Georgia Tech handed out season-ending awards at its team banquet Friday night, an event at which replicas of a certain trophy made an appearance.
Kicker Harrison Butker, defensive tackle Patrick Gamble and quarterback Justin Thomas were honored with captains awards for their captaincy of the team this season. Butker was the first specialist voted as a kicker since 1994. Thomas is the Yellow Jackets’ first three-time captain in team history.
A-back Isiah Willis and defensive end KeShun Freeman received the offensive and defensive effort awards, respectively. Willis continued to play an unsung role in the A-back rotation, particularly with his perimeter blocking. Freeman demonstrated progress in his run defense and pass rush and, as the award would suggest, played with noticeable determination.
Butker was named the special-teams player of the year, an easy choice after he made 11 of 13 field goals (84.6 percent, tied for 19th in the country) and recorded 47 touchbacks on 66 kickoffs. He is eighth nationally in touchback percentage at 71.2 percent.
Linebacker Tyler Cooksey and offensive lineman Bailey Ivemeyer received the scout-team awards for defense and offense.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta senior development officer Shelton Stevens presented coach Paul Johnson and each senior with a miniature replica of the Governor’s Cup, won by the Jackets with their 28-27 win over Georgia.
