Beyond the Flats: Transfers

In this weekly feature, we’ll take a look at what Tech’s finest are up to since leaving the Institute. This week, we focus on recent transfers and where they’ve continued their careers.

We’ve seen a lot of talented players depart the program for various reasons, but just because a player leaves the Flats doesn’t mean we should turn our backs on them. They left behind numerous friends and in some cases family members in pursuit of better opportunity. Most importantly, many of our transfers were able to earn Georgia Tech degrees before continuing their playing careers elsewhere, making them fellow GT alumni. We’ll log the landing spots for recent departures and offer updates on a number of strong contributors.

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2020 Transfers

Nazir Burnett, WR: Temple Owls

Lucas Johnson, QB: San Diego State Aztecs

Photo by Justin Fine/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

After receiving a waiver from the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility, Johnson chose to continue his career out west with the Aztecs. Since arriving in San Diego, Johnson’s play has risen steadily as he has helped lead SDSU to a 7-0 record in 2021. He played well in victories against Utah and Towson in the stead of starter Jordan Brookshire, and last week started at Air Force as the Aztecs defeated the Falcons 20-14. While Johnson was always snakebitten at Tech, it looks like he has found a home out west, and is absolutely making the most of his opportunities.

Ajani Kerr, DB: Tulane Green Wave

Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images

Transferring after the 2019 season, Kerr landed in New Orleans and immediately made an impact on the field. He ended the 2020 season with 16 tackles and 2 passes defended. Through 7 games in 2021, Kerr has already totaled 19 tackles and 4 passes defended, with his best game coming against Houston where he amassed 8 tackles and 2 passes defended. Glad to see Kerr hitting his stride for the Green Wave.

Brenton King, K: Liberty Flames

Christian Malloy, RB: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

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2021 Transfers

Chico Bennett, DE: Virginia Cavaliers

Ahmarean Brown, WR: South Carolina Gamecocks

Kelton Dawson, DL: Eastern Kentucky Colonels

Justice Dingle, LB: Kentucky Wildcats

Cornelius Evans, LB: Butler Community College

Tucker Gleason, QB: Toledo Rockets

Jaquan Henderson, DE: Delta State Community College

Jerry Howard, RB: Towson Tigers

Photo by Baltimore Sun/ENP Phtography

One of my favorite B-Backs from the tail end of the option era at Tech, Jerry Howard struggled to find his place at Tech following the hiring of Geoff Collins. He moved to linebacker but really only saw the field on special teams, and ultimately decided to transfer following the 2020 season. At Towson, Howard has returned to the offensive side of the ball, and is running with the same fire we saw in 2017 and 2018. Through 7 games, he has contributed over 500 yards of offense and 3 total touchdowns, including 126 total yards against URI. The Baltimore Sun recently featured Howard’s story, illustrating that his football journey pales in comparison to the trials he has faced in life. Very happy to see Jerry getting his chances again and wishing him nothing but the best.

Towson running back Jerry Howard Jr. lost his father and sister less than 2 years apart. Now, he’s ‘a light’ for others.

Jordan Huff, DB: Hutchinson Community College

Jordan Huff left the Tech program this past offseason, choosing to bet on himself and take the JUCO route back to D-I football. So far for the Blue Dragons of Hutchinson County, Huff has shown his talent belongs at the FBS level, and he has recently earned a scholarship offer from East Carolina University. Look for Huff to continue garnering interest from D-I programs and earn a shot back at the highest levels.

Emmanuel Johnson, DE: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Johnson had a strong start to his 2021 season, helping the Chanticleers to a 6-1 record. I couldn’t find any stats from him the past few games, so he may be dealing with an injury. When healthy, however, Johnson is in the mix for No. 24 Coastal as they look to repeat as Sun Belt Champions.

Jahaziel Lee, OT/DT: Louisiana Monroe/Utah State

I was supremely bummed to see Jahaziel Lee transfer away from the Jackets last year following a devastating injury in 2019. Initially, Lee committed to Utah State and looked to be slated to join the offensive line, but ultimately enrolled at Louisiana Monroe as a defensive tackle. So far in 2021, he has recorded 10 tackles for the Warhawks, including 4 stops this past week in a 41-31 win against South Alabama. Glad Lee is back on the field and contributing to winning.

Kaleb Oliver, LB: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Photo by Adam Ruff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Oliver’s transfer was particularly surprising given his consistent playing time and influence on the Tech defense, but with his destination being just 1.5 hours from his hometown of La Vergne, TN, I imagine proximity to home had something to do with it. So far in 2021, Oliver has 17 tackles and 1 pass defended, with his best effort coming in a loss Michigan State (7 total tackles). Oliver was always around the ball at Tech and made play after play. Here’s to his continued success.

Antwan Owens, DL: Jackson State Tigers

Owens has really made the most of his opportunity at Jackson State. Playing for Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, Owens has been a true playmaker, racking up 27 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, and 2 passes defended through 7 games. Jackson State is a legitimately good team at the FCS level, and Owens is playing at a very high level for the Tigers, helping them to a 6-1 record so far in 2021.