Kirby Smart evaluates Damon Wilson's improvement during camp

If Georgia has proven one thing in their three-year run of dominance, it’s that there are always players developing within the program who have the potential to be breakout stars for the Bulldogs. Many of whom have heard their names called in the NFL Draft after impressing on the field.

One of the names to watch in the next few years is sophomore linebacker Damon Wilson, who has grown significantly both physically and with his level of play this offseason according to head coach Kirby Smart.

“Damon’s been good,” Smart said during fall camp. “He’s been able to be a contributing factor more on first and second down, I think learning his assignment.”

“Like he could go play on third down and play with reckless abandon and do a really good job last year. Now first and second down he knows what to do, he understands it, he has better keys, he has better strike, he can hold up against a really physical tackle,” Smart explained.

Wilson was a highly touted recruit out of Venice High School in Florida, a five-star prospect ranked the No. 3 EDGE and the No. 20 overall player for the 2023 recruiting class according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

He joined the Bulldogs as an early enrollee last January, standing at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, and earning playing time as a true freshman. Appearing in 12 games for Georgia as a reserve outside linebacker who racked up four tackles, 0.5 a tackle for loss, and 0.5 a sack.

But after primarily appearing on Georgia’s defense on third down passing situations, Wilson has gotten his weight up to 250 pounds and is looking more and more like an every down player during fall camp.

“He’s improved,” Smart added. “Just merely by being here and going through the spring he’s improved. He’s also gotten a good bit of work with Chaz [Chambliss] and some of the injuries.”

Chambliss starts at the Jack position of Georgia’s defense, but has been limited in practice with a hamstring injury. Giving Wilson some more opportunities with the first team defense ahead of his sophomore season.

The depth of Georgia’s elite defense has become a staple as of late, with plenty of players seeing limited playing time and having to wait their turn before bursting onto the scene and making a significant impact. As Wilson has all of the makings of the next Bulldog defender to continue growing behind the scenes before making a splash on Saturdays.