Flowery Branch High senior quarterback Jaybo Shaw made a change in his college football plans Friday, switching his verbal commitment to Georgia Tech. The Falcons’ signal-caller made the switch following a visit from newly named Yellow Jackets coach Paul Johnson and recruiting coordinator Charles Kelly.
Shaw, the Times’ 2006 Area Player of the Year, was on hand for a visit with the Yellow Jackets at their game against Georgia on Nov. 24 in Atlanta. Georgia Tech extended a scholarship offer on Nov. 26 to Shaw, the nation’s No. 8-ranked dual threat quarterback by Rivals.com.
Shaw has made numerous unofficial visits to Georgia Tech, including Georgia Tech’s Elite 11 combine last summer.
Lee Shaw, Jaybo’s father and high school coach, said Johnson wanted to let Jaybo know the scholarship offer remained on the table after the firing of former Yellow Jackets coach Chan Gailey.
Jaybo Shaw (6-foot, 176 pounds) was already recruited by Johnson while he was still coach at Navy, and said they still wanted to use him the same way in his offense now that he’s the coach at Georgia Tech, according to Lee Shaw.
"We had a good conversation with coach Johnson, and we’re all excited about Georgia Tech," Lee Shaw said. "It’s close to home and the system fits Jaybo well.
"I know now that coach Johnson is at Georgia Tech they’re probably going to throw the ball more than when he was at Navy."
Shaw had another strong season this year at Flowery Branch completing 141 of 200 passes (71 percent) for 2,300 yards, 27 touchdown throws and only four interceptions. He was also a weapon with the ball in his hands, rushing for 935 yards and 19 touchdowns this season.
Shaw originally committed to Middle Tennessee State on Aug. 11. He informed the MTSU coaches on Friday of his change in plans.
Shaw is the second local player to change his commitment this week. On Tuesday, Gainesville High wide receiver Tyler Adetona gave a verbal commitment to Indiana over his previous pick of Troy.
Red Elephants defensive end Keith Wells has also opened his list of possibilities back up with trips completed to Auburn and Ohio State and future trips planned to Florida State and Tennessee. He previously gave his verbal commitment to Florida State.