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Georgia Football 2017 Position Battles: Defensive End

By Alistair Penny

Nov 7, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Mikel Horton (4) is tackled by Georgia Bulldogs players led by linebacker Juwan Taylor (44) and defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter (13) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Kentucky 27-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Mikel Horton (4) is tackled by Georgia Bulldogs players led by linebacker Juwan Taylor (44) and defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter (13) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Kentucky 27-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter (13), center Hunter Long (66, center), and guard Dyshon Sims (55) celebrate with a piece of the field after their win against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Bulldogs won 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter (13), center Hunter Long (66, center), and guard Dyshon Sims (55) celebrate with a piece of the field after their win against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Bulldogs won 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

How much rotation will we see?

First things first, Jonathan Ledbetter is going to start. Unless injury or another personal issue crop up, he proved last season that he’s too good not to. He showed in bursts in 2016 that he has the potential to be an all SEC player and fans will be hoping that this is his breakout season.

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The question is how much movement do we see behind him. David Marshall was impressive as a Freshman, putting up solid performances while starting 4 games last year. He ended up with more sacks than Ledbetter and looked consistent and reliable despite his young age.

Chauncey Manac was rumored to have dramatically impressed the coaches in practices and the decision to redshirt him was not a knock. It seems like the staff was looking to slightly change his body type and make him more versatile for what they need. They expect him to have fit the bill in 2017 and he will push Marshall for playing time.

These three will likely make up the majority of the rotation, especially if Manac bounces between OLB and DE. All three offer the ability to rush the passer and fans will be hoping that one of them breaks out and has a big season to help carry this defense. Mel Tucker will rotate them in and out, but expect Ledbetter to take most of the overall snaps.

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