OPINION: Tobias Oliver needs to be on the field in order for Georgia Tech to win

Georgia Tech redshirt sophomore Tobias Oliver got in position at kick return to begin the Yellow Jackets game at Duke Saturday afternoon. Minutes later Oliver would be lined up behind the quarterback, redshirt quarterback James Graham, at running back. The former Northside quarterback would also play receiver on this day. So if we’re keeping count that’s three positions in one game despite coming into the season as one of the two potential starters at quarterback following a solid first season on the Flats. Oliver is making the most of his second college football season by playing where the Yellow Jackets coaches need him most. He is the true definition of a team player. 

Midway through the second quarter with the Jackets down 17-7 Oliver returned a kick 20 yards to give his team the best field position of the game thus far. On a play during the first quarter while ar receiver Oliver beat his defender on an out route that could have been a second touchdown for Georgia Tech but he was overthrown by Graham. A playmaker at quarterback last year (Oliver had 876 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns, two through the air last year), Oliver displayed the ability to make plays wherever he is on the field and that is a great sign for a Tech team that is looking up at everyone else in the ACC coastal division. Georgia Tech was behind 38-14 to Duke at halftime courtesy of a blocked punt returned for touchdown en  route to what would be a 41-23 loss. 

A runner of tremendous talents while in high school in Warner Robins, Oliver was the perfect recruit for former Yellow Jacket head coach Paul Johnson. Under first-year head coach Geoff Collins, who should not be judged by this season at all, Oliver has played well at quarterback (Exhibit A: 3-9 for 65 yards, 56 yards rushing but not well enough to lock down the starting job it seems. Against the Blue Devils to go along with his kick return duties Oliver scored a touchdown on a four-yard misdirection play to score his second rushing touchdown of the season. He also caught a pass for 10 yards.

At 0-3 in ACC play and (1-5 overall) the Jackets are neatly tucked into last place in the division. Maybe Oliver should still be the starting quarterback after all. Either back under center or in the slot Oliver will be there for the Jackets. Ever the team player.