Georgia football’s biggest concern this year will be on the defensive line. It’s the weakest position depth wise and that could prove to hurt the Dawgs in 2019.
One of my biggest question mark for Georgia football in 2019 is its defensive line and how it will hold up this season.
According to OurLads.com depth chart for the Dawgs, the defensive line starters this season will likely be senior, Tyler Clark at defensive tackle, sophomore Jordan Davis at nose tackle, and junior Malik Herring at the defensive end position.
Other guys on the roster include Devonte Wyatt, Netori Johnson, Michail Carter, Michael Barnett, David Marshall, Zion Logue, Tymon Mitchell, Bill Norton, Tramel Walthour, Travon Walker, and Julian Rochester.
While that gives the Dawgs 14 bodies on the defensive line, the personell is still extremely young and inexpereinced.
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After last season, Georgia lost Jonathan Ledbetter who was the fourth leading tackler for the Dawgs with 56 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, four quarterback hurries,and two forced fumbles.
He is the biggest piece the Dawgs lost on the line, but he can be replaceable.
Clark chose to return for his senior season after collecting 31 tackles, four tackles for loss,one sack, three pass breakups, four quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery.
Last year I really thought that he would blow up after playing so well toward the end of the 2017 season, but that wasn’t the case.
However, now it’s time for him to be a leader and step up on the field. If he doesn’t someone will take his job who wants it more.
Davis was a huge asset to the team last year, and that was a major help. He’s only a sophomore and got better each time he got on the field. Davis collected 25 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss which was also a sack, and three quarterback hurries.
He showed how strong he was last year as a freshman, now he’s got a full year under his belt and could be extremely exciting to watch.
Herring got some good time on the field last season and grew as a player. He had 23 tackles on the year, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hurries and one forced fumble. Herring is someone that is so close to putting it together. I’m ready to see if year three for him can be a special one.
It’s time for Rochester to make something happen. Last season he had 31 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and three quarterback hurries.
I feel like the past four years, he has flown under the radar. He is a gentle giant and has a smile that you cannot forget. However, I want to see him get mean and gritty on the football field. It’s past due for him to step up and be the guy.
Wyatt got some time on the field last season and should get a few more reps this year. Marshall and Carter are both veteran players on this team who need do something this season.
I also expect to see the coaching staff utilize the red shirt rule to the fullest with the defensive line. Georgia needs depth there, but at the same time if they’re not ready, then redshirt them. It’s hard to play your very first year, but some can do it.
Last year, according to cfbstats, Georgia ranked No. 31 and No. 5 in the SEC in rush defense allowing opponents to run on average 134 yards a game. As a defense who strives to be a stop the run first kind of unit, that is unacceptable.
Georgia ranked No. 12 in the SEC in sacks, only getting to the quarterback 24 times last season. Another stat that is unacceptable. The Dawgs must find a way to attack the quarterback, stop the run and create havoc for opponents offenses.
Right now, I don’t know that Georgia’s defensive line is there yet. 2019’s unit could be the deciding factor of whether the Dawgs will be a two-loss team or one that could very well go undefeated.
We cannot rely on Davis to do everything by himself. Marshall, Carter, Bennett have all been in the program for years now, and it’s time for them to do their part. Some say, well what about Walker coming in as a true freshman.
Unless he shocks the world and shows out his freshman year, it’ll take him time to get use to the system. So depending on him to be a key player on defense will likely be irresponsible.
Jermaine Johnson, who came into Georgia as a linebacker has the capabilities to put his hand in the dirt as well if needed. It wouldn’t surprise me if he didn’t get used there.
Georgia’s got to figure out the depth issue and hope for no injuries like the one that happened to Marshall last year that kept him out of too many games.
While the starters have some experience, I expect Georgia to rotate a lot during those first three games and see the progress of guys. The Dawgs can make this defensive line work, but they must stay healthy and not depend on one person.
Georgia must be able to stop the run this season and get pressure on the quarterback. If the Dawgs can do that then they will have one of the best defenses in the country. Defense wins championships and Georgia needs to improve all of its stats from last year to do so.