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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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Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Trenton Thompson (78) celebrates a sack by linebacker David Marshall (51) during the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Georgia Dome. Georgia won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Trenton Thompson (78) celebrates a sack by linebacker David Marshall (51) during the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Georgia Dome. Georgia won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Do UGA have enough depth?

The two freshmen are wildcards. Herring is more of a traditional DE in the UGA system and he has impressive traits. Whether he will see the field is unknown but he will push the 3 older players for time. He may end up getting redshirted much like Manac, but that would mainly be if the 3 older players all remain healthy and productive.

Beal is a different animal, weighting much less than the others but he’s a rare twitch athlete. He had a poor senior season in high school, and he might need some time to settle in. A redshirt is a possibility, as is a switch to OLB but he profiles as a pass rusher from either position. Kirby loves to move people around and cause chaos and if Beal is able to fill in that role, he could be a real weapon.

The issue at this position in 2017 is whether UGA really has the depth it needs at DE. While they often really on OLB for much of their pass rush, DE is a crucial position if they are going to improve their ability to disrupt the pass. While Herring and Beal are both exciting prospects, it will likely be a lack of form or an injury that leads to them seeing the field in 2017 and that is never a good thing for a team with so much on the line.

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