How Georgia's defensive line shapes up for the present/future
We continue our pre-camp position preview by taking a deep dive inside Georgia’s defensive line.
The Bulldogs will not have Jalen Carter, but even with his absence, it appears to be another deep group for position coach Tray Scott.
Let’s take a look.
STATE OF THE DEFENSIVE LINE
Scholarship Players (remaining eligibility, including this season): Mykel Williams (three), Jordan Hall (four), Christen Miller (four), Jamaal Jarrett (four), Nazir Stackhouse (two, including Covid year), Tramel Walthour (two, including Covid year), Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (three), Jonathan Jefferson (three), Zion Logue (two, including Covid year), Warren Brinson (two, including Covid year).
Average Rivals Rating: 5.88
Average Rivals Star Rating: 4.0
Who's committed: Joseph Jonah-Ajonye (2024), Nnamdi Ogboko (2024), Justin Greene (2024), Quintavious Johnson (2024), Jordan Thomas (2024), Justus Terry (2025).
OUTLOOK FOR 2023
Scott had the perfect answer when earlier this year he was playfully reminded that he’d no longer have Jalen Carter in 2023.
While this would qualify as bad news for most, Scott just smiled.
"I don’t know how it’s going to look, but I know it’s going to look good, because that’s the standard," said Scott who, despite the loss of Carter, welcomes back a deep group of performers from last season’s squad.
Even with the transfer of Bear Alexander to Southern Cal and the loss of Carter to the NFL, Georgia’s defensive line is not expected to suffer. The Bulldogs return plenty of talent on the defensive line, with seven lettermen back from last year.
We'll start with Mykel Williams, whose hard work and desire made him one of the top freshmen defenders in the SEC.
"I love him because he’s a really hard worker and a willing learner," Scott said. "That has helped him tremendously. He’s good versus the run, he’s a natural pass rusher, bend, and an athletic guy, but those are the things that helped him as a player."
Junior Nazir Stackhouse played a huge role, especially when the Bulldogs were still without Jalen Carter.
"I would've been lost without Stack this year. Stack did a tremendous job of owning the burden of responsibility when there was a time when Jalen was a little bit unhealthy," Scott said. "He waited his time behind our guys last year. He learned from them, and he kept preparing like he was going to play every play and every down."
There’s more where Stackhouse comes from.
Seniors Warren Brinson, Tramel Walthour, and Zion Logue bring plenty of experience, while redshirt freshman Christen Miller appears ready to take the next step in his development.
Of the freshmen, early enrollee Jordan Hall appears to be the closest to making an impact, but Jamaal Jarrett is another big body who could contribute in the coming season.
OUTLOOK BEYOND 2023
With four seniors, replenishing the defensive line has already been a focal point for the Bulldogs.
Georgia currently has five verbal commitments from defensive linemen/defensive ends, with four listed as high four-stars, according to Rivals.
The list includes Joseph Jonah-Ajonye (2024), Nnamdi Ogboko (2024), Justin Greene (2024), Quintavious Johnson (2024), Jordan Thomas (2024), and Justus Terry checking in as Georgia’s current representative from the class of 2025.
If Georgia has its way, the Bulldogs aren’t done.
Williams Nwaneri and Aydin Breland are two of the nation’s best defensive linemen, and they're expected to make their decisions soon.