Transfer Profile for Georgia Tech Football in 2024: E.J. Lightsey.
For the second consecutive year, Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key is set to welcome a potential impact transfer from the Georgia Bulldogs. In the previous season, Dominick Blaylock and Brett Seither joined from Athens, contributing significantly to the Yellow Jackets’ performance. This year, the former Bulldogs linebacker, E.J. Lightsey, has chosen to transfer to Georgia Tech with the aim of shoring up their struggling run defense.
Lightsey, a recent addition to the Yellow Jackets’ roster following his signing day decision in December, aspires to fill a crucial role in their defense. With key losses in linebacker positions like Paul Moala, Andre White, and Braelen Oliver, Georgia Tech had to turn to the transfer portal for replacements.
However, Lightsey faces the challenge of proving his durability, as he was unable to stay healthy last season and didn’t see any game time with the Bulldogs. In 2022, he played a limited role, featuring in only 19 snaps but demonstrated a promising performance with a 66.8 defensive grade and notable tackling skills. Although the sample size is small, this transfer is seen as a calculated risk by Coach Key and his staff, given Lightsey’s status as the highest-rated transfer entering Georgia Tech, according to 247Sports.
Lightsey’s collegiate background at Georgia in 2022 saw him as a reserve linebacker in four games, with his debut against Samford and a solo tackle credited to him. His high school achievements at Fitzgerald HS further highlight his potential, with accolades such as being a three-star prospect and contributing to his team’s GHSA Class 2A championship win.
As Georgia Tech enters the spring, all eyes will be on Lightsey as he competes for a starting position in the linebacker group. Despite his limited experience and uncertainties about his potential, the Yellow Jackets’ defensive staff views this transfer as a worthwhile investment. If Lightsey can capitalize on his talent and maintain good health, he could emerge as a standout discovery from the transfer portal for Georgia Tech.
