Georgia Tech had the worst rushing defense in all of Power Five last year. They finished the season ranked 130th nationally while allowing 5.38 yards per rush attempt. Fixing the run defense will be priority No. 1 for new DC Tyler Santucci and defensive staff.

More than X’s and O’s, however, Santucci wants his system to revolve around a mindset that leads to certain style of play: TOUGHNESS! Georgia Tech will need buy-in from players like Zeek Biggers, Horace Lockett, transfers Ayo Tifase and Jordan van den Berg. If they can step up along the defensive interior this year, they may get get an interior push that was non existent last year.

Tyler Santucci’s base defensive scheme is a 4-2-5. Yellow Jacket nation can rest assure that Georgia Tech has the right personnel and the right body types, however the question becomes will the team grow and develop together into a cohesive defense that can improve from 130th nationally in rush defense.

Linebacker Kyle Efford, who led the team in total tackles, will compete with the two transfers, E.J. Lightsey and Jackson Hamilton for both the Buck and Mike linebacker roles this season. Lightsey has been recovering from an injury and they are expecting him back later in camp.

Last year, Santucci directed one of the best defenses in the ACC. This year the Georgia Tech defense has a chance to be solid if the middle of the unit can take even a small step forward.