Tech bolster the DL with transfer DE Solomon Byrd from Wyoming

Georgia Tech needs help with rushing the quarterback and setting the edge of the defense after struggling in 2021 defensively in that area. The Jackets added a big piece via the transfer portal on Friday night when former Wyoming standout Solomon Byrd announced his intention to transfer to the Flats and play for Georgia Tech.

Byrd has two years of eligibility remaining as he heads to Tech after playing two full seasons at Wyoming in 2019 and 2021 after sitting out 2020 during the covid pandemic. Byrd redshirted in 2018 playing in just three games.

Defensive line coach Larry Knight played a big part in landing Byrd and helping lure the defensive end to the Flats.

"The people at Georgia Tech are genuine and wanted the best for me," he said on his decision to commit. "Coach Knight is what also stood out. He always made room for me to teach football. He was super excited (when I committed) and asked if I was serious."

Unlike other recruits, Byrd actually has a family with a wife and young child and he said his wife was sold immediately on moving to Atlanta on his official visit.

"My wife wanted to commit right after the visit," Byrd said. "She really liked the coaches and the dynamic of the city."

Byrd plans to enroll in summer classes at Tech and should be on campus to start classes in May. Wyoming finishes its semester the week before Tech's May session begins.

During his 2019 and 2021 seasons, Byrd amassed 60 quarterback pressures in 829 snaps and 10 sacks.

"I think I am a versatile player so I feel that I can stay on the field vs the run or the pass," he said describing his game. "The fans will get excitement out of me, they just have to show up and be loud."

Byrd's addition will help replace some of the production loss by the departures of Jordan Domineck and Jared Ivey in the transfer portal, however, Byrd has more sacks in his last two seasons of action than Domineck and Ivey had combined over the last two.

The Jackets did not sign a defensive end in the 2022 class so Byrd helps fill an unexpected gap following the transfers out as well as adding an experienced and productive veteran.

Discuss Byrd's addition to the Yellow Jackets' roster