Three All-ACC nominees on defense for Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech is hoping for a big improvement on the defensive side of the football this season.

In fall camp, coaches have been preaching how the communication is better and that everyone is more on the same page than last year. Several new starters and head coach Geoff Collins are more hands-on on defense.

So who are the potential candidates for All-ACC selections on the defensive side of the ball? Let’s break it down below.

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3. Zamari Walton

Zamari Walton believes a big turnaround season is in store for Georgia Tech.

Rich Barnes-America Today Sports

The Yellow Jackets are missing a lot of holes in the defensive backfield and will have a lot of new faces. But Zamari Walton can’t be one of them.

Walton has the physical tools to become one of the better players on the defensive end, and defensive backs coach Travares Tillman praised his form during camp. I expect a jump for him and as a dependable number one corner for the Yellow Jackets.

2. Keon White

Georgia Tech defensive end Keion White — Keion White is the top edge for Georgia Tech this season.

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Georgia Tech had a lot of issues on defense last season and pass rush was one of them. Keon White was injured most of last season and Georgia Tech coaches fired him upon his return.

White had a good season for Old Dominion the last time he was healthy and said he feels like he’s ready to be that type of player.

I expect White to anchor the defensive line and push for eight or nine sacks this year.

1. Charlie Thomas

Georgia Tech linebacker Charlie Thomas — Charlie Thomas is the defensive leader in 2022.

Brett Davis-America Today Sports

Leading the Georgia Tech defense will be senior linebacker Charlie Thomas. Thomas was one of the few bright spots on defense last year and was named by ESPN’s Todd McShay as one of the top linebacker prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft.

Thomas is one of the first linebackers to be shut down and linebackers coach Jason Semore has praised Thomas for his play and leadership so far in tournament camp.

Thomas has to be even better this year for this team to jump forward and I believe he has another level to reach.