Georgia football’s culture of competition was on full display when sophomore linebacker Justin Williams and junior tight end Lawson Luckie met with the media. Both players reflected on the Bulldogs depth, the grind of SEC play, and what it means to stay ready, even when opportunities don’t always come easy.
Williams embracing the standard on defense
For Williams, Georgia’s standard on defense is about more than just racking up stats. The sophomore linebacker, who’s totaled 14 tackles and two tackles for loss this season, said the key to Georgia’s dominance is internal competition and relentless consistency.
”We compete every rep, “ Williams said. “ When (Chris Cole) makes a play, I want to make one right after. That’s how we grow.”
That mindset has fueled the Bulldogs linebacker rotation, where players constantly push each other to improve. Williams said his focus this year has been mastering the details, staying assignment-sound, communicating pre-snap, and finishing every down with intensity.
”It’s not about one highlight play,” Williams said. “It’s about being in the right spot, doing your job, and making sure your eyes are right. You’ve got to finish each down like it’s your first.”
Williams growth has been one of the quieter sucess stories on a defense that continues to reload talent every season. His maturity and poise are helping him evolve from a rotational piece to a consistent difference-maker in Glenn Schumann’s scheme.
Luckie staying patient and prepared in Georgia’s offense
On offense, Luckie knows patience is part of the job. Georgia’s tight end room remains one of the deepest in college football, and with so many weapons in Mike Bobo’s offense, the junior hasn’t seen huge production yet as he has just four catches for 31 yards on 7.8 yards per grab.
But Luckie isn’t letting that change his approach.
”You see the production numbers, but you try not to let that shake you,” Luckie said. "You keep grinding and preparing, because you never know when your number’s going to be called.”
Luckie’s versatility has helped him carve out a role as both a blocker and pass catching option. He said Georgia’s coaches stress being “reliable," not just catching the ball, but running crisp routes, sealing edges in the run game, and staying locked in on every snap.
”I try to do everything right before I catch it, timing, alignment, finding soft spots,” Luckie said. "When the play comes, I’ll be ready.”
Luckie added that Georgia’s offensive system creates mismatches for tight ends, and his goal is to take advantage of those moments when they come.
“When they create that match, I’ve got to capitalize,” Luckie shared.
Williams and Luckie might not be the headline names every Saturday, but their attitudes mirror the mindset that keeps Georgia at the top of the SEC. Everyone competes. Everyone contributes. And when their number is called, both players are ready to deliver.