Georgia Tech’s true freshman safety Tae Harris made a significant impact in the team’s recent victory over Syracuse, contributing to a decisive 41-16 win. In a game marked by injuries to key players in the secondary, Harris stepped up, showcasing his potential and helping the Yellow Jackets maintain their momentum.
The team has faced numerous challenges with injuries, including the loss of defensive backs Ahmari Harvey and Zachary Tobe, and JY Gilmore‘s absence following a standout performance against Duke. Despite these setbacks, veteran players like Clayton Powell-Lee and Omar Daniels have led the charge, demonstrating leadership and skill that have been crucial to Georgia Tech’s turnaround this season.
Harris’s performance against Syracuse highlighted his readiness to contribute at a higher level. He recorded four tackles and forced a fumble, earning the highest grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) among his teammates with an impressive score of 90.3. Digging deeper into his statistics reveals his prowess in coverage, where he achieved an exceptional grade of 89.4 while defending the pass on 26 snaps. His tackling also stood out, earning a solid 78.2 grade during the game.
This season, Harris has consistently demonstrated his tackling ability, achieving grades of 75 or higher in three games. Notably, he earned an 82.6 grade against Temple and a 78.3 grade versus Wake Forest. Across just 142 snaps this season, he has posted a defensive grade of 73.1, ranking sixth on the team, alongside a tackling grade of 76.8.
Harris’s physical play and propensity for creating turnovers have not gone unnoticed. He has been close to several game-changing plays, including a nearly recovered fumble in the red zone and an almost intercepted pass earlier in the season. His continued development suggests he will be a key player for Georgia Tech as they move forward.
Head coach Brent Key addressed the secondary’s performance in light of the injuries during the post-game conference. “We gave up a couple of big plays to start the second half, but you take away those 75 yards in two plays, and the defense performed well,” he said. Key emphasized the need for improved protection in the middle of the field and better leverage on the ball. He also acknowledged the importance of playing younger athletes early in the season to prepare them for critical moments.
As Harris continues to gain experience, he is poised to become a foundational player for the Yellow Jackets’ defense. His promising performance against Syracuse not only enhances his profile but also illustrates a bright future for Georgia Tech’s defensive lineup.
