Spring video recap: inside linebacker

Spring camp has wrapped up, and we are going through practice video provided by UGA. The media isn't allowed to shoot video during the open periods, so this is one way our readers can see practice snippets for themselves.

Previous spring video recaps:

Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Offensive Line
Defensive Line
Outside Linebacker

Georgia's inside linebacker position appears to be a likely candidate for a young player to overtake a current starter if returnees fail to improve. Tae Crowder and Monty Rice must perform more consistently than they did in 2018 to fend off Channing Tindall and Nakobe Dean.

Despite missing five games, Monty Rice was third on the team with 59 tackles last season. His physicality was missed as Georgia struggled to create havoc plays in the middle of the formation. A healthy Monty Rice gives UGA an explosive, strong tackler with 25 games of college football experience.

There's a chance that Tae Crowder has a bit of Solomon Kindley in him. What I mean by that is, Crowder is often viewed by spectators as a starter on the verge of losing his role to a newcomer with more recruiting stars. He's a natural football player and is very capable of remaining the starter and possibly even being selected in the NFL Draft next year. He's often in the correct spot to make a play. Crowder must wrap up and stop a ball carrier's progress at the point of attack.

Tindall is viewed as the top contender to nab one of the two starting spots over time. The sophomore from Columbia, South Carolina played in every game last season and recorded 17 tackles. He played especially well in Georgia's SEC East division title-clinching win over Kentucky.

Dean is a heavily hyped freshman from Mississippi who's already having his name mentioned in the same sentences as Roquan Smith. While not featured in provided practice video, Dean performed well in the G-Day game. He is quick in pursuit and seems to be impressively instinctual, especially for a freshman.

Hunter is currently in the transfer portal, but does have an open door back to the team should he want to stay in Athens. It's a natural reaction to see the love being given to Nakobe Dean and cause Hunter to wonder if he has a path to more playing time at inside linebacker.

Two other players not featured on provided video are Quay Walker and Nate McBride. Both should be expected to contribute on special teams. Walker has a big frame at 6'4, 240 pounds and can likely see more playing time in third and short situations.