In a significant achievement for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) announced on Tuesday that nine players from the team have been recognized as all-conference selections for the 2023 season. This marks the highest number of all-ACC honorees for Georgia Tech in 16 years, showcasing the team’s strong performance throughout the season.
Leading the list of honorees are four first-team selections: quarterback Haynes King and right guard Keylan Rutledge on the offensive side, along with defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg and kicker Aidan Birr. King, a candidate for ACC Player of the Year, has had an impressive season, leading the conference and ranking third nationally in total offense with an average of 329 yards per game. He has also been named ACC Quarterback of the Week five times this season.
King’s performance is particularly noteworthy as he is the only player from a power conference this season, and just the fifth since 1956, to average at least 240 passing yards and 80 rushing yards per game, according to data from sports-reference.com. Rutledge has been instrumental in solidifying the offensive line, which has allowed the fewest sacks in the ACC this season, with only nine sacks allowed in 12 games, and has contributed to the team’s second-place ranking in rushing with 203 yards per game.
On the defensive side, van den Berg has made a significant impact, leading the ACC and all power-conference defensive tackles with 11 tackles for loss this season. Birr, a finalist for the prestigious Lou Groza Award, has made a remarkable 25 field goals, leading the nation in this category. His performance includes two game-winning kicks, one against Clemson and another at Boston College, as well as a crucial field goal that sent a game against Wake Forest into overtime.
Special teams player Marshall Nichols has also made headlines, averaging 47.2 yards per punt, a figure that would rank fourth nationally if he had enough attempts to qualify for NCAA statistics. In his first season with the Yellow Jackets, running back Malachi Hosley has made a strong impression, ranking second on the team in rushing with 634 yards and contributing seven touchdowns.
Additional honorable mentions include offensive linemen Malachi Carney and Ethan Mackenny, who were key components of an offensive line recognized as one of ten semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award, which honors the top offensive line in college football. Linebacker Kyle Efford leads the team with 72 tackles and is on track to become the first player since Recardo Wimbush to lead the team in tackles for three consecutive seasons.
Georgia Tech’s nine all-conference selections have propelled the Yellow Jackets to their 16th nine-win regular season in the program’s 133-year history, with a current record of 9-3. The team’s postseason destination will be revealed when bowl selections are announced on Sunday. Additionally, the ACC will announce its individual awards, including Player of the Year and Coach of the Year, on Wednesday.
