The annual fall camp at Georgia Tech has already begun to shape the narrative for the upcoming season, with coaches and fans alike watching closely as the Yellow Jackets’ roster adjustments take form.
Among the most talked‑about names is Jonas Duclona, a transfer from USF who has quickly demonstrated his ability to slide between cornerback, safety and dime‑package roles, earning praise for his adaptability and knack for making plays.
Early Standouts Emerge
At quarterback, Alberto Mendoza has shown a firm grasp of the offense and a knack for extending plays with his mobility, even though he has yet to start a collegiate game, leaving the coaching staff to weigh his potential as the primary signal‑caller.
The offensive line has also seen a shake‑up, as Oklahoma State transfer Markell Samuel has pushed out right tackle Malachi Carney and is being evaluated for a starting spot, his experience at both tackle and guard adding valuable depth.
Young linebacker Braylon Outlaw, still early in his development, has drawn commendation from coaches for his athleticism and raw talent, with defensive coordinator Jason Semore describing him as a player who could develop All‑ACC upside.
The secondary will be without three key contributors from last year, including Jaylen Mbakwe, forcing the staff to rely on the emerging versatility of Duclona and the experience of returning players to fill the gaps.
Adding urgency, the Yellow Jackets are slated to meet Colorado on September 3, just 26 days after the start of camp, a timeline that compresses preparation but also accelerates the evaluation of these early standouts.
With the season looming, the blend of defensive flexibility, quarterback readiness and offensive line depth could prove decisive, setting the stage for a promising debut under head coach Brent Key.