Haynes King reveals where his game has grown the most since last season

Haynes King had a breakout collegiate season last year in his first at Georgia Tech. He has now taken another step forward in another aspect in his game.

King spoke about his latest development as a player during his appearance with the Yellow Jackets at ACC Media Days on Monday. As he put it, the next progression for him has been in leadership as experience with his current team has allowed him to further establish himself in Atlanta.

“Probably being a leader,” said King. “It was my first year at Georgia Tech. You’re still learning your teammates, who they are, what motivates them – stuff like that.”

“With this being the second year, that comfortability? You get more confidence, you become closer, more like a family, tight-knit because you’ve been around each other longer,” King said.

King returns for his fifth college season after his first year at Georgia Tech where he led an offense that finished Top-50 nationally at 31.3 points per game. In 2023, King threw for 2,842 yards and 27 touchdowns on 61.6% completion. He also rushed for 737 yards at 6.1 per carry for 10 more scores. The 37 total touchdowns, which set a new school record, did help to offset 16 interceptions and 17 turnovers in all with a lost fumble.

Still, as a redshirt sophomore, King proved to be one of the nation’s best dual-threat players.

Now, after starting every game as a permanent team captain, King is back to do even more damage for the Ramblin’ Wreck. That starts with being even more set in as a leader in the program for the Yellow Jackets in 2024.

“I’d say my leadership has definitely improved – being vocal, not just leading by example,” said King.

Predicting ceiling, floor for Georgia Tech 

On3’s Andy Staples was joined by ACCN’s Roddy Jones on the ‘Andy Staples On3’ to go over the ceiling and the floor of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in 2024.

“This is a good team, probably an even better team than last year,” opened Staples. “Haynes King at quarterback. After he left Texas A&M, we finally got to see him playing free, and what a great athlete he is in Buster Faulkner’s offense; he just blossomed. But congratulations, Yellow Jackets, you’re getting better now. You get to go to Dublin in week zero and play Florida State.”

“This will be a better Georgia Tech team,” Jones said. “I really like this Georgia Tech team and I like the direction they’re going.”

So, where do Jones and Staples believe the Yellow Jackets will finish in 2024?

“This schedule’s so tough,” Jones started. “In order for them to have a better record than they did a year ago, a lot has to break right for them. I think the ceiling is 8-4. I think, more realistic, it’s 6-6. Georgia Tech is one of those that, if they make a bowl, it is a win for the season. The floor is probably somewhere in that four-win range.”

“I had 5-7 as the floor,” countered Staples. “I think this program is going in the right direction. But like you said, the schedule just doesn’t do them any favors. Gotta play Georgia every year. They’re not going to be getting any worse. And Miami, NC State, Florida State — they got the toughest draw of anybody in the league.