Former Alabama Standout Emil Ekiyor Jr. Named Quality Control Assistant for Georgia Tech Offensive Line
Former Alabama standout offensive lineman Emil Ekiyor Jr. is taking the next step in his football career as he transitions into coaching. On Friday, it was announced that Ekiyor, a key contributor to Alabama’s offensive line during his college career, has been named the quality control assistant for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets’ offensive line. This marks the beginning of Ekiyor’s coaching journey after a successful playing career in Tuscaloosa.
Ekiyor, who played for Alabama from 2018 to 2022, was a crucial figure on the Crimson Tide’s offensive line, known for his strength, technique, and leadership. Over his career, Ekiyor earned recognition as one of the top offensive linemen in the country, helping to anchor an Alabama line that powered a dynamic offense. He played in 51 games during his career, starting in 39 of them, and was a key part of Alabama’s offensive success, including a national championship appearance in 2021. His reputation for being a steady and reliable force in the trenches made him a standout at Alabama and garnered attention from NFL scouts.
Though Ekiyor went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, he did not give up on his dream of staying in the football world. After spending time training and working out in hopes of continuing his playing career, Ekiyor shifted his focus toward coaching, where he could still make a significant impact on the game and help develop the next generation of offensive linemen. His passion for football and his understanding of the game’s intricacies made him a natural fit for a coaching role.
Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key, a former offensive lineman himself, expressed excitement about Ekiyor joining the coaching staff. “We are thrilled to have Emil Ekiyor Jr. on board,” Key said. “His experience at a program like Alabama and his time spent working with some of the best in the game will be invaluable to our offensive line. Emil’s leadership, knowledge of the game, and work ethic will help elevate our offensive line unit as we continue to build a competitive program.”
As the quality control assistant for the offensive line, Ekiyor will work closely with Georgia Tech’s offensive line coach, helping with film analysis, player development, and day-to-day operations. This role will allow him to apply his extensive knowledge of offensive line play, which he honed under the tutelage of Alabama’s coaching staff. Ekiyor’s understanding of offensive schemes, technique, and blocking fundamentals will be instrumental in developing the Yellow Jackets’ offensive line into a formidable unit.
Ekiyor’s move to Georgia Tech is not just an opportunity for him to impart his knowledge, but also a testament to the strong coaching culture that Alabama has built over the years. Many former Crimson Tide players have gone on to have successful coaching careers, and Ekiyor is now part of that growing legacy. His ability to succeed in his new role will serve as an inspiration for other players looking to make a similar transition into coaching.
As Georgia Tech enters the 2025 season, Ekiyor’s contributions will likely play a key role in shaping the future of the Yellow Jackets’ offensive line. His journey from Alabama to coaching is just beginning, and the football world will be watching as he makes his mark in the coaching ranks. With his experience, leadership, and knowledge, Emil Ekiyor Jr. is poised to help Georgia Tech’s offensive line rise to new heights.
