With his chance to finally be the man in the Yellow Jackets backfield, senior running back Zach Laskey is poised for a break out season at B-back for BR47 Georgia Tech.
“I’m really excited about the season,” Laskey said.
The former 4A state player of the year in Georgia has not been a feature back of an offense since rushing for 1,515 yards and 22 touchdowns during his senior year at Starr’s Mill high school— and it’s not because he lacks the talent to thrive in Georgia Tech’s Triple Option offense.
Nevertheless, Laskey has still managed to show some signs in the three years he’s been around. In two seasons at B-back, mainly backing up the recently departed David Sims, Laskey has gained 1,182 rushing yards (5.4 YPC) and 11 total touchdowns—which came after playing his true freshman year as a defensive back and punt returner. His breakout game offensively, came last season when he carried the ball 16 times for 133 yards and 2 touchdowns when Georgia Tech visited Virginia.
“I’m just trying to be a leader on and off the field,” said Laskey, “I’ve pull the younger guys into the film room and showed them where they need to be and what they need to do in certain situations—just trying to help them out so when I’m gone, they can keep the program in line.”
With a fullback’s size and a running back’s speed, Laskey fits the mold perfectly at 6’1” and 217 pounds with long legs that could give the position its first home run threat since Jonathan Dwyer.
“I think a lot of it has been strength and getting stronger and faster,” said Laskey of his improvement since moving into the backfield at the collegiate level. “I ran this type of offense a little bit in high school but how I see and hit the holes now has developed since I’ve been here.”
The anticipation for Laskey is at an all time high and with Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson supporting Laskey saying he will have a season that will “surprise” many, don’t be shocked if he is the reason for a solid Yellow Jackets rushing attack and Georgia Tech moving up in the HeroSportsing. CBSSports.com currently ranks him as the 34th fullback prospect in the nation.
“I’m hoping for a 1,000 yard season and I have a lot of confidence in the big guys up front to help me get where I want to be,” said Laskey, “The opportunity will be there, it’s just whether or not I will do it.”
Above all, if Laskey manages to reach his rushing goal then his ultimate goal of Georgia Tech winning the very competitive Atlantic Coast Conference may actually be realized.
Follow us on Twitter @BennettRank
[divider]
More D1 Football
Georgia Tech Football Team Page
An Inordinately Exciting First College Football Saturday
Alena Learns Football: What’s that Yellow Line?
[divider]