The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets had wide receiver coach Jafar Williams and a few select wide receivers (Isaiah Furhmann, Debron Gatling, Jordan Allen) available to speak to the media after practice on Friday, Aug. 14. The receiver room could be one of the strong suits this season, even with the losses of Malik Rutherford, Eric Rivers, and Eric Singleton from last season’s squad.
Talented sophomore Jordan Allen and Elon transfer Isaiah Furhmann are expected to be the focal points of the receiver room, and former cornerback Dalen Penson, along with several transfers (Cal’s Javien Plummer, Bowling Green’s Rakheem Smith) and underclassmen (Darnell Collins, Kentrell Davis, Coi Noel, more) are expected to make a difference. Safe to say, there was plenty to take away from the press conference.
Georgia Tech Football: 3 Major Takeaways from Press Conference
What’s DeAndre Hopkins’ Role at Georgia Tech?
One of the most fascinating stories surrounding this Georgia Tech receiver core was the addition of DeAndre Hopkins. The former Clemson/NFL standout came off of a season with the Baltimore Ravens where he garnered 330 yards and two touchdowns. While nowhere near his prime, he probably could’ve kept playing in the NFL if he wanted to.
However, his presence has already made an impact in the Georgia Tech receiver room. When WRs coach Jafar Williams talked about what Hopkins brings to the receiver room, the first thing he said was, “Intelligence. It’s a pleasure to have that guy in the room.”
“He has so many tricks and tools that are innovative for our room … He has the right demeanor when he approaches guys. He’s very calculated on what he teaches … I think it really elevated.”
“With D-Hop, it’s little tips and tricks and things on the field,” said Furhmann when discussing one thing he’s learned from Hopkins in camp, “Understanding how he sees the game. It’s also him working really well with Coach Williams, and them together has been really good for us.”
Godsey’s Positionless WR Group
It appears there’s also a massive transition in wide receiver roles. Offensive coordinator George Godsey has been preaching a positionless group versus receivers with defined roles. Getting a guy like DeAndre Hopkins, someone who thrived off of breaking role norms for wide receivers in the NFL, helps with that a lot.
When asked about positional flexibility with some receivers, Williams pointed this out.
“Well, I think that’s with George in this offense, and he’s very intentional in that. When I first install a play concept, it’s not ‘you’re the X, you’re the Z’. It’s like ‘learn every spot’ because there are different situations where we want the bigger guy, smaller guy, and quicker guy. What that does is allow me to have that flexibility once everyone gets the plays down and masters the playbook.”
“I definitely think it challenges my mind a little bit,” Gatling said about his experience with Godsey’s “positionless” wide receiver philosophy. “We have to play all four positions, the X, Y, and Z, everything…it gives me more opportunities to make plays and put the ball in my hands. I like what Coach Godsey is doing. He’s trying to get everybody the ball and spread the rock around so that everybody is ready by the time they get the ball.”
Intriguing Underclassmen
There have also been a fair share of underclassmen dazzling in Georgia Tech’s team practices so far. Jordan Allen has been the biggest contributor. He’s also stepped up as a leader for the group.
“The biggest thing for me with Jordan is he leads by example,” said coach Williams. “Jordan is always going to give effort. He’s always going to know what to do. He’ll make the plays when they present themselves. He’s going to handle all the little things that professionals do, and I kind of look at him as a professional because he handles his business that way.”
Coach Williams also pointed out some freshman receivers that stood out. “Darnell (Collins) has been showing up, and Kentrell (Davis) showed up a bunch as well. Coi (Jean-Noel has shown some things, and then J.J. (Winston) is better than he was in the spring. I think it’s a slow process when you’re dealing with guys that are first years in the program. Still, I’ve been pleased with all of them.”
When Allen discussed who he’s been taking under his wing, he mentioned Coi Jean-Noel. “I kind of see myself in him,” said Allen, “he’s very fast, shifty, and has a lot of juice. Kentrell (Davis) has been making a lot of great plays, and Darnell’s stepping up big time.”
The Georgia Tech receiver room will be one of the more interesting developments of Georgia Tech in 2026. With a new philosophy, a new intriguing assistant coach, and intriguing underclassmen, Georgia Tech’s receiver room will be fun to watch.
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