By Luke Fletcher ｜ Atlanta, Georgia

Yellow Jackets’ All-Time Sack King Earns Well-Deserved Place Among Georgia Tech Greats. For four seasons, Jeremiah Attaochu terrorized opposing quarterbacks and redefined what it meant to play edge rusher at Georgia Tech. Now, more than a decade after finishing one of the most dominant defensive careers in school history, Attaochu has earned college football immortality as a member of the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

The honor recognizes one of the greatest defensive players ever to wear the White and Gold—a player whose relentless motor, explosive athleticism, and knack for making game-changing plays helped elevate Georgia Tech into one of the ACC’s top programs during his career.

A Record-Setting Career

Few defenders have left a statistical legacy like Attaochu.

The Nigerian-born linebacker finished his career as Georgia Tech’s all-time leader in career sacks (31.5) and career sack yardage (226)—records that still stand today. At the conclusion of his collegiate career, he ranked fifth in ACC history in sacks and remains sixth all-time in conference history.

His career numbers remain among the best ever produced by a Yellow Jacket:

• 196 total tackles
• 43.5 tackles for loss (6th in school history)
• 31.5 career sacks (Georgia Tech record)
• 226 sack yards (Georgia Tech record)
• 4 forced fumbles
• 1 interception

Attaochu also became just one of three Yellow Jackets to record double-digit sacks in multiple seasons, joining Georgia Tech legends Marco Coleman and Greg Gathers.

Climbing to Greatness

Attaochu made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2010, appearing in all 12 games and earning a starting role in the Independence Bowl. He finished with:

• 23 tackles
• 4 tackles for loss
• 3 sacks

By his sophomore season, he had already become Georgia Tech’s premier pass rusher.

2011

His breakout campaign included:

• 59 tackles
• 11.5 tackles for loss
• 6 sacks
• 1 interception
• Honorable Mention All-ACC

Despite missing two games due to injury, he still led the Yellow Jackets in sacks and tackles for loss.

2012

Attaochu elevated his game even further.

He started all 13 games while recording:

• 69 tackles
• 12 tackles for loss
• 10 sacks
• Forced fumble
• Fumble recovery

His two-sack performance against Florida State in the ACC Championship Game showcased his ability to shine on the biggest stage.

2013

His senior season cemented his place among Georgia Tech’s all-time greats.

He posted:

• 45 tackles
• 16 tackles for loss
• 12.5 sacks
• All-ACC First Team
• Third-Team All-American

His 12.5 sacks remain tied for the fourth-most in a single season in Georgia Tech history.

Signature Performances

Attaochu had a flair for dominating marquee matchups. His most memorable performances include:

Clemson (2011)

He recorded three sacks, overwhelming Clemson’s offensive line and disrupting the Tigers throughout the game.

Virginia Tech (2012)

Attaochu delivered multiple sacks and several tackles for loss in one of the ACC’s toughest defensive battles.

BYU (2013)

Another dominant outing featured key sacks and backfield disruption as he closed in on the Georgia Tech career sack record.

Georgia (2013)

Perhaps his defining performance came against the Bulldogs when he exploded for four sacks, the last time a Yellow Jacket has recorded as many sacks in a single game.

He also remains the last Georgia Tech player to record three or more sacks in a game.

NFL Success

Following his standout collegiate career, Attaochu was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round (50th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.

He went on to enjoy a nine-year NFL career, spending time with:

• San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers
• New York Jets
• Denver Broncos
• Chicago Bears
• Baltimore Ravens

His longevity at football’s highest level reflected the same work ethic and determination that made him one of Georgia Tech’s greatest defenders.

Hall of Fame Recognition

Jeremiah Attaochu’s induction into the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a player whose impact is still felt on The Flats.

He helped lead the Yellow Jackets to:

• Four consecutive bowl appearances
• An ACC Championship Game berth
• Multiple nationally ranked defenses

More importantly, he established a standard for future Georgia Tech pass rushers.

More than a decade after his final snap, Jeremiah Attaochu remains the greatest pass rusher in Georgia Tech history. His records, accolades, and unforgettable performances have stood the test of time, making his selection to the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 not just deserved—but inevitable.