You would be correct if it seems CJ Allen’s name is constantly linked with teammate Raylen Wilson.

Here's why.

Both middle linebackers were part of the same freshman class for Georgia two recruiting cycles ago. So, even though Allen hails from Georgia and Wilson from Florida, their simultaneous arrival and the fact that both have already played significant roles make it easy to understand why both are connected.

Come fall, that association could grow even more.

With Jalon Walker and Smael Mondon moving into the NFL, Allen and Wilson now qualify as the most experienced players in Georgia’s middle linebacker room.

Subsequently, they’ll be expected to be major players for the Bulldogs at a position traditionally considered one of the team’s strengths.

“Oh, it's definitely a blessing just being one of the older guys in the room, coming from being a younger guy,” Allen said. “It feels like it came fast, you know, you're just trying to lead those guys in the room and lead a team.”

Wilson agreed.

“We try to lead by example, but you've got to be vocal as well,” he said. “That's the main part we're improving on, being more vocal with others and pulling everybody along.”

Both Allen and Wilson already have plenty of experience on which to draw.

Allen started 17 games in two years for Georgia, while Wilson has also been a regular contributor, appearing in 26 games.

Last season, Allen finished second on the team with 76 tackles, one behind the 77 posted by Malaki Starks.

Wilson – who started one of Georgia’s 14 games – made 47 tackles, good for eighth.

There’s undoubtedly some production to be replaced.

Walker led the Bulldogs in tackles for loss with 10.5, including 6.5 sacks, while Mondon’s speed and versatility will also be missed.

“The standard is always going to be standard, no matter who's here and who's left, you know,” Allen said. “Those guys, they're gone. They can't help us with what's going on now. We’re trying to focus on who's here and who's on the field with us now.”

Allen knows he can depend on Wilson to carry his share of the load.

“When it was time to make his plays, he made his plays,” Allen said. “I wasn't too much surprised at seeing him work. I know how hard he worked day in and day out.”

With Allen and Wilson now elevated into the roles played by Walker and Mondon, sophomores Chris Cole and Justin Williams will step up another rung in the rotation.

In his first year, Cole played in all 14 games, earning a second-team spot on the SEC All-Freshman team, finishing with 16 tackles and a pair of fumble recoveries which tied for first on the team.

Williams played in 12 games, primarily on special teams, but did have a tackle for lost yardage.

“Those guys are also growing up, you know. They aren't freshmen anymore, so just seeing them growing up is very special,” Allen said. “(Cole) has grown a lot in his confidence.”

Wilson has noticed that as well.

“I feel like they're both going to contribute to the big roles this year. I feel like they've been getting better every day,” Wilson said. “They try to follow in the footsteps of me and CJ, so I feel like they're going to be good for this year.”

True freshman Zayden Walker and AJ Kruah, meanwhile, are on campus and receiving their first taste of action this spring.

“They like to work, so I'm very fond of them. They're some hard workers,” Wilson said. “That's mainly the whole inside linebacker thing.”