TOP NEWS: A Glance as Georgia Tech’s offense looks to make a lot of noise in 2024

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are in the second week of fall camp, having started their practices earlier than other teams in the state. Their regular season kicks off on August 24th in Ireland against Florida State, while UGA, Georgia State, and Kennesaw State will begin their seasons a week later on August 31st.

As the 2024 season approaches, quarterback Haynes King is in the spotlight. If he can reduce turnovers in his second year with the team, the offense could see significant improvement.

Now that he’s more established, King is focusing on enhancing his leadership skills. Special teams coordinator Ricky Brumfield has noticed King becoming more vocal. “Even though I’m on defense, I observe what he’s doing. I see him engaging with the team and getting them prepared. I can hear him when I walk by, so he’s really stepped up as a leader,” Brumfield commented.

On Monday, both King and running back Jamal Haynes were named to the Maxwell Award watch list, recognizing them as two of 80 players nationwide to watch for the college football player of the year honor.

Haynes transitioned from wide receiver to running back during last year’s fall camp, and it has greatly benefited him. He became Tech’s first 1,000-yard rusher in five years. Long snapper Henry Freer praised Haynes, saying, “I remember when Jamal arrived as a receiver, and now he’s thriving at running back. He’s a dedicated teammate who works incredibly hard, so it’s wonderful to see him get recognized for his efforts.”

Georgia Tech is among 17 programs with multiple players on the Maxwell Award watch list.

In 2023, King passed for 2,842 yards and 27 touchdowns, adding 737 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. He was one of only two players in the Power Five conferences to achieve at least 2,800 passing yards, 700 rushing yards, 25 touchdown passes, and 10 rushing touchdowns, with Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels being the other. Daniels was selected No. 2 overall in the NFL draft by the Washington Commanders.

Last season, Haynes rushed for 1,059 yards, caught 20 passes for 151 yards, and returned two kickoffs for 47 yards, totaling 1,257 all-purpose yards. He earned all-ACC honors as both a running back and an all-purpose player.

The Yellow Jackets led the ACC and ranked 12th in the nation in rushing offense, averaging 203.8 yards per game. This year’s squad brings back eight starters from 2023.