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Georgia Football: 3 defensive veterans who need to step up in 2017.

By Alistair Penny

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: Members of the Georgia Bulldogs take the field before the start of their SEC Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Georgia Dome on December 1, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: Members of the Georgia Bulldogs take the field before the start of their SEC Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Georgia Dome on December 1, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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ATHENS, GA – OCTOBER 1: Tyler Byrd
ATHENS, GA – OCTOBER 1: Tyler Byrd /

Trenton Thompson.

Thompson has the ability to be one of the most talked about players in the country. The nations #1 overall player out of high school, at times, he looks like he could already play in the NFL. Against TCU in the bowl games last year, Thompson was unplayable and accounted for 3 sacks. It was a reminder that when he is on, he can ruin entire game plans.

The issue for Thompson is that those performances have been few and far between. The talent is clearly there, what has been lacking is the consistency. He actually lost his starting spot for 5 games last year to freshman Julian Rochester. That was an attempt by coaches to try and get him to understand that he needs to improve his focus and his effort levels.

Add in the medical issue he dealt with this off season and it’s hard not to think that this is a pivotal season for Thompson. If he plays the way he can, Georgia will have a dominant DL and he will likely be a 1st round NFL pick. Another up and down year and he might well find himself having to return for his senior year to try and convince teams he is worth the chance.

One thing is for sure. If Thompson plays like he did against TCU for all of 2017, this defense will be one of the best in the country.

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