Georgia Tech’s offensive line struggled last season and was one of the lowest-graded on PFF, but with all five starters returning, there is potential for improvement. Weston Franklin, who started every game at center last season, is a breakout candidate and has been praised for his leadership by offensive line coach Geep Wade. Franklin has been working on expanding his leadership role and being a better leader for the team. He credits his experience from last year and the work he put in during the offseason for his improvement. The offensive line’s performance will be crucial for the team to score more points this season.
As featured on Pro Football Focus, Georgia Tech’s offensive line was one of the lowest-graded units last season. However, with all five starters returning, there is potential for improvement up front. In fact, offensive line coach Geep Wade has praised center Weston Franklin for his durability and leadership.
Franklin started every game at center last season and has been mentioned consistently by coaches as a standout player this spring. As featured on Wade, Franklin has been catching on quickly during practice and has benefited from AJ in the weight room. Wade also believes that Joe Fusile is a different player this year because of the work he put in during the offseason.
For Franklin, expanding his leadership role is more of a mentality change than anything else. He knows that he is still a young guy but also a veteran on the team, and he is stepping up to be the best leader possible. Franklin gained valuable experience last year, and he is using that experience to help guide his teammates this season.
With the offensive line being such a crucial part of any team’s success, Georgia Tech will need Franklin and the rest of the unit to step up if they want to score more points. Fortunately, with all five starters returning, there is reason to believe that this group can improve and become a strength of the team.
In addition to Franklin, there are several other players on the offensive line who could break out this season. Jordan Domineck is a redshirt senior who has played in 31 games over the past three seasons. He has experience at both guard and tackle and could be a key contributor this year.
Also, keep an eye on Ryan Johnson, a transfer from Tennessee who sat out last season due to NCAA rules. Johnson started 19 games for the Volunteers and could provide some much-needed depth and experience to the offensive line.
To put the last piece of the puzzle in place, Georgia Tech’s offensive line has the potential to be much better this season than it was in 2020. With all five starters returning and some promising newcomers, there is reason to believe that this unit can become a strength of the team. If Franklin and the rest of the offensive line can improve, it will go a long way toward helping the Yellow Jackets win more games in 2021.
