Georgia Football: Final defensive grades for 2019 season

The Bulldogs’ linebacking corps was one of the best groups in the country this year, and easily the best group in Georgia’s defense this year. They were led by Monty Rice who had a breakout season leading the team in tackles. His 89 total tackles are the most for a Bulldog since Roquan Smith had 137 in 2017.

Rice didn’t just tackle, his eight quarterback hurries and three pass breakups helped Georgia’s passing defense as well.

In the last two seasons, Georgia was led in tackles by a safety. That is a telltale sign that the linebackers are not doing their jobs. Well, Rice and Tae Crowder made strides this season as they finished No. 1 and No. 2 in tackles for the Bulldogs. Crowder’s 62 tackles just edged out Richard LeCounte’s 61 tackles.

Redshirt Freshman Azeez Ojulari was another standout on this Georgia defense. Ojulari saw his role in the defense expand this year and he rewarded coach Smart with 36 tackles, six tackles for loss,  4.5 sacks, 18 quarterback hurries, and one forced fumble. Ojulari is hands down the best pass rusher on the Bulldogs’ defense. He led the team in sacks and quarterback hurries.

Two more freshmen that impressed were true freshmen Nolan Smith and Nakobe Dean. In a limited role, Smith was able to get 2.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, 18 tackles and one pass break up. Dean was also able to put together a solid season, amassing 25 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups, one quarterback hurry, and a forced fumble.

This group flashed a lot of potential in 2019 and could be even better in 2020.