Priceless Details For The Fans: Tech Coach Brent Makes Bold Claim on the Availability of its Star QB
The Georgia Tech football team is currently uncertain about the availability of its star quarterback, Haynes King. Fortunately, clarity on his status isn’t required before Saturday. Tech head coach Brent Key expressed optimism on Thursday that King might be ready to play on November 9 against No. 5 Miami. Until then, King will undergo daily evaluations. “I don’t want to say it’s day-to-day again, but it truly is,” Key remarked. “I am hopeful we can have him back for the Miami game. I can’t guarantee he will be available, though. I hope to have a clearer update by next Wednesday or Thursday.” Key added, “No one is more eager to say he’s ready than I am, and I know Haynes wants to be out there more than anything.”
King has missed the last two games, both losses to Notre Dame and Virginia Tech. He was injured in the fourth quarter of the win against North Carolina on October 12 and did not finish that game. Sophomore Zach Pyron took over in that matchup, started against Notre Dame, and played every offensive snap. Against Notre Dame, Pyron completed 20 of 36 passes for 269 yards and was also the team’s top rusher with 45 yards on 13 carries. However, during the game against Virginia Tech, he struggled, going 10 of 22 with an interception before being replaced in the third quarter by freshman Aaron Philo, who finished 11 of 26 with 184 yards and an interception late in the game. Notably, Philo was rated the highest among Tech’s offensive players who played at least 30 snaps by Pro Football Focus.
“We have to prepare both quarterbacks in practice leading up to the Miami game,” Key said regarding Pyron and Philo. “Aaron did well when he came in, making some key throws. But asking a freshman to step in midseason is a big task, as the game moves faster at this level. I believe in both of them, and we will keep working with them.”
This season, King is completing 71.2% of his passes, which would set a single-season record at Tech, with only one interception and averaging 5.69 yards per carry. Over his career at Tech, he has accumulated 4,410 passing yards (eighth-most in program history), 35 touchdown passes (sixth-most), along with 1,090 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. The Jackets are 12-8 with King as the starter but 0-2 without him, making his potential return critical as they face a tough opponent in Miami (8-0, 4-0 ACC) at Bobby Dodd Stadium, following their game against Duke this Saturday.
Key mentioned that the team began scouting Miami on Wednesday and continued to implement their game plan during Thursday’s practice. However, the focus this week has been on getting the roster back to full health. “We’ve treated this week like a bye week with some adjustments based on player availability and recovery needs,” Key explained. “Rehab and recovery are priorities to get our guys back on the field, especially since injuries have been an issue for us this season.”
The Miami game is one of only three left for Tech in November, and they need to secure at least one win to qualify for a bowl game. A victory on November 9 would help prevent their first three-game losing streak since 2021. “Adversity helps you rediscover yourself,” Key noted. “What might seem like adversity to one person may not be seen the same way by another. It’s all about how you respond and grow from these experiences, and I believe that understanding who you are as an individual player and how you fit into the team is crucial.”