Georgia
Georgia Tech Football: Freshmen Names to Know For the Yellow Jackets
Georgia Tech is one week away from kicking off the 2024 season in Dublin, Ireland against Florida State and it will be the first chance to see the Yellow Jackets in action. Georgia Tech is bringing back the majority of its starting offense from last year and has several new contributors on defense that they are hoping will turn around that side of the ball.
While Georgia Tech is returning the majority of its starters on offense, could there be some freshmen contributors on offense? Last year, wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr and offensive lineman Ethan Mackenny played a major role as freshmen in Georgia Tech having one of the best offenses in the ACC. On defense, Georgia Tech did not have as many contributors, but there could be some this year.
So who are some guys to know?
1. RB Anthony Carrie
Georgia Tech is trying to sort out its depth at the running back position and true freshman running back Anthony Carrie is among the guys trying to earn touches. He has been complemented a number of times by Brent Key for how tough he is running the ball during scrimmages and he could add an exciting element to the Yellow Jackets backfield that already has Jamal Haynes.
2. TE Luke Harpring
Harpring was one of the most talented members of Georgia Tech’s 2024 recruiting class and he could find a way to get on the field due to his athleticism and ability to make tough catches. Georgia Tech has Brett Seither, Jackson Hawes, Josh Beetham, and Ryland Goede at tight end, but Harpring is so talented that I think as the year goes on, he will be a guy to know.
3. DE Jordan Boyd
The Yellow Jackets feel that the new additions to their defensive line are going to help them turn around that unit and that includes freshman defensive end Jordan Boyd. Boyd was an underrated part of Georgia Tech’s recruiting class and has the athleticism to make a difference quickly. Keep an eye on him this year.
4. DE Amontrae Bradford
Like Boyd, Bradford is a guy that has been mentioned by coaches as someone who has looked good in scrimmages and could potentially help the Yellow Jackets out on defense. Bradford is 6’5 and 250 LBS and could provide depth for Georgia Tech right out of the gate and continue to get snaps as the year goes on.
5. LB Tah’j Butler
Georgia Tech is trying to find guys at the linebacker position and Butler is someone they have been high on. Key talked about him and Georgia transfser E.J. Lightsey after last week’s scrimmage:
“Yeah, you know, both of them, you can tell both of them during spring it was their first time in a new defense, learning a new defense. Tuch is very demanding on those guys. It very, holds them to an extremely high standard. I think if you ask him, I don’t think he’ll ever say that he’s pleased with the work they do on a day -to -day basis. That doesn’t mean he’s down on them either. It’s just the standard that he holds everyone to, and that’s what I love is for people on the staff. I mean, that’s why he’s been such a great fit here from the time he walked through the door. I mean, his standard is the same as my, it’s the same as the offensive coaches. It’s the same across the board, and he expects perfection, right? He expects those guys to be perfect out there. We all know that’s not going to happen, but what’s the old saying? I mean, you shoot for perfection, you’re going to land at excellence the majority of the time, and that’s what we’re trying to do, and that’s the standard he holds those guys, too. They’re going to be good football players. I’m excited to actually watch the film tonight and see those guys. That was one of the position groups. We mixed and matched some of the guys with the twos with the ones, the threes with threes, twos, and I’m excited to see all these guys did. You know, some runs up the middle that I think we probably should have had a hat on. So we’ll look at the gaps and how they’re fitting the gaps from that side of the ball where they come in and pulling the double teams off the offensive line. There was also enough that were flat walled at the line of scrimmage where those guys were making plays in the box, but also had the range to make plays out in space. So improvement there from those guys from the week before. But until we watch the tape and really able to put it pencil those guys in the spots they need to be but you know I’ve been pleased with progression of those guys.”
Georgia
Georgia man charged with trafficking 17-year-old girl for sex in McDuffie County, AG says
A McDuffie County man is facing multiple felony charges after Georgia authorities say he trafficked and sexually exploited a 17-year-old girl.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced Monday that Jimmy Mance, 40, of Thomson, has been charged with trafficking a minor for sexual servitude and sexual exploitation of a child.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the case stems from allegations that the teenager was sold for sex, with the victim later recovered in December 2025.
“This is yet another step in our ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in every corner of this state,” Carr said in a statement. “If you buy or sell a child for sex, we will find you, arrest you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Charges filed
Authorities say Mance is facing several charges, including:
- Trafficking of persons for sexual servitude (harboring a minor)
- Trafficking of persons for sexual servitude (providing a minor)
- Two counts of sexual exploitation of a child involving explicit material
Warrants were taken out on April 13 by the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
Multiple agencies assisted in the investigation and arrest, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office, Thomson Police Department, and sheriff’s offices in Columbia and Bibb counties.
Statewide crackdown on trafficking
The case highlights Georgia’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly involving minors.
The Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit — created in 2019 — has secured more than 70 convictions and helped rescue or assist over 200 children, according to state officials.
Carr expanded the unit last year to include additional prosecutors and investigators serving Augusta and surrounding counties, part of a broader push to target trafficking networks statewide.
Officials say the unit works alongside local and state law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cases involving sexual exploitation and forced labor.
What happens next
Authorities emphasize that the charges are allegations, and Mance is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The case remains under investigation.
Georgia
NY Giants draft news: Exciting Georgia State wide receiver taking ‘30’ visit
Hurst’s development could go in two distinct directions. If he emphasizes precision, refines his routes, and adds a little muscle to his frame, Hurst could become an aspiring A.J. Green – a big-play primary receiver who can defeat press-man coverage and run the full route tree.
If Hurst bulks up further and his route tree is limited, he could become a big-play possession option like Tee Higgins who isn’t asked to run as full of a route tree and wins with his size at the boundary.
There’s reason for optimism that Hurst will become a weekly contributor in the league. It’s probably a stretch to believe Hurst will become a top-end primary receiver, but others with his athletic gifts have done it before.
Hurst has a medium-high floor with a high ceiling. That’s worth the investment.
Georgia
2026 Masters: How Georgia golfers fared at Augusta National
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 12: Russell Henley of the United States plays his shot from the 12th tee during the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Get
AUGUSTA, Ga. – While Rory McIlroy took home the green jacket, local favorites and former University of Georgia standouts made a major impact at Augusta National this year.
2026 Masters: Rory McIlroy survives late drama to win second green jacket
What we know:
Russell Henley delivered the best performance among the former Georgia Bulldogs in the field.
The Macon native surged into contention during the final round, finishing in a tie for third place at 10-under par. He ended the tournament just two strokes behind McIlroy.
By the numbers:
Several other players with local ties finished under par for the tournament:
- Patrick Reed: The Augusta University alum finished in 12th place at 5-under par after a final-round 73.
- Harris English: The former Bulldog kept a steady pace to finish tied for 30th at 1-under par.
- Brian Harman: The 2023 Open winner finished tied for 33rd at even par.
- Sepp Straka: The UGA alum finished at 2-over par in a tie for 41st place.
Dig deeper:
Not every local star saw the weekend. Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson missed the cut after finishing 5-over par on Friday.
Joining him on the sidelines was 18-year-old Mason Howell, a future Georgia Bulldog who was the youngest player in the 2026 field. Howell finished at 9-over par.
Local perspective:
The strong showing by Henley and other University of Georgia alumni provided plenty of highlights for local fans.
With multiple players finishing in the top 40, the “Bulldog pro” presence remains a dominant storyline at Augusta National.
The Source: Information in this article comes from Augusta National tournament scoring records.
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