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Will Hinesville's own get drafted?
GaryGuyton
Former Bradwell Tiger and Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Gary Guyton had an impressive performance at the NFL combine. Was it enough to be drafted? Full coverage of the 2008 NFL Draft begins Saturday at 3 p.m. and day two starts at 10 a.m. Sunday on ESPN. - photo by Photo provided / Coastal Courier
Bradwell High graduate and Georgia Tech linebacker Gary Guyton is among the nine Yellow Jackets poised for the NFL draft this weekend.
According to Dean Buchanan, media relation spokesperson from Georgia Tech, no former Yellow Jack is expected to be chosen in the first round. But they are expected to go in the mid to late rounds.
And, Buchanan added, Guyton likely raised his draft stock with his performance at the Senior All-Star game, East-West Shrine game and his exceptional performance at the NFL Combine.
Despite most of the linebacker publicity going to Yellow Jacket teammate Philip Wheeler and running back Tashard Choice, Guyton’s star began to shine his junior and senior year when he was moved from strong-side to weak-side outside linebacker.
Guyton had 25 career starts, including 14 consecutive starts and 50 career games as a Yellow Jacket. In 2007 he started all 12 games at outside linebacker and is tied for ninth place in the ACC and 61st nationally for tackles-for-loss. Guyton ranks second on the team for total tackles.
Guyton knew his opportunity to move up would come at the NFL Combine where he posted the top performances among linebackers in the 40-yard dash, the vertical jump, broad jump, 3-cone drill and 60-yard shuttle.
According to NFL.com, Guyton’s draft potential is analyzed by his long linear frame and well-defined muscle tone in his chest and legs, where he could still add up to 10 pounds of muscle without losing speed. The analysis adds that he is explosive in his speed, displays functional strength to control blockers and exhibits good mental alertness.
According to NFL.com Guyton would be most effective in a system that will have him flowing to the ball in front, rather than take on a receiver or come up and try to engage bigger blockers at the line of scrimmage.
Guyton finished college, majoring in management. He is the son of Janice and Gary Guyton of Hinesville.
Georgia Tech’s potential draft candidates
Guyton, LB
Travis Bell, PK
Durant Brooks, P
Tashard Choice, RB
Mike Cox, FB
Adamm Oliver, DE
Darrell Robertson, DE
Kevin Tuminello, OL
Philip Wheeler, LB
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