Kirby Smart breaks down Xavian Sorey's impact on Georgia defense

If his recent performance is any indication, Georgia linebacker Xavian Sorey has not come close to scratching the surface of his potential.

Sorey, a 6-foot-3, 214-pound freshman out of IMG Academy, came into Georgia this season as the No. 7 linebacker and No. 47 overall recruit according to the On3 Consensus. While a foot injury in spring camp hampered his development, the four-star prospect still looked ready to make an impact — but he had to wait his turn. Georgia’s defense is filled with experienced upperclassmen, pushing Sorey into more of a reserve role; he first appeared in Georgia’s 56-7 win over UAB, only because it was a blowout, and managed to notch a solo tackle. However, in the following weeks, his playing time was limited.

Sorey finally got more playing time in last week’s 56-7 blowout over Charleston Southern, and he proved what he’s capable of accomplishing. He made some solid plays, including his first career interception. Kirby Smart sang high praise for Sorey on Monday, following his first impact game.

“He’s come a long way. He was here over the spring but he didn’t get to practice due to a foot injury. So, he came in a little injured, and that probably hurt his progress early in terms of being able to learn and do things,” Smart said. “We played him at outside backer early on, since we’ve had two injuries at inside backer, we moved him [back] to inside backer. He’s probably better suited to play that position right now, in terms of size, speed, strength. He’s not big enough to hold up an outside backer right now, but he has good instincts. He’s flashed on the scout team and made some good plays.”

Not only did he pull off his first career interception, while adding one tackle to his tally, but he also did so all while playing an unfamiliar position. Georgia has moved Sorey from inside to outside linebacker, as he mentioned, and despite being a smaller-sized outside option, Sorey still made his presence known. It’s worth noting, however, that Sorey is still learning, and he still has plenty of work to do. Take, for instance, his interception; Sorey tried doing too much with it, and after a few-yard gain, he had the ball stripped and returned for a touchdown.

“I thought he had — not necessarily the pick and the turnover, that was a little bit much — but he had some other good plays, where he showed some quickness and some instincts to go strike people,” Smart said. “I think he can be a big help for us, and he’s a guy the last three or four weeks we’ve picked up in terms of getting better.”

After injuries to Rian Davis and Trezmen Marshall earlier this year, Sorey’s development was fast tracked. Smart said that the true freshman has impressed on the scout team, and perhaps he’ll factor into Georgia’s postseason success.