Georgia football: What we miss on defense with G-Day canceled

Rising seniors take the reigns

The 2019 Georgia football defense featured one of the best group of leaders in recent memory. J.R. Reed was the stalwart in the defensive backfield. Tae Crowder was the ultimate “lead-by-example” player at linebacker. Tyler Clark was one of a few defenders with 40-plus career starts. David Marshall, Michael Barnett and Tyrique McGhee were reliable players as well.

How could Georgia football possibly supplant them in 2020? Two players are already in positions to takeover. Richard LeCounte III really stepped up late last season. Not only was he more explosive, but he was more vocal. You can tell he learned a lot from Reed in how to motivate those around him.

Monty Rice earned more playing time as a sophomore in 2018 after having the unfortunate distinction of taking Roquan Smith’s spot on the defense. He’s filled that role well and has continued to get better. Rice, just leads by example. He’s not very vocal, he just plays loud. Rice is a prototypical modern middle linebacker, making plays all over the field.

Beyond them are more rising seniors and some are sure to lead in their own ways. On the defensive line, Georgia has Malik Herring and Devonte Wyatt. Both were solid backup defensive linemen last year. Also at linebacker is often forgotten player Walter Grant. He’s been a starter at sam linebacker since he was a sophomore and he was a key backup in 2017.

In the defensive backfield is D.J. Daniel and Mark Webb. Daniel, a junior college transfer. played well at cornerback when Tyson Campbell missed time with injury and he started Georgia’s last 11 games. Webb moved from wide receiver his freshman year and has worked very hard to climb the defensive back depth chart. Last year, Webb started at the star position.