Nazir Stackhouse says run stopping is strength of Georgia defensive line

To understand how good the Georgia defensive line has been over the past two seasons, all you have to do is look at the NFL Draft. Head coach Kirby Smart is continually seeing his guys from the position group have their names called by Roger Goodell. And the scariest part of them all, there are still plenty of studs in Athens looking to earn a third consecutive national championship.

One of those is Nazir Stackhouse, who is hoping to be a leader across the line this season. When asked what he thought the group’s strength was, Stackhosue’s answer was simple. Georgia loves to stop the run before anything else. Getting to the quarterback is a work in progress but everyone in the program wants to be strong when going head-on.

“Stopping the run, No. 1,” Stackhouse said. “That’s Georgia football. You can’t define Georgia football any better than that. Just, stopping the run and then our secondary doing their best covering great receivers. And then pass rushing. That’s something we’re working on that I don’t doubt we’re going to get really good at and make a big impact throughout our season.”

Georgia was one of the bests against the run last season, allowing 2.9 yards per attempt. Funny enough, Kent State running back Marquez Cooper had the most individual rushing yards against the Bulldogs this year, getting 90 yards and a touchdown on 21 attempts.

Pure domination from the defensive line against quality Power Five offenses. Stackhouse will be hoping to continue the trend heading into 2023. After all, would you expect anything less from Georgia? Even after a little turnover on the roster.

Yes, a few key members are no longer with the program, with Jalen Carter being the biggest name. For some time, he was considered a potential No. 1 overall pick. That would have been a truly incredible accomplishment for a defensive tackle. Carter did play a huge role in stopping the run.

Nobody can be a direct replacement but with how Georgia rotates its defensive line, Stackhouse will certainly contribute. Last season, he recorded 33 tackles and three tackles for a loss. No sacks were recorded by the big man but as he said, the pass rush will continue to develop.

We will get our first look at the 2023 Georgia defense in early September. For now, the are punishing their own offensive line and running backs. But they will be hungry to see fresh faces and contend for another title.