Georgia Tech experienced a significant departure of defensive linemen through the transfer portal this week. However, they received positive news today. Romello Height, a former player for USC and Auburn, recently visited Georgia Tech over the weekend. Tonight, Brent Key successfully secured Height’s commitment to the team. Despite interest from schools like Miami and Mississippi State, Key convinced Height to return home and contribute to Georgia Tech’s defense, particularly in the area of pass rushing, which was in need of reinforcement.
Let’s go‼️🐝🐝 pic.twitter.com/olYt27n0IV
— Thechosen1️⃣ (@height_romello) April 21, 2024
Height, a former highly-rated recruit hailing from Dublin, GA, initially joined Auburn before transferring to USC for the 2022 season. Unfortunately, his time at USC was cut short due to a season-ending shoulder injury, despite managing 21 tackles and four sacks during his tenure with the Trojans. With Georgia Tech grappling with a depleted defensive line, having witnessed three players entering the transfer portal this week—Ayo Tifase, Eddie Kelly, and Jack Barton, with Barton and Tifase departing after only a short stint at Georgia Tech since December—Height’s arrival is a timely boost. His athleticism and prowess in pass rushing are much-needed assets for the team’s defense, positioning him as a strong contender for an immediate starting role.
From his bio at USC Athletics:
CAREER: Over the span of his three-year career, encompassing two years at Auburn and one year at USC, Height has accumulated a total of 18 tackles, which includes three tackles for loss. Throughout this period, he has made appearances in 12 games, with two of those being starts.
2023:
Height, returning from a season-ending shoulder injury that curtailed his 2022 campaign, is poised to vie for playing time at rush end as a redshirt junior during the 2023 season.
During his first year with the Trojans in 2022, Height earned starts in two games (against Rice and Stanford) before his season was prematurely halted due to the aforementioned shoulder injury.
At Auburn, as a redshirt freshman edge player in 2021, he made notable contributions, registering 19 tackles, including three tackles for loss, across nine games. His standout performances included three tackles against Akron, four tackles (one for a loss) versus Alabama State, and a strong showing at Penn State with two tackles (including 1.5 for losses). Despite missing some games, Height showcased his versatility and impact on the field.
Height’s journey began at Auburn in the spring of 2020, where he enrolled early after graduating from high school a semester ahead of schedule. In his debut season as a first-year freshman in 2020, he made a solitary appearance against LSU, albeit without recording a tackle.
During his high school career at Dublin High, Height garnered numerous accolades, including being named a 2019 MaxPreps Small Schools All-American first team member and earning recognition as the Georgia Class 2A Defensive Player of the Year. His versatility shone through as he excelled on both sides of the ball, showcasing his skills as a defensive end and wide receiver. Notably, his standout performance in 2019 contributed to Dublin securing the Class AA state title. Additionally, Height’s athleticism extended beyond the gridiron, as he also competed in basketball for Dublin.
