Brent Key Talks About Leadership As 2026 Summer Camp Winds Down
Georgia Tech Head Coach Brent Key. (photo RamblinSports.com)
Georgia Tech head football coach Brent Key covered an array of topics at his post- practice press conference August 25. But before he fielded questions on some of the common topics– injuries, position competition, player evaluation, etc.– he made a point to talk about the leadership on this 2026 team in the young season, Key's fourth as head coach.
Key announced that he had recently selected sophomore RB Trelain Maddox as a team captain for 2026. Key went on to say that this choice was his decision, based on Maddox' good play, but also his general demeanor and " ...how he carries himself as a man".
Maddox was the first of three teammates who have been tabbed as team captains, the others being PK Aidan Birr and, on this very day, DL Jordan Walker. In each case, said Key, these choices were based on his feeling of what " felt right".
He went on to say that being a captain is not always about the amount of playing time,.,.nor about game time performance per se. Instead it has to do with whether a given player has the qualities to be a leader– and importantly, whether he wants to be a leader. He noted that not every player wants to lead, and that if you have 100 leaders on a football team you'll be going " ...in a hundred different directions ".
Key added that while Jordan Walker has come to Tech only recently, his personality and vocal playing style made him a good choice. The Rutgers transfer has blended well with his new team.
Birr, of course, has bern a stellar performer for the Yellow Jackets for several years. His quality work is well known to his teammates and to all Tech fans. Beyond that, noted Key, when he stands up to speak, people stop and listen.
Key reiterated that these choices are about " who thise guys are and what they've done", and he noted that he plans to name a fourth team captain next Tuesday, two days prior to game one kickoff vs Colorado.
Patrick Conarro
RamblinSports.com