Georgia football: how the Bulldogs will improve at linebacker

Sam linebacker

across the line of scrimmage, Georgia will retain a full-time starter in Walter Grant. He went through somewhat of a sophomore slump in 2018, failing to record a sack and not making as many tackles as many would have thought considering how good he looked as a freshman in 2017. But I believe his shortcomings are more to blame on other issues on defense, not him. He’ll be fine as long as Georgia improves on the defensive line. If that group dominates the way the 2017 unit did, Grant will enjoy open lanes to the running back and favorable matchups when he rushes quarterbacks.

As far as who will relieve Grant throughout 2019, Georgia has a few options, but they will all be players thrusted into the spotlight for the first time in their careers. At 6-5, 225 pounds, Adam Anderson is the best candidate for Grant’s backup.

Anderson was one of the biggest signees of last year’s recruiting class. 247Sports Composite had him ranked no. 18 overall and no. 1 at outside linebacker. He appeared in 14 games this season and played more and more as the season went on. He ended the year with 16 tackles in relief duty, including 2.5 tackles for a loss and a shared sack. When spring ball begins, he’s the guy to keep an eye on.

Another guy to watch is Azeez Ojulari, the former no. 144 player and no. 10 weak-side defensive end by 247Sports Composite. He barely played all year before receiving significant playing time in the Sugar Bowl. He’s another player who has bulked up since enrolling. He was 224 pounds coming out of high school, he’s now listed at 240 pounds.

With the talent and quick development of Anderson and Ojulari, Grant’s starting job is not safe heading into the spring. But regardless of which player starts next season, Georgia should easily be able to go three-deep at sam linebacker.