Redshirt Review: Julian Rochester

Today’s edition of Redshirt Review is a little bit unusual: we’re going to be talking about a senior as opposed to a freshman seeing his first action as a collegian.

Julian Rochester has been an integral part of the Bulldogs’ defensive line from the first day he stepped on campus as a highly-regarded four-star out of McEachern High.

Unfortunately, offseason ACL surgery put a kink in what was supposed to be his senior year. After several discussions with head coach Kirby Smart, the decision was made to redshirt.

A new NCAA rule, implemented before 2018, allows players to take part in four games and keep their redshirt. That’s just what Rochester was able to do.

Because of that, Georgia’s defensive line should be better for it.

ALSO SEE: Redshirt Review: Xavier Truss.

Hometown: Powder Springs

Height: 6-5

Weight: 300

Rivals Ranking: Four-star performer, Ranked 204 in the final Rivals250

Rochester played in four games for the Bulldogs last year. He saw action against Tennessee when he had to step in after an ankle injury to Jordan Davis. He also played against Florida on Nov. 2 before seeing back-to-back action in the SEC Championship against LSU and the Sugar Bowl against Baylor.

Rochester finished with 13 tackles, four coming in the SEC Championship and two in the Sugar Bowl, including an assisted tackle for loss.

Rochester came into the season having played in 46 games with six career starts, seeing action at nose, end, and tackle throughout his Bulldog career.

During that time, he’s made 97 career tackles with 8.5 tackles for losses of 39 yards, including 5.5 sacks.

Rochester’s knee injury aside, there was another reason Smart wanted to have him back for another year.

The Bulldogs lose Tyler Clark, David Marshall, Michael Barnett, Michail Carter, Justin Young off last year’s defensive line. Although there’s certainly some talent back, including Devonte Wyatt, Davis, and Malik Herring, being able to include another veteran presence like Rochester was considered important.

Talented sophomore Travon Walker should also benefit from Rochester’s experience.

The redshirt senior's versatility should also come in handy. Even if he doesn’t start, Rochester should play an integral role as a key part of the Georgia’s defensive line rotation, with the ability to play all three positions

He’ll also be a valuable voice of experience for younger teammates, including true freshmen Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse, and Jalen Carter.