Georgia Tech vs. USC: Chris Milton likely to replace Isaiah Johnson

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets redshirt freshman Chris Milton will most likely start at safety for the 2012 Sun Bowl in place of the injured Isaiah Johnson, according to a report from Ken Sugiura of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Johnson has been ruled out of the game on Dec. 31 due to what head coach Paul Johnson described as a major injury to his lower extremity. With Johnson unable to practice this week, Milton has taken a majority of the snaps with the first team defense, with Jamal Golden and Desmond Smith rotating in, as well.

Milton was primarily used on special teams this season and was slowly was worked into the secondary rotation. For the season, Milton recorded 19 total tackles and forced one fumble.

Georgia Tech interim defensive coordinator Charles Kelly said that Milton played at the other safety spot this year, but he has been able to adjust well to his new role:

"The one thing I've been very happy with is the way Chris has stepped up. He's making all the calls. He can make plays. It's been obvious that he can get people down. He's done it on special teams."

Georgia Tech will take on the USC Trojans in the 2012 Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas.