Georgia Football: Five Ingredients Can Make the 2015 Dawg Defense SEC’s Best

Oct 12, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback James Franklin (1) is injured and leaves the game after being hit by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jordan Jenkins (59) and linebacker Amarlo Herrera (52) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Missouri defeated Georgia 41-26. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Physical Condition

Before the 2014 season, Pruitt demanded his defensive players lose weight. The goal was not to shrink the size of the players. Pruit wanted his players big, fast, and, most of all, in excellent physical condition.

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“Well obviously for us bigger is better,” said Pruitt according to Jake Rowe of 247spots.com . “The thing we wanted to do last year was not necessarily lose weight. We wanted to change our bodies so we could play some downs.”

Last year, Georgia defenders played faster and more snaps. But after a full year with new strength and conditioning coordinator Mark Hocke, the defense is in the type of shape Pruitt wants.

“Our strength staff has done a phenomenal job the way they’ve worked in the off season and this summer,” said Pruitt. “We’re, to me, a totally different looking team than this time last year.”

Expect an even faster defense than last year. Also, expect the defensive stars and difference makers to play more snaps and participate on more of special teams.

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