Kirby Smart wants to create depth across the line of scrimmage

One of the key factors in Georgia winning back-to-back national championships has been defensive line depth. Head coach Kirby Smart has been able to rotate players into the game with the talent level dropping off too much. Looking at the past few NFL drafts was proof enough, with multiple Bulldogs hearing their name called up to the next level.

Heading into the 2023 season, Smart says the opposite is true. He does not believe Georgia has enough depth up on the defensive line. He is looking for a way to add bodies to the rotation ahead of the Sept. 2 opener against Tennessee-Martin.

“We’re not as deep as we’ve been,” Smart said. “We don’t have the depth that probably we have had. Maybe that’s a luxury compared to other people. I don’t know. I think we’ve got to get deeper at that position.”

Well, at the moment, there is no way to add players to your roster. Recruiting classes are not signed until December, while the NCAA transfer portal is currently closed. Smart is going to have to deal with what is in front of him right now at defensive line.

So, Smart’s way of improving depth is by raising the level of his current players. Younger players currently lower on the depth chart can maybe elevate themselves to worthy of receiving snaps. Those already getting onto the field can better their conditioning and not be subbed out as often.

“The only way to get deeper at the position — you can’t get anybody at this point,” Smart said. “There’s nobody coming out for waivers. So, what you’re trying to grow the younger players and get your higher players to play at a higher level and even be able to play more snaps. Without the same depth we had last year, we’re going to have to be in better shape and we got to get the freshman ready to play.”

Georgia has a couple of games to get guys up to speed. As mentioned, Tennessee-Martin will be UGA’s first opponent of the season, while Ball State heads to Athens the following week. South Carolina in Week 3 will be the Dawgs’ first real test of the year.

By then, having depth up front could become a crucial advantage. Samford Stadium is surely going to be hot whenever the ball is kicked off, meaning players are going to get tired. Having fresh bodies against South Carolina — and the rest of the SEC for a matter of fact — will be something to work on.