Lanier, Gary - Football, 1988
At 5’9”, Lanier was a standout in football and baseball for the Benedictine Cadets for four years and went on to lead Georgia Tech to one of its most stunning football victories. Considered the best option quarterback in Savannah history, Lanier guided Benedictine to a 33-7 record as a four-year starter in football. He also quarterbacked three city championship teams. At Benedictine, Lanier holds the all-time quarterback rushing record with an average of five yards per carry. In baseball, he was the leading hitter and shortstop on the school’s region championship baseball team. Despite his short stature, Lanier was recruited and signed by Georgia Teach to a football scholarship. Head Coach Pepper Rodgers like Lanier’s prowess in the wishbone attack, and his faith turned out to be justified. Lanier’s biggest game came his sophomore year when he directed Tech to a shocking 23-14 victory over heavily favored Notre Dame. The Jackets changed offenses from the wishbone to the pro-set when Bill Curry replaced Rodgers as head coach; and Lanier finished his career as a flanker and punter.