Defensive Names to watch as Georgia Tech opens spring practice
Three names to keep an eye on as the Jackets open up spring ball this week
With spring practice officially set to kick off on Monday, it’s time to take a look at some names that could benefit the most this spring. Today we start with the defensive side of the football where the Yellow Jackets will spend a ton of time installing the new scheme, as well as getting a good read on their personnel.
Rodney Shelley, Junior, Cornerback
After seeing action in all 12 regular season games (including a start against Georgia), Shelley is primed to take advantage of the opportunity to fight for a starting spot in 2024. For most, Shelley has always had the athleticism and talent to play, it’s been more of the preparation aspect and the overall mindset that he has continued to work on. With snaps available and a perceived open competition, the former Langston Hughes (Ga.) standout is poised to blossom this year. The spring will provide a great opportunity for Shelley to make a good impression on the revamped defensive coaching staff. It also provides a chance for Shelley to get into the habit of building the mental side of the game up, as he prepares for the chance to be a starter this year.
Warren Burrell, R-Senior, Cornerback
Transferring over from Tennessee, Burrell will be immediately counted on to be one of the leaders of this defensive backfield early on. Already touted as a smart and experienced football player, Burrell has shown valuable leadership qualities that should translate well when it comes to “on-the-field” production. Burrell enters a room that doesn’t have a ton of experience when it comes to snaps (outside of Ahmari Harvey). The Suwanee, Georgia native returns home to help lead a group that will try to rebuild what was a porous pass attack last season. If Burrell can leave spring ball, as one of the de facto starting corners, then the Jackets staff has to feel good about the early returns on its transfer addition.
Ayo Tifase, R-Sophomore, Defensive Line
While many other names could have been selected here, one of the biggest concerns regarding Georgia Tech’s defense has to be the defensive line. The Jackets brought in Tifase through the portal in hopes that he will bring consistency and another force in the interior of that front seven. Wile he just played in three games last season, a good spring would boost the confidence of the coaching staff as they work through their personnel groupings to see what they might have. The comfortability aspect that this staff feels will determine a lot of what they try to do when the next portal window opens up. Tifase can help ease those concerns if eh shows that he can be a factor this spring.