Collins lauds '3 Stripe Life'trio, Carter, walk-ons

Tech coach says recent play proves his processes help.

Georgia Tech coach Geoff Collins spoke Tuesday at his weekly news conference in advance of the Yellow Jack- ets’ game against Virginia Tech at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Among other things, he recognized players of the week and the effort of wide receiver Malachi Carter, and gave an

update on the inculcation of his culture and processes.

Players of the week:

Collins recognized quarterback James Graham, line- backer David Curry and tight end Tyler Davis as the “3 Stripe Life” honorees for their play against Pittsburgh. “And the cool thing cultur- ally of that is all three of them are single-digit guys,

and I think that’s cool that they’ve earned the right to wear those numbers and went out there and played at a high level,” Collins said.

Defensive tackle Chris Martin, quarterback Lucas Johnson and guard Connor Hansen stood out for their support on the sidelines. Martin made the trip despite not being able to play because of injury “because he has such an impact in the D-line room in particular.” Johnson, who was dressed but not avail- able, helped Graham prepare during the week and was in his ear on the sideline. Collins said Hansen supported guard Mikey Minihan, who played most of the snaps at right guard that Hansen had

been playing in recent weeks. Collins also made a point to mention by name all 14 of the walk-ons who were on the travel roster: center William Lay, defensive tackle Djimon Brooks, slot receiver Josh Blancato, long snap

per Cade Long, linebacker Taylor McCawley, tight end Dylan Leonard, cornerback Devin Smith, offensive line- men Chet Lagod and Hamp Gibbs, defensive lineman Hinson Fowler, running back Spence Massey, quarterback

Liam Byrne, long snapper Jack Coco and linebacker Olin Broadway. “Their contribution to this team is really cool, and we’re proud of them,” Collins said.

Malachi Carter: Collins praised Carter, who made a sensational effort on his 25-yard touchdown catch against Virginia. Carter had not caught a pass in the previous two games, “but that didn’t change his thought process, it didn’t change his mindset, it didn’t change his work habits,” Collins said. “It elevated even, maybe, his preparation habits.”

Carter’s catch, Collins said, was evidence of the benefits of continuing to work and follow the processes laid out by Collins and his staff. “‘Just stick to the process; good things are going to come’ is the message and mindset,

and Malachi is living it and breathing it, and then he has success,” Collins said.

More about the process:

Regarding his efforts to insti

tute better preparation habits, Collins said he brought up with the team a video of Dal

las Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott doing pregame drills Sunday that caught widespread attention on social media. Prescott, who was quarterback at Mississippi State when Collins was defensive coordinator there, is a favorite example of Collins for his leadership and commitment. While Prescott took some ribbing on social media, Collins found it an example of his devotion to practicing his fundamentals. “He never wastes a rep,” Collins said.

Collins said players such as Graham, Curry and cornerbacks Tre Swilling and Zamari Walton have begun to grasp the benefits of preparing at a high level. Collins said it was “happening more and more,” noting

other cornerbacks such as Myles Sims, Jaytlin Askew, Kenan Johnson and Jordan Huff were paying attention to Swilling’s lead.

CONTRIBUTED BY STEVE SCHAEFER Malachi Carter won praise for his TD catch against Virginia, which Tech coach Geoff Collins said showed the benefits of following his processes.