Which player(s) look like they’ve worked the most on their body this offseason? (I asked this question a couple of weeks ago and you told me to ask again in a couple of weeks)
KQ- Tah'j Butler really jumps out to me in this regard. He looks so much bigger than a year ago. The other guy who has gotten much bigger is Ethan Mackenny but that was also last year. I think he is a little more cut up this year after he was dinged so much of last season on the offensive side. You can see a little more physically from Trelain Maddox and Isiah Canion as well on offense.
Which true freshman has stood out the most in practices so far?
KQ- We don't see enough of practice or scrimmages to be like this guy stood out to us. From what I've heard from sources, Elgin Sessions at DB and Peyton Joseph on the OL are the two freshmen that have really impressed so far in camp.
Who’s a coach or staffer at Tech flying under the radar but playing a huge role behind the scenes?
KQ- Nate Brock the tight end coach recruits all those guys and coaches them up and I think most people don't know who he is. He played OL at Ohio State and was Key's GA here on the OL and started coaching TEs to help Buster Faulkner and the staff out. He recruits well, kids like him and he is a very good coach. On the D side, Coach Q, Quentin Jones is another guy who flies under the radar a little bit. He works with Cory Peoples with the S/NBs and he is a strong recruiter as well.
How’s the transition of head recruiters going for the football team?
KQ- I'm not sure exactly what you are asking, my friend. Can you ask this differently?
What are the prospects for our Basketball team with most guys leaving and do you think it's concerning that we've only put players into the portal and have gotten no commitments as of yet?
KQ- They've lost two guys that they really wanted to retain in Nait George and Duncan Powell. Ibrahim Souare if he had not been Nait's best friend probably would've followed Ibrahima Sacko out the door last year. Souare showed some signs of life, but his lack of height really limits his ceiling IMO. So they need a veteran point guard and a wing which was what they were looking for. They've so far kept Baye Ndonogo and Kowacie Reeves can get a medical so you have him back plus Jaeden Mustaf and Darrion Sutton, but they still need some more pieces obviously. The cupboard isn't bare, but they are going to need to count on some freshmen and that is gonna be tough unless they hit on some guys.
But again I'll ask who gave two shits about them adding Duncan Powell last offseason and really even this season until Reeves and O'Brien got hurt? No one, Damon certain has an eye for talent.
What do you think of Anthony Carrie going into the portal, are you surprised?
KQ- No, I saw him running 3rd and 4th team reps in practice behind Jamal, Tre, Daylon and Malachi in no particular order so yearh the writing was on the way. They have JP Powell also in camp working hard and are adding Shane Marshall. I'm not sure where his snaps were coming from and I think he got the message and hit the portal.
Hi Kelly,
Is there a possibility that the large 'sponge-looking ' helmets could start being used in games? They look weird, and I assume they are wearing them for protection. But if they protect the player in practice, could this be a possible change for game-time?
KQ- The guardian caps, that is what they are called. I'm not sure. There has been push back and I know coaches who hate those guardian caps and the helmets are so iconic for every team so I think they'd have to figure out a different way of doing that same concept. I also worry that guys would feel invincible and that would lead to more injuries. That is part of the issue with things as guys have gotten bigger, stronger and faster and the equipment makes them less concerned about getting hurt and they play more recklessly is one of the arguments.
How much is Batt involved and updated with Damon on the free agency developments? Tell me he is not just standing by while the house burns down around the basketball program.
KQ- Batt knows what is going on and what the deal is. He isn't a fool and was the lead AD for Bama men's hoops. They have several people involved in the day-to-day on hoops from the AD side along with Batt and then they have their cap guy in J.J. Cosh as well. I think some of the hold up is rev share availability to be honest. You can't sign anyone to rev share deals yet until the House settlement is in place.
Does it make sense to just become very transparent with the players during the season what they are thinking about doing? How connect is Damon connected to these players? I get money talks but people are still people and do have some loyalty to people they truly love and respect, don’t they?
KQ- Most of them are not making the 40-year decision in hoops and let's face it the good times for GT were largely fueled by guys who didn't finish school here while playing either with a handful of exceptions. GT benefitted a lot from the black market back in the day and then they stopped playing the game circa BG and things went downhill from there and now they are trying to dig out.
Damon's relationships don't matter in this at the end of the day. There are not many guys taking less to be here. Baye Ndongo is one of the few who did last year though.
What’s up with Kent Schmidt. Do you think James Ramsey will be the coach.
KQ- @Alex Farrer can probably give you an answer on Schmidt.
As far as the coach, I'd like to see them let Ramsey take over to see what he can do. That would help with the money people as well and keep Danny engaged helping there. Ultimately, it will be Batt's decision and I haven't heard much on the plan yet but I also haven't asked much other than just some background questions.
As of today, if you had to guess how many tech football players will enter the portal after spring and how many realistically will we look to bring in?
KQ- I would say 7-10 guys, including walk-ons will go in the portal. There are about four guys I expect right now that haven't announced and there are always a few surprises.
What’s the funniest thing you heard on the practice field?
KQ- Like this spring or ever. This spring, it has to be some of Key's mic yelling. Sometimes I hear it when I'm not even watching practice just walking from my car over to the media avail or waiting to go in. His yelling is very funny at times.
Key mentioned C Garrett at DE which means he is filling a Makius Scott role of a big (295lb) DE and called out Bradford which was good to hear. What is the mix of players on each DE side? Do you get to watch scrimmages but have to limit what you share?
KQ- I have not watched any scrimmage stuff, they've been closed this spring which makes sense with a new DC.
The DE thing looks something like
DE- Triplette, Hoffler or Boyd, Garrett
RE/OLB- Manley, Bradford, Fuller
This is probably somewhere but could you give us an updated roster/depth chart?
KQ- It is always available and I update it from time to time. Check the football tab
Georgia Tech 2025 JOL Depth Chart
Jacketsonline takes a look at the potential depth chart for the opening of Fall Camp in August.
georgiatech.rivals.com
