The Georgia Bulldogs have yet another Butkus Award semifinalist in junior CJ Allen. However, the Bulldogs might have to be without their star linebacker for a few weeks.
After suffering a knee injury against Texas, Kirby Smart stated on Monday that Allen was "week to week" and the linebacker's MRI will determine when he will be able to return. With Georgia playing Charlotte on Saturday, it is likely that the Bulldogs will sideline Allen at least for this game, and depending on the severity of the injury, the Georgia Tech game and further.
The good news for Georgia is that they have plenty of talent ready to fill in while Allen is sidelined.
1. Raylen Wilson
Though Raylen Wilson is used to playing more of an outside linebacker role, don't be surprised if Georgia schemes him as on the inside for certain formations.
The speedy linebacker is second only behind Allen in total tackles on the year. Wilson's speed and sneaky athleticism make him a threat to not only the run game but passing game as well. Wilson is third on the team in sacks with 2.5 on the season, again only behind Allen who has 3.5.
Especially if Allen is out for an extended period of time, Wilson will be asked to do way more than what he already has for Georgia.
2. Justin Williams
Justin Williams is a true sophomore that was heavily recruited by Georgia in 2023. When the former five-star signed onto the team, he was expected to be the next great linebacker for the Bulldogs. While he has sat behind Allen as well as Jalon Walker last season, he has grown in experience and only gotten better.
In his limited roles this season, Williams still has 29 total tackles on the season. Do not be surprised if Georgia starts utilizing him more in blitzes and gets him more opportunities on defense. So far, he has mainly been used to stuff the run late in games. Now with Allen hurt, he could have a chance to really do some damage for Georgia.
3. Chris Cole
Chris Cole is another true sophomore that was highly sought after by Smart and the Bulldogs. In Georgia's wealth of linebackers, Cole is another five-star linebacker Schumann can rotate in during Allen's absence.
Cole has gotten slightly more opportunities this season than Williams has, accounting for 39 total tackles and three sacks on the year. While Williams has been used more this season to stuff the run, Cole has been used for his quickness to get to the quarterback.
That speed could be vital to fill in for Allen as Georgia will need a new linebacker to cover the width of the field.