Given that Justin Thomas has left the Flats, Georgia Tech fans certainly will miss watching No. 5 play. But hold on. A No. 5 jersey will run and up and down the field at Bobby Dodd Stadium in the coming season.

While Thomas electrified Tech crowds the past three seasons as the quarterback who directed coach Paul Johnson’s option offense, the new No. 5 doesn’t play quarterback. In fact, he doesn’t even play on offense.

Safety A.J. Gray turned in his No. 15 jersey and will wear No. 5. Gray, a 6-foot-1, 218-pound junior, was a Parade All-American as a senior at Washington County High School and was the AJC’s state player of the year that season.

Though neither will wear No. 5, two Yellow Jackets quarterbacks did change jersey numbers — redshirt freshmen Jay Jones (13 to 4) and Lucas Johnson (18 to 7). No other scholarship players changed jersey numbers.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Georgia State Panthers cornerback Jyron Gilmore (5) following the conclusion of the NCAA game between the Georgia State Panthers and the Chattanooga Mocs on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. Gilmore came up with the game-saving interception to preserve the win. (Ivan Konon/Georgia State Athletics)

Credit: Ivan Konon

Featured

Stacey Abrams speaks at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris at Georgia State University’s convocation center in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Abrams is at the center of speculation over whether she will mount a third campaign for governor. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC