'Big jump' anticipated for Tech DE Freeman

Georgia Tech defensive end KeShun Freeman was named a freshman All-American and an honorable mention All-ACC selection last season. (AJC photo by Hyosub Shin)

Credit: Ken Sugiura

Credit: Ken Sugiura

Georgia Tech defensive end KeShun Freeman was named a freshman All-American and an honorable mention All-ACC selection last season. (AJC photo by Hyosub Shin)

After Georgia Tech's second day of spring practice, defensive coordinator Ted Roof gave a pretty strong quote about rising sophomore defensive end KeShun Freeman, who led the team in sacks (4.5) and tackles for loss (9.5):

“He’s had a great offseason. Football’s very important to him. He’s working hard at it and I think we’ll see a big jump. I think he’ll have a better year and he had a great year last year for a true freshman. But I think we’ll see him have a much better year this year.”

Freeman is up to 243 pounds. He was listed at 236 pounds last season but ended it, Roof said, at 223 pounds.

“He was linebacker size playing defensive end towards the end of the year,” Roof said.

Freeman playing at a “much better” level would be a substantial lift for the Jackets, particularly considering how well he was playing by season’s end as both a pass-rush threat and run-stopper. Roof said Wednesday that developing a stronger four-man pass rush will be a priority for the spring, and Freeman obviously can play a significant role in that process.

As Freeman’s technical capacity and experience begin to approach his effort level, he figures to become an increasingly potent force for Tech’s defense who can influence games by drawing double teams, hurrying passers and setting the edge on run plays.