Linebackers Chris Cole and Justin Williams have only been part of Georgia’s program for the past year, but already, the pair has captured the attention of teammates and head coach Kirby Smart.

Considering Smart is always looking for players – no matter their class – to step up as leaders for his Bulldog football team, Williams and Cole appear they’ll both eventually fit that bill.

“Both going to be good football players,” Smart said. “Both are very conscientious, hard workers.”

It’s not just Smart saying it.

“I’ve started a new ritual of, like, asking a guy at the end of practice who he thinks the hardest worker is. Like, who works the hardest? Who practices the hardest when you watch the tape? Who do you say has that passion and fire that's sometimes lacking all over college football now?” Smart said. “It's a different climate in college football, so it's funny because Chris Cole and Justin Williams have both been mentioned multiple times by people as extremely hard work guys. I appreciate that about them.”

The pair is one of the reasons many feel Georgia’s inside linebacker room remains in good hands, despite the loss of Jalon Walker and Smael Mondon to the NFL.

Although Raylen Wilson and CJ Allen figure to start at both inside backer positions, Williams and Cole make up a second wave of up-and-coming talent expected to make an impact.

Cole made the bigger impact last fall, coming in on third down to bolster Georgia’s pass rush, finishing with 15 tackles, including two for losses of four yards.

Williams saw most of his action on special teams but flashed when he had the opportunity and impressed coaches with the energy he brought to the field.

This year, Williams plans on bringing even more.

“I've become more vocal. I've taken on a leadership role in the linebacker room, having more fire and energy, and helping the younger guys,” Williams said. “I was a younger guy last year, and I think last year I was trying to learn the plays and learn so many more things.”

He’s also attempting to lead by more than just words.

“I think now I'm in the film room every day, doing things better, in the weight room, trying to lead the guys,” Williams said. “I've definitely taken more of an effort to that compared to last year.”

Smart said Williams’ effort has been well-received.

“He’s probably one of the most positive people I've ever been around. He inspires hustle, like effort. I just love the kid's energy. He's never down in the dumps. He competes,” Smart said. “I think that he is the kind of alpha you need at the inside linebacker position.”

Cole also brings his level of energy, which is difficult to ignore.

“I just love football. I loved it since a kid,” Cole said. “I love playing and just being in Georgia and just playing with the best of the best every single day and learning from the best coaches in the country.”

Williams said Cole has already taken those lessons well.

With the success he enjoyed his first year and the confidence he gained, Williams believes Cole’s versatility will pay off big for the Bulldogs this fall.

“He can pass rush, he can cover, he can key the line, he can play run, he can do whatever you need him to do, and he's gonna be there,” Williams said. “He makes me a better player every day. Seeing him go chase the quarterback, it makes me like, 'Damn, I gotta pick it up’ because that's my best friend. We play with each other every day, and he just makes me a better player. I want to be like him and just work as hard as him.”