Georgia Tech put together an impressive year, going toe to toe against undefeated Florida State in the ACC title game and it came down to the wire. Running the triple option, there are a lot of different RB’s touch the ball throughout the game (considering they average 333 yards per game) and have two impressive fullbacks, or “B” backs as they refer to them, who show impressive running ability. Synjyn Days and Zach Laskey have been a terrific duo since Laskey has returned to the lineup. Mississippi State looks to go off on a high note as their season ends with a bit of disappointment.
While the “Dak Attack” spellbound the nation for several weeks, Dak was brought back down to earth the last few weeks of the season. Look for the Bulldogs to lean heavily on Dak as he poses a grave challenge for the GT defense.
By: Michael Vahey
Georgia Tech
Synjyn Days – FB/BB, #10, 6’2’’ 231
Days came on towards the end of the season, starting the last 6 games of the year and putting up impressive numbers during that time frame. He garnered Honorable Mention all-conference honors this year by the media and the coaches and he earned it in his first year in the B back position. Shows impressive vision and one cut ability, two key traits when in the B back position for Georgia Tech. Has great size and has no problem running through arm tackles. What is impressive about Days is his speed and has shown the ability to take it the distance if he sees daylight. What his downfall will be in the NFL is if he is a true fullback or if he can make it as a true running back, but will see plenty of looks in the Orange Bowl.
Quayshawn Nealy – LB, #54, 6’1’’, 235
A traditional MLB, Nealy has the prototypical size for the position in the NFL and had his best season this year as a senior and being selected to the All-ACC second team from the media as well as third team from the coaches. What stands out in his game is his athleticism and shows great technical skills in his game. Will bring the hips when making a tackle and shows t, 6’1’’hat he loves to wreak havoc when he is tasked to blitz. He can take on and shed blockers and is always around the ball, being second on the team with 90 tackles. Nealy is good in pass coverage but definitely can be an area of improvement for Nealy to be successful in the pros.
Others to watch:
Zac Laskey, FB/BB, #37, 6’1’’ 218
Shaquille Mason, OG, 6’1’’, 300
Mississippi State
Benardrick McKinney – LB #50, 6’4, 245
While still having a year of eligibility left, it’s a virtual certainty that McKinney declares for the upcoming draft. He’s played inside and as an edge rusher, but he’s built more like an OLB with his tall lean frame. He appears to have a good feel for the game, however, needs to improve upon his recognition skills as he’s prone to misdiagnose. McKinney is at his best against the run where he uses athleticism and long arms to take on bigger blockers at the point of attack. He shows no fear and a willingness to take on lead blockers. While McKinney excels against the run, it appears he struggles in open space and coverage. He appears to be a bit tight and doesn’t have the suddenness to his game which will limit him in man coverage. McKinney is a good athlete who compares favorably to Rolando McClain, look for him to be drafted late round 1 early 2nd round.
Preston Smith – DE #91, 6’6, 270
Smith has made the most of his senior season, showing versatility and production (9 Sacks, 14.5 TFL). Early on in the season he was on the fringe of most draft boards, but has surely caught the eye of NFL teams. Smith has long arms and has shown good punch this season to shed blockers. Smith has also shown a diverse array of rush moves to get to the quarterback. Smith does not possess an explosive first step and will seldom beat tackles with speed, but he is a hustle player who works to the whistle. Smith has versatility that teams will covet and will likely get him drafted between rounds 2-3.
Others to watch:
Dillon Day – OC #63, 6’4, 299
Jameon Lewis – WR #4 , 5’9, 185
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