Adam Gotsis

An Australia native, Gotsis hoped to play college football at a high level in the United States, but he didn't receive much attention until Georgia Tech became involved in the process. Head coach Paul Johnson believed in his recruit's talent, commenting on signing day 2012, "I will match him up against almost anybody. He's 6-foot-5, 300 pounds and can run." As it turns out, Johnson was right. Gotsis leaves Georgia Tech with 37 consecutive starts and was an all-conference choice as a senior, even after a torn ACL suffered on Oct. 31 limited him to nine games in 2015. Gotsis moved halfway around the globe and joined the Yellow Jackets in 2012, seeing immediate action as a true freshman reserve and even starting one game, finishing with five tackles, including 1.5 for loss, a sack and a pass broken up. He emerged as the starter at nose guard a season later - posting 38 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, two blocked kicks and an interception. Despite now drawing the attention of every opponent, Gotsis posted similar numbers as a junior (36 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and two more blocked kicks), earning Second Team All-ACC honors from the media and opposing coaches, alike. Gotsis looked well on his way toward matching these numbers as a senior (31 tackles, including five for loss and three sacks) until the knee injury occurred on the first snap from scrimmage against Virginia. While the NFL will certainly need proof that he's on his way to recovery, Gotsis is an intriguing talent. He played all over the defensive line for Johnson's team, using his quickness and motor to work off blocks and penetrate the backfield.

in our view

While a work in progress from a technique standpoint, Gotsis is a big, strong and coordinated athlete who projects well as a defensive tackle for a 4-3 alignment or a five-technique defensive end in the 3-4. His status, unfortunately, is in flux due to the knee injury.

strengths

Looks the part of an NFL defensive lineman with broad shoulders, a trim middle and his weight evenly distributed over his frame. Surprisingly quick off the ball, showing burst to split gaps, as well as lateral agility and balance. Naturally powerful player with good upper-body strength and the leg drive to bull rush would-be blockers into the backfield. Locates the ball well, showing timing on his leaps to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage (five) as well as block kicks (three field goals, one PAT). A blue-collar defender who plays to the whistle (and at times, through it), flashing some nastiness to his play.

his game is built more around his length and strength at the point of attack than pure athleticism and he is not a consistent pass rush threat. when his initial quickness or rip move is contained by offensive linemen, he struggles to wrench himself free of blocks and occasionally allows ballcarriers to run past him. further, he has a bad tendency of letting his pad level rise off the snap, negating his own strength with poor leverage.

Suffered a torn ACL on Oct. 31, 2015 and must prove to NFL doctors that he's on the road to recovery. He may require another year to heal before he'll be ready and already is an older prospect, who will turn 24 in September.

weaknesses

The Australian native remains a bit raw after much of his experience prior to Georgia Tech was playing Australian Rules football.

Kew HS

Selected to IFAF World Team roster that played Team USA in USA Football’s International Bowl on Feb. 1, 2012, in Austin, Texas

Played Australian Rules Football for eight years

Played American Rules Football for premier team in Gridiron Victoria – Monash Warriors

Recorded team-high 12.5 sacks and earned MVP honors in 2010.

Full name is Adam Gotsis

Son of Louis and Doxy Gotsis

Born Sept. 23, 1992, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Family watches most of Tech’s games between 2 and 5 a.m. on laptop computers

Has four siblings – Peter, Steph, Kristina and Eleni

Said flyer advertising Georgia Tech gained interest in school at age 13

Wore No. 92 in high school to signify birth year

Majoring in business administration.