Georgia Tech has a chance to advance to 5-2 on the season and prepares to take on North Carolina. An impressive statistic for Georgia Tech is that it ranks as a top 45 unit in the nation in total defense (32nd) and total offense (42nd). They are a much better unit on the defensive side of the ball this season than they were last time, when they ranked last in the NCAA. The Yellow Jackets have not allowed 100 rushing yards for the third straight week. Here are some notable players who could have a big impact on the Yellow Jackets.
WR Bailey Stockton – You might be surprised to see that name here, given his limited snaps on the football field. I agree he doesn’t have the most gaudy numbers this season, but Stockton makes big plays when called upon. In just four snaps, he had an 18-yard catch. The catch was Georgia Tech’s second-longest pass play on Saturday night. He earned a PFF grade of 76.6, the second-highest on the team, in limited action. As Jordan van den Bergh’s productivity has increased, he has been photographed more each week, and now he has earned a starting role and played one of his best games in a Yellow Jacket uniform against Duke. I showed you one. Georgia Tech didn’t hesitate to give the freshman receiver playing time. In fact, freshman WR Isaiah Kanyon saw the field well last week against Duke. Stockton has often been used when Georgia Tech goes for certain offensive packages that swap out various receivers such as Stockton, Canyon, Leo Blackburn, and Abdul-Jhaneh. Stockton is a name that could continue to play an important role for the team, and could see more snaps on Saturday, especially given how efficient he is with his snaps.
WR Eric Singleton Jr. – He was rated the third-best player by PFF (Pro Football Focus) with a score of 73.7. Singleton is an explosive player with the ball in his hands. We saw it last Saturday against Duke with a 9-yard touchdown pass on a screen play in the red zone. Duke’s defense sensed Georgia Tech’s play pretty well and tried to stop the screen. Singleton Jr. was so fast that it was difficult to get past the defense and score. He finished the game with six catches, 42 yards, and one touchdown. Singleton Jr. has the ability to create offense and make defenses pay for their defensive laxity. I’d like to see the All-American receiver get more runs on deeper routes, perhaps double moves or shallow crosses to get the ball into space. The Yellow Jackets didn’t have the explosive plays we’re used to seeing. I think it starts with getting the ball into Singleton Jr.’s hands. Singleton Jr. had some explosive plays at times against Syracuse and Louisville. Georgia Tech will need more players if it wants a chance to beat UNC. Start by passing the ball to number two.
DB Tay Seymour – Tay Seymour seems to get better every week and consistently fills up the stat sheet. He was the second-leading tackler with five tackles against Duke last Saturday. He had the highest PFF grade on the team last week with 79.3 points on 29 snaps. When he’s out there, it’s like he’s playing on another level. What stands out is his instincts. He has an uncanny ability to play on the ball and make interceptions and pass deflections. He also hits opposing receivers and ball carriers hard. His timing is perfect and he shocks the ball loose at the right time. Seymour has a different kind of energy to him and makes the most of his opportunities. He has 25 tackles and one pass deflection this season. Seymour is the team’s third-leading tackler this season. Expect him to make his presence felt against North Carolina and make some plays in that vaunted secondary.
Expect these players to make an impact on the road against Georgia Tech in Chapel Hill on Saturday. It may be downplayed, but this is a big game for the Yellow Jackets. If they win, they will be one win away from a bowl berth in just seven games.
