An early look at Georgia Football’s defensive depth chart

Georgia football lost a lot of veteran playmakers off its defense, but plenty of talented players are still there to step into the vacant roles. The Dawgs don’t have a ton of experience, but that talent is, without a doubt, there.

After the first scrimmage, it’s clear that this side of the ball has some work to do. The defense has to unite as one, which is still something this 2022 squad is working to achieve.

Thankfully, some returners will help lead the way for the inexperienced ones, but still, it’s a new team, and it’ll take time to get there. However, following a historic defense like 2021, the expectations and standards are higher than ever.

The 2022 defense isn’t on the same level as 2021, but that doesn’t mean they cannot be elite.

Let’s take an early look at the 2022 Georgia football defense.

Georgia fans must have realistic expectations for this defense but know that success will come to them. After the first scrimmage, let’s predict what the defensive depth chart will look like for the Dawgs.

Georgia Football Defensive Tackle/Nose Tackle

1. Jalen Carter
2. Zion Logue
3. Warren Brinson
4. Christian Miller
5. Nazir Stackhouse

Can Carter handle the main role on this defensive front? After the first scrimmage, it’s clear that he has progressed this offseason. Carter is a stud and will be a key component of this defense.

Logue is someone else to know because he has stepped up in a big way throughout spring and fall camp. Brinson, Stackhouse and Miller are all working hard this offseason, and they will be part of the rotation.

Georgia Football Defensive End

1. Mykel Williams
2. Tyrion Ingram Dawkins
3. Tramel Walthour

Williams has taken over since he got to campus, and this fall camp is proving that he will be a significant part of this front seven. He could even wind up starting if Williams continues to put in the work.

However, Ingram Dawkins is also someone that continues to impress. He is taking advantage of this opportunity and working on solidifying himself a spot on this depth chart.

These two will be fun to watch off the edge because they are incredibly talented. Williams has another gear and possesses better skills than Travon Walker when he came to Athens as a freshman.

Walthour will be no pushover either. He is getting solid reps and should see the rotation. Bill Norton is another guy that is working in this position. I think the three I mentioned are above him, but only time will tell if he can work himself into the lineup.

Georgia Football Jack Linebacker

1. Nolan Smith
2. Chaz Chambliss
3. Marvin Jones Jr.

Georgia Football Mike Linebacker

1. Trezmen Marshall
2. Jamon Dumas-Johnson
3. Xavian Sorey Jr.
4. Jalon Walker
5. EJ Lightsey

Georgia Football Sam Linebacker

1. Robert Beal
2. MJ Sherman
3. Darris Smith

Georgia Football Will Linebacker

1. Smael Mondon
2. Xavian Sorey Jr.
3. Jalon  Walker

This linebacker group will still have a lot of questions around it, but it seems like the Dawgs are finding the right guys to fill those vacant roles.

Marshall is growing and proving himself this season — look for him to really leave a mark in 2022. Beal is the sack leader from 2021, and I expect him to cause even more havoc in 2022. Smith is another leader who was part of greatness, and he knows it needs to happen again this year. He leads by example but is also there to motivate with his words.

Jones Jr. is someone who is going to be a monster at Georgia. Dumas-Johnson is another that should cause noise in 2022. There are so many guys at this position, they will share the wealth this year, and it’ll be the smartest way to handle the linebackers until the true starters emerge.

Georgia Football Secondary

Left Corner

1. Kelee Ringo
2. Daylen Everette
3. Kamari Lassiter

Strong Safety

1. Chris Smith
2. Malaki Starks
3. JaCorey Thomas
4. Tykee Smith

Free Safety:

1. Dan Jackson
2. Malaki Starks
3. David Daniel-Sisavanh
4. JaCorey Thomas

Right Corner

1. Kamari Lassiter
2. Nyland Green
3. Jaheim Singletary

STAR

1. William Poole
2. Tykee Smith
3. Malaki Starks
4. Javon Bullard

This secondary will be another position that will utilize rotation to its advantage. While there are still some depth concerns for the secondary, key returners like Chris Smith and William Poole are great to have and utilize. They have the experience to help the younger guys out because a handful seems ready to be significant contributors in 2022.

Kelee Ringo is also someone that is good to have to return because this year should see him take another step in becoming the best cornerback in all of college football. Kamari Lassiter is another that continues to step up this fall camp and offseason.

Daylen Everette is fighting for that spot opposite Ringo, and corners impress the most among the freshmen. He is ready for SEC football, but it’ll take some time because no matter how talented, there is still a learning curve.

Tykee Smith is coming back from injury, but it seems like a few of the younger guys are fighting for his spot. Malaki Starks and JaCorey Thomas have both gotten praise from Chris Smith, which tells you exactly what kind of players they are.

Those two will see playing time in 2022, if not significant snaps. Dan Jackson is another year wiser, and he is ready to pick up where he left off — no, not sacrificing himself on that pick-six block, but being an aggressive secondary player for the Dawgs.

This group has a lot of talent but not as much experience. Georgia will need to utilize these guys’ strengths and find the right rotations. Some guys have their spots on lock, but a few older guys better watch out for these youngsters.

Georgia football’s defense has talent, but now it’s about getting them experience and seeing who fits best at specific positions. However, the biggest key will be getting them to come together as one and build that connection. If they can make that connection, this group will have success.

This depth chart prediction is just what I’m thinking at the moment — it could change by the end of fall camp, so stay tuned for another article.