Georgia Tech was already going to have an experienced secondary, but the latest injury suffered in their defensive backfield will make their depth their a question mark as well. According to Ken Sugiura of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, primary backup safety Fred Holton tore his Achilles tendon during a scrimmage on Saturday and is expected to miss the entire season.
Holton was the team's No. 3 safety behind starters Isaiah Johnson and Rashaad Reid and has been pushing for a starting spot. Holton, one of the team's strongest and hardest working players, also figured to be a heavy contributor on special teams. Holton sustained the injury backpedaling.
Holton's strength has become his calling card, as his weight room exploits have earned him notoriety on this website, among other places. A sophomore, Holton saw limited time in his first year on campus last year, registering just 11 tackles and one forced fumble. With Holton sidelined Jemea Thomas, a hybrid cornerback and safety, will likely be the primary backup safety.
For a secondary that needed as much help as it could get, this is a pretty big blow. For more on Georgia Tech football, head on over to our Yellow Jackets blog From the Rumble Seat.