PJ Dean and Valdin Sone are two true freshmen on Georgia's defensive line this season. It can sometimes be difficult to expect any freshman to make a big impact at Georgia in their first season, but Dean and Sone are making pushes to be contributors this season.
Kirby Smart didn't say how much fans should expect to see them this season, but it sounds like they will be on the field at some capacity this year.
Per Kirby Smart, a pair of Georgia true freshmen have a chance to help along the defensive front in different capacities.
— Jake Rowe (@JakeMRowe) August 26, 2026
The latest on former 4-star prospects Valdin Sone and PJ Dean https://t.co/Y4pbODX1d7 pic.twitter.com/g7vszHpXUe
PJ Dean, Valdin Sone are making a push for serious playing time as true freshmen
Smart has not been shy about expressing his concerns for Georgia's defensive line this season. Maybe it has something to do with their lack of production last year, but he has not been impressed with this group throughout the offseason.
Some fans might find it a little discouraging for freshmen like Dean and Sone to come in and immediately compete for playing time. That however shouldn't be viewed as a negative, rather it should speak to how fast they have acclimated to life at Georgia and how good they have been throughout the offseason.
Only time will tell how much of an impact either player makes this season, but if they are already making waves during their first fall camp at Georgia they have a shot to have great careers over the next couple years.
Georgia's pass rush must improve in 2026
Georgia's pass rush may have been their greatest weakness during the 2025 season. They only recorded 20 sacks during the season which was dead last in the SEC. The Bulldogs' defensive line specifically struggled in their two losses as Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and Ole Miss' QB Trinidad Chambliss were able to pick apart the UGA secondary because of the lack of pressure they faced.
Georgia can still win the SEC with a poor pass rush just like they did last year. They however may have a tough time making a deep playoff run this season if their pass rush doesn't improve.
The good thing about Georgia is that they have plenty of talent across the field on both sides of the ball to make up for any one position who might be below average. Georgia fans however would love to see their defensive line dominate again because their national championship teams had some of the best defensive lines Georgia football has ever seen.
They may not get to that level this season, but if Georgia can finish in the middle of the pack in the SEC in terms of total sacks they might have a better chance at making a deep run in the College Football Playoff this season.
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