Technical Tidbits 4/27: Former Jackets Get NFL Chance

Even though Tyler Davis didn’t have the best senior season at Georgia Tech (17 catches, 148 yards, 1 TD), his previous play at UCONN and his performance at Tech’s pro day caught the eyes of many NFL teams. Davis also had an innate ability for leadership that attracted NFL scouts. All of that, plus Davis’ hard work, led to him being taken as a sixth round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Davis is the first Tech player drafted since Harrison Butker in 2017, and the first skill player since Adam Gotsis and D.J. White had their names called in 2016. Not to mention, Davis is Tech’s first tight end drafted since Tom Covington in 1992. Congratulations, Tyler!

The other former Yellow Jacket getting a NFL opportunity is special teams ace Nate Cottrell. Cottrell started his career as an A-Back in former coach Paul Johnson’s triple-option scheme, but once Geoff Collins arrived with a pro-style offense, there was little chance of playing time at RB. So, instead of transferring, Cottrell became one of Tech’s most valuable special teams players, serving as gunner on the punt squad and making nine tackles on the year. Cottrell also helped bring us this play from the game against Miami. For his efforts, Cottrell was signed as an UDFA by the Jacksonville Jaguars, joining Davis in Florida. Keep up the hard work, Nate!

Half of Georgia Tech’s draft-eligible seniors have made it onto NFL rosters, while the other half is still looking. Christian Campbell and Jared Southers both performed well at Georgia Tech’s pro day, as Southers would’ve been in the top ten for bench press among linemen at the combine. Campbell initially came to the Flats as a quarterback, but an injury forced him to switch over to the cornerback position. Southers was a grad transfer from Vanderbilt that played a huge role in Collins’ culture change. Good luck, Christian and Jared!

Even though the Georgia Tech Basketball team has signed two transfers, that hasn’t stopped them from seeking a third. Josh Pastner & co. have made the top-10 list for former Gardner-Webb standout Jose Perez. Perez is a rising junior guard from the Bronx, NY, that has averaged just over 15 points per game during his career. Perez would be a big get for the Jackets, as he is a dynamic scorer that could really help out in a small-ball lineup.

This is what all of the hard work and dedication is about, the journey is only beginning for all of the players drafted or signed by NFL teams in recent days. What a great listen for your Monday.

Question of the Day: What do you think about Davis and Cottrell getting picked up by the Jaguars?