Georgia Tech Recruiting: Did Yellow Jackets Sign Future Impact Players?

Signing day has come and gone, bringing excitement, disappointments and hope. The Yellow Jackets had their share of ups and downs, but it all worked out in the end.

The Georgia Tech football program managed to sign 22 recruits. Even though they did not sign any 5-star recruits, there seemed to be more than enough talent to go around.

I decided to join in the festivities at Georgia Tech’s 2011 Signing Day Celebration at the Twelve Hotel, located in Atlanta’s Atlantic Station. It was a very intimate setting where a few of the fans gathered together to see what new talent has arrived on The Flats.

Wes Durham opened up the night with a few words, and then things got started once coach Paul Johnson came to the podium. He introduced all of the coaching staff and then introduced everyone, via film, to the new faces of the Yellow Jacket team.

One of the recruits with great film was Jabari Hunt-Days from Hillgrove HS in Powder Springs, Ga. He was recruited as a linebacker and was Tech’s lone 4-star recruit (Rivals). Jabari is the younger brother of quarterback Synjyn Days.

Another recruit that seemed to be impressive was Vad Lee out of Hillside HS in Durham, NC. Vad was recruited as a quarterback, and for good reason. His senior year he led his team to a perfect season, 16-0, and the 4A state championship, according to ramblinwreck.com. He also rushed for 1,300 yards and passed for 3,223 yards in 2010.

Then there was Demontevious Smith from Monroe Area HS in Monroe, Ga. Coach Johnson said they may want to play him at safety but also said he “might get some play at quarterback.” According to ramblinwreck.com Smith played at quarterback in high school and ran the option. He passed for only 431 yards and five touchdowns but rushed for 1,795 yards and 25 touchdowns, with 13 attempts of at least 50 yards.

Now when speaking of the running game, I can’t forget about Broderick Snoddy out of Carrollton HS in Carrollton, Ga. Coach Johnson informed the audience that Snoddy may be “one of the fastest guys in the state.” He very well could be, seeing as he won the 3A state championship in the 100 and 200 his senior year, according to ramblinwreck.com. He also rushed for 1,150 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Hopefully these kids will make a positive impact on the program as it begins to rebuild after last season. Coach Johnson will have to replace a few starting positions this spring. He informed us that now that recruiting is over, he will focus on what to do with special teams.

There were also some questions about who will replace Scott Blair and Anthony Allen, which he addressed. They have about five kickers to look at in the spring, and asked whether he knows who will replace Allen, he said, “Yeah, but I’m not going to tell you.”

(All stats from ramblinwreck.com.)