Georgia Football 2017 Position Battles: Defensive End

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 linebacker David Marshall (51) celebrates a sack 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 /

Projected Depth Chart:

1. Jonathan Ledbetter

2. David Marshall

3. Chauncey Manac (will get snaps at OLB as well)

4. Malik Herring

5. Robert Beal (may get snaps at OLB as well)

Next: UGA in the NIT

This could well be one of the more exciting groups for UGA this season. Ledbetter is one of the potential stars on this defense and then there are 4 players under 20 battling for the other spots. David Marshall is likely going to be the backup at this spot, and fans should expect to see him a lot. The other 3 will likely rotate in and out, keeping players fresh and each offering a different option at the position.

It will be interesting to see how Manac and Beal end up rotating between DE and OLB. Both of them are a little smaller than the other 3 and offer a little more pass rush potential. This position group certainly offers Mel Tucker and his coaches plenty of versatility. Hopefully they really lead to an increase in production in terms of sacks in 2017.

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