Georgia Football: 5 players who can replace Roquan Smith

4. Jaden Hunter

Hunter has all of the physical tools you look for from a linebacker. Originally pegged as an OLB in the recruiting process, Smart and his staff moved him inside the moment he got into Athens. That was a surprising move to many because Hunter looked to be a more developed prospect on the outside than Walter Grant who came in and impressed as a freshman. Hunter ended up redshirting his freshman year.

I for one liked the move. I’m a big fan of Hunter’s physical play, but his sideline to sideline speed is what impresses me the most. That is what Roquan brought to this defense, he was always all over the field.

Now what Hunter does not have right now is the mental aspect of the game that Roquan brought. However, when you watch his high school film, you see that he did play ILB quite a bit. He often rushed the passer from that position or tried to blow up running plays, but he has done it before. He’s not as far behind as some might think.

Hunter will enter spring training with a legitimate chance to win a job. He might be behind some other guys because he redshirted, but he has the tools to win it. This is a player to keep an eye on this spring, especially when we get to G-Day.