Georgia linebacker Robert Beal Jr. announces 2022 plans

The Georgia Bulldogs will lose a lot of talent from its national title winning team. But on Tuesday, Georgia received positive news, as linebacker Robert Beal Jr. has announced that he is returning for another season in 2022.

Beal totaled 23 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two pass breakups this season on Georgia’s dominant defense. In his four-year collegiate career, Beal has played in 39 games, totaling 46 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble.

“Bringing the title back to Athens, where it belongs, after 41 years was something I have dreamt about since I first stepped on campus,” Beal said. “Celebrating with all of you is an experience I will never forget!

“During my time here, I’ve learned so much as a player and as a person with just how much goes into becoming part of a championship team and culture: sacrifice, respect, accountability, hunger, dedication, drive, desire, selflessness, brotherhood, preparation, attention to detail, togetherness, loyalty.

“I LOVE everything about this team, this coaching staff, this university and this city! We did it! Let’s do it again! Run it back!”

Georgia leader in sacks Robert Beal confirming on his Instagram he’s coming back for his sixth year. pic.twitter.com/RAty4pfUTB

— Seth Emerson (@SethWEmerson) January 18, 2022

Beal’s 6.5 sacks on the season led all Georgia Bulldogs defenders. Nakobe Dean and Travon Walker had six each, Channing Tindall had 5.5, and Adam Anderson had five.

Beal was a big part of Georgia’s great defense this season

A big reason behind Georgia’s national title victory was the Bulldogs’ strong play on defense. Georgia led the nation, allowing just 9.5 points per game. The next closest team was Clemson, who allowed 15 points per game. Georgia also allowed 81.7 rushing yards per game (third best in country), 172.2 passing yards (third best), and 253.9 total yards per game (second best).

On the season, no team scored more than 24 points against Georgia’s defense. Alabama actually had the two highest scoring outputs against the Bulldogs, scoring 41 in the SEC Championship and 18 in the National Championship. As a whole, Georgia only allowed double digit points seven times on the season.

The Bulldogs held Michigan to 11 points in the CFP Semifinal, and played well against Alabama in the title game.

Beal’s return to Georgia is great news for the Bulldogs, who will be looking to go back-to-back with consecutive national titles next season.