms of sacks allowed. They return four of the five starters from last season’s starting offensive line and add all-conference guard Kieran Rutledge, a transfer from MTSU. There’s reason to believe Georgia Tech will be just as good up front this season as they were last season.
College football analyst Phil Steele agrees. Steele ranked the top 10 offensive lines heading into the 2024 season, with Georgia Tech coming in at No. 10. Florida State (No. 5), Miami (No. 7) and Clemson (No. 9) were all ranked higher than Georgia Tech.
In just one season, head coach Brent Key and first-year offensive line coach Jeep Wade have transformed Georgia Tech’s offensive line from its biggest weakness to arguably the best unit on the entire team. Georgia Tech has gone from being one of the worst rushing teams in the ACC to leading the league in rushing. For anyone who has looked at the 2022 line, it’s been a pretty surprising turnaround. The good news for the Yellow Jackets is that the offensive line returns four of its five starters and added an all-conference transfer in the offseason.
Our own Rohan Raman provided a great summary of the offensive line’s strides last season.
“In 2022, the unit received the lowest pass-blocking grade of 42.8 and run-blocking grade of 50.8 according to PFF. These grades were consistent with their on-field results.”
The 2022 Jackets ranked in the bottom four in the ACC in passing yards, yards per game, passing yards per play, passing TDs and offensive efficiency. On the ground, they were middle of the ACC in yards per carry and rushing yards per game. The combination of a struggling passing attack and a mediocre rushing attack meant the offense struggled to gain first downs and couldn’t convert third downs. That meant the offensive line’s struggles were at the heart of many of the woes of the 2022 Jackets’ offense.
The starting five — left tackle Ethan McKennie, left guard Joe Fusil, center Weston Franklin, right guard Connor Scaglione and right tackle Jordan Williams — have changed the narrative in 2023. Their pass-blocking grade of 64.0 and run-blocking grade of 59.4, according to PFF, indicate they’re an average unit with a reliable baseline.
On the ground, it opened up running lanes and helped the Jackets lead the ACC’s rushing attack with 197.1 yards per game. Starting running back Jamaal Haynes was top-five in the ACC in both rushing yards and yards per carry. Their performance on the ground has been one of the most consistent aspects for the Yellow Jackets this season. Even against Georgia’s defensive line, they were able to open holes and keep their backs clean. Haynes gained 5.4 yards per carry a game and based on his performance in 2023, the Jackets should be able to run against any defensive line they encounter.
When quarterback Haynes King dropped back to pass, the line was able to keep him relatively clean. They allowed 1.25 sacks per game, second in the ACC and 20th nationally. They allowed King the second-most passing touchdowns (26) and fourth-most passing yards (2,755) in Georgia Tech history, and were second in total yards of offense (3,403). But the unit was pretty spotty in pass protection. King had to use his legs a lot to get out of pressure, and the youth of his left side was clearly on display.”
I project Georgia Tech’s offensive line to be one of the best in the nation in 2024, which will help keep the school near the top of the conference in offense.
