Jordan van den Berg’s journey to Georgia Tech represents a unique path, as he transitions from Penn State to join the Yellow Jackets for the 2024 season. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 305 pounds, Van den Berg has the physical tools to be a disruptive force on the defensive line. His size, combined with his experience, positions him as a key addition to Georgia Tech’s defense.
At Penn State, Van den Berg had a solid but unspectacular college career. After redshirting in 2021, he played two seasons with the Nittany Lions, racking up 26 total tackles and two sacks. These statistics don’t fully reflect his potential, but they show that he was able to contribute in the defensive rotation and gain valuable experience in the Big Ten.
One of the standout achievements in Van den Berg’s time at Penn State came in 2023 when he set a school record for the squat, lifting 615 pounds. This remarkable feat underscores his strength and commitment to improving his physical game, something that could be crucial as he makes the jump to Georgia Tech’s more demanding conference play.
Van den Berg’s high school career at Providence Christian Academy in Gwinnett County, Georgia, was the foundation for his rise as a football player. His performance during his three years there earned him the prestigious Georgia A Region 8 Defensive Player of the Year honor in 2019. This recognition highlighted his potential as a top-tier defensive lineman.
Despite his success at Penn State, Van den Berg opted to transfer to Georgia Tech in 2024, a decision that reflects both a desire for a fresh start and the opportunity for more playing time. Georgia Tech’s defensive system, known for its aggressive front line, could provide the perfect environment for him to thrive and showcase his abilities.
While at Georgia Tech, Van den Berg will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. This offers him a unique opportunity to make an immediate impact, especially with the Yellow Jackets looking to strengthen their defensive front. His experience in a power-conference program like Penn State will be invaluable as he looks to contribute to Georgia Tech’s defensive unit.
Van den Berg’s physical attributes—his height, weight, and strength—make him a versatile defensive tackle who can contribute both as a run stopper and a pass rusher. His ability to clog up running lanes and pressure the quarterback will be vital for Georgia Tech’s success in the trenches.
With two more years of eligibility, Van den Berg has the potential to develop further into a key player for the Yellow Jackets. His goal will likely be to refine his technique, increase his sack total, and help solidify the defensive front. His move to Georgia Tech may also help him transition into a leadership role, something he has yet to fully experience at the collegiate level.
For Georgia Tech, bringing in a player like Van den Berg is a step toward improving the depth and talent along their defensive line. The Yellow Jackets have been in need of consistent play from their defensive front, and Van den Berg has the tools to provide just that.
His work ethic, evident from his record-breaking squat, could help him transition well into Georgia Tech’s culture. Strength and conditioning will continue to play a key role in his development, as he already possesses the raw athleticism to compete at a high level.
Van den Berg’s ability to adapt to Georgia Tech’s system will be crucial to his success. Defensive coordinator and head coach Brent Key will likely design schemes that take advantage of his size and power, using him to both disrupt the opposition’s backfield and control the line of scrimmage.
Looking ahead, Van den Berg’s trajectory at Georgia Tech could open up opportunities for him to make a name for himself on a national level. With the Yellow Jackets potentially on the rise, his contributions on defense could be one of the ultimate factors in their success.
As Van den Berg makes this transition, he will need to continue to develop his mental game, as well as his physical tools. College football can be a brutal environment for defensive linemen, but his experience in the Big Ten should help him handle the pressures and competition of the ACC.
Ultimately, Van den Berg’s time at Georgia Tech could be defined by how well he capitalizes on this opportunity. With a fresh start, a strong work ethic, and a solid foundation from his time at Penn State, he could carve out a successful future in college football—and perhaps beyond.
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