Zach Laskey’s Journey to Becoming a Key Piece of the Jacket’s Offense
(Written by Kyle Norton)
“The B-backs got it started for us. Then once we got going they were forcing the quarterback to run the ball and we were making first downs and moving the chains,” said Coach Paul Johnson after Saturday’s 56-0 win over Syracuse.
One B-back in particular stood out in the win: Junior Zach Laskey.
Laskey had 75 yards and three touchdowns in the win, a game high for him. “It was a great feeling. It was my first collegiate three-touchdown game. The guys up front were blowing off the ball and we were able to take advantage of it,” Said Laskey on his performance.
But in 2010, for a while it looked like Zach might not get a scholarship at Tech.
In 2010 Zach Laskey was crushing it for the Starr’s Mill Panthers. He held 11 school records, was First Team All-State, and rushed for 1,515 yards and 22 touchdowns. He had offers from Air Force, Navy, Middle Tennessee State, Furman, Georgia Southern and Wofford. But the school that Laskey and his family were holding out for had not given Zach a scholarship, yet.
Paul Johnson and Laskey had many phone conversations over his recruitment and Laskey was repeatedly told to “be patient.”
Laskey really wanted to go to Tech. “He had his heart set on Tech and they did a great job of recruiting him,” said Laskey’s high school coach Chad Phillips. One of the primary reasons Laskey wanted to go to Tech was he wanted to continue to play with his friend and teammate Jeff Greene, who now plays wide receiver for Tech. He also wanted to be in a place close to home, so his parents could watch him play.
Ultimately everything worked out for Zach, even though it took a while. He got his scholarship offer and committed to Tech. He was extremely happy about the decision. “GT is my school.” He said shortly after a campus visit.
He didn’t play on offense his freshman year, but played a limited amount on defense and special teams, but he didn’t complain. He patiently waited for his turn.
In 2012, he started to show what a valuable part of the offense he could be, smashing the ball up the middle for 5 yards a carry and forcing opposing defenses to pay attention to him inside, allowing for bigger gains on the outside by the quarterback and A-backs.
Now in 2013, Laskey is averaging more yards, and has more touchdowns than last year. His powerful inside presence is an essential asset to the Jacket’s offense, and a great help in redzone situations.
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are very lucky to have this outstanding young man on the team, and almost didn’t have him, but for Laskey’s patience.