The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are in the training camp phase of the 2026-27 college football season, with a lot of position groups yet to be figured out. The cornerback group is expected to be one of the stronger ones.
Georgia Tech Football: Major Takeaways from Cornerback Press Conference
The starting group might very well be set. Jaylen Mbakwe should earn a starting spot on either side of the perimeter, while Daiquan White should get the other. Kelvin Hill Jr. is one of the best nickelbacks in the ACC.
Still, there’s a lot of depth and experience behind them. Zachary Tobe should get a ton of snaps, South Florida transfer Jonas Duclona was a great grab, and underclassmen like Jon Mitchell and Elgin Sessions could play roles in the defensive backfield as well. Overall, it’s a nice, experienced group, and I got a lot of coverage on what that group can look like from Kobie Jones, DaeQuan White, and Jaylen Mbakwe.
More Turnovers Needed
The secondary was solid last season, but there was one Achilles’ heel: they couldn’t generate turnovers at all last year. Georgia Tech had just 0.7 takeaways per game, which ranked 128th out of 135 among all teams in the nation. The defensive backs were largely to blame, with just four interceptions last season.
Obviously, no offense tries to turn over the ball, so no defense can completely control how many they get. However, the defensive backs played a big part in the lack of turnovers, with several dropped interceptions. Defensive coordinator Jason Semore acknowledged that the defensive backs had to be better at catching the ball this season in his press conference, though.
“We have to catch the ball in the air. A lot of people ask me those questions a lot: how you get a bunch of interceptions and all those kinds of things. Catch it. That’s how you get a lot of interceptions, right,” said Semore in an Aug. 5 press conference.
Kobie Jones touched on that discussion in this press conference.
“I think it’s improved dramatically in practice today. We got our hands on a lot of balls today, each practice regaining more and more confidence in our technique. And that allows us to play more with poise in the back end when the balls are in the air; we’re in a good position. We have more poise to go catch the ball,” said Jones.
Mbakwe’s Personality Shines Through
Jaylen Mbakwe has already started to make his presence felt in Georgia Tech’s camp. The Alabama transfer was always going to be a marquee addition, but his goofy personality and leadership style have made an impact as well.
In the quarterbacks’ press conference, Alberto Mendoza’s final question came from Mbakwe, who asked him to do an impression of offensive coordinator George Godsey. That interaction was a snippet of his personality and what he’s brought to Georgia Tech’s secondary.
“When Mbakwe came in, he really gelled that room together,” said Coach Kobie Jones. “He has a great personality. You have the energy about him that everybody gets attracted to him.
“Mbakwe reminds me a lot of Ahmari (Harvey). The energy he brings, the joy he brings to the team. He reminds me a lot of that.” Harvey was a major piece of the Georgia Tech defense, earning the most pass breakups (seven) on Georgia Tech.
When Mbakwe was asked where he got his personality from, he said it was due to himself.
“My mom always said, ‘When I’m not smiling, something’s wrong with me.’ So I just try to keep that smile on my face and have that personality for myself,” said Mbakwe. There probably won’t be any dull moments with Mbakwe, and he has the talent to back up his personality.
Depth and Versatility
Behind Mbakwe, Daiquan White, and Kelvin Hill Jr., Georgia Tech has a lot of depth in the corner room. There are a ton of players who could make an impact behind him.
Jonas Duclona, a transfer from USF, has versatility, playing both safety and nickel.
“Our philosophy is to get the best on the field, the best five, the best six DB’s on the field. And with Duclona, he can move in different spots, and we can make the best DBS out there with him on the field.”
Jon Mitchell, another transfer from Penn State last season, should gain a bigger role as well. His season was cut short due to a nagging ankle injury. “He’s grown so much confidence since spring,” said Jones.
“From the end of last season until now, his confidence has grown, and his communication has grown. He’s comfortable with the guys. So that’s the biggest thing. And now he’s starting to make plays.”
Sophomore Elgin Sessions also brings versatility.
“He started at corner, moved to safety, and is now playing nickel,” said Jones. “He’s really smart because he has to learn all those spots. And I think his growth has been mental. His mental intensity at practice, the way he focuses on each job, because there are different assignments at different positions.”
Defensive backs in general are asked to be versatile, and this group is no different. There’s a lot of talent to slot in at any given position, and hopefully it leads to more turnovers generated.
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