A Promising Season as Eight Starters Return
t’s now the second week of fall camp for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, who began their practices earlier than other teams in the state. Their regular season kicks off on August 24th in Ireland against FSU, while UGA, Georgia State, and Kennesaw State will start their seasons a week later on August 31st.
As the 2024 season approaches, there’s significant attention on quarterback Haynes King. If he can reduce turnovers in his second season, Tech’s offense is likely to see considerable improvement.
King, having settled in, mentioned that he is focused on becoming a better leader. Special teams coordinator Ricky Brumfield noted King’s increased vocal presence, saying, “Even though I’m on defense, I notice what he’s doing over there. I can hear him talking to the team and preparing them. He’s really stepped up in his leadership role.”
Recently, both King and running back Jamal Haynes were named to the Maxwell Award watch list. They are among 80 players nationwide being acknowledged prior to the season, which honors college football’s top player.
Haynes transitioned from wide receiver to running back during last year’s fall camp, and it has proven beneficial as he became Tech’s first 1,000-yard rusher in five seasons. Long snapper Henry Freer praised Haynes, stating, “I remember when Jamal arrived as a receiver; now he’s excelling as a running back. He’s a fantastic teammate and works extremely hard, so it’s great to see him recognized for his efforts.”
Georgia Tech is one of only 17 programs with more than one player on the Maxwell Award watch list.
In the previous season, King threw for 2,842 yards and 27 touchdown passes, while rushing for 737 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was one of only two Power Five players to achieve at least 2,800 passing yards, 700 rushing yards, 25 touchdown passes, and 10 rushing scores, with Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels being the other. Daniels was selected second overall by the Washington Commanders in the NFL draft.
Haynes had a strong season, rushing for 1,059 yards, catching 20 passes for 151 yards, and returning two kickoffs for 47 yards, totaling 1,257 all-purpose yards. He received all-ACC honors as both a running back and all-purpose player.
The Yellow Jackets led the ACC and ranked 12th in the nation for rushing offense, averaging 203.8 yards per game. This year, they return eight starters from the 2023 season.
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