Patrick Skov Stellar in Tech Debut

Patrick Skov transferred to Georgia Tech this offseason from Stanford to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree.

Following the departure of B-back Zach Laskey, there was uncertainty surrounding who would claim the starting role, and how Laskey’s production would be replaced. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets seem to have found their man in Patrick Skov, who had an excellent debut for the Ramblin’ Wreck on Thursday against the SWAC Champion Alcorn State Braves.

-= Related: Georgia Tech Crushes Alcorn State 69-6 =-

Patrick Skov had an impressive game on Thursday, scoring two touchdowns for the Jackets. He also rushed for 72 yards while averaging 6.0 yards on 12 carries. Skov’s 6’1” 234 frame give him the physicality to power through the frontline of opposing defenses, as he showed against Alcorn State. Skov eclipsed his career rush total at Stanford in one game with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets while his two touchdowns were half of what he scored while playing in the Pac-12 Conference.

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In a triple-option offense, the B-back is similar to a fullback in that power and blocking ability are emphasized, while the player must also possess speed. In years past, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Head Coach Paul Johnson have had B-backs who were built like traditional running backs, but had to learn the position.

Jonathan Dwyer and Zach Laskey are examples of past Georgia Tech B-backs who possessed more speed and long-range breakaway ability than power. Patrick Skov is completely different.

Skov is built like a fullback, which gives Paul Johnson the player he has coveted since he came to Georgia Tech in 2008: a player that is tailor-made to play B-back. Patrick Skov’s power and frame enable him to be utilized in a variety of different situations during a game; from a 1st and 10 from the 20 or on the goal-line.

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Physicality and strength is not the only component of having a great B-back, but speed is also of paramount importance. Patrick Skov displayed great speed on Thursday, which greatly increases his chances of consistently being effective.

While other Tech B-backs such as true freshman Marcus Marshall and Marcus Allen possess superior speed, and perhaps a higher ceiling, Patrick Skov is much stronger. Paul Johnson has an excellent stable of B-backs down on the Flats right now, giving him an incredible range of offensive options to utilize in a given game.

Before the season began, I wondered how this unproven corps of B-backs would perform following the departure of Synjyn Days and Zach Laskey. Though it is still very early on in the season, I’m quite confident that the likes of Patrick Skov, Marcus Marshall and Marcus Allen are up to the task.

Next: Marcus Marshall: The Next Jonathan Dwyer?

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