Lack of Georgia LBs at Combine shows potential at position in 2024
Georgia’s had a linebacker drafted in each of the past six years, but that streak will come to an end in 2024. Why’s that? Well, there are no Bulldog linebackers in the NFL Draft this year, and it goes to show the potential UGA has at that position this coming season.
Yes, Georgia does lose a starter on the inside and a former five-star on the outside to the transfer portal, but it’ll be okay. There’s still plenty of talent that’ll be back in Athens for 2024.
It all starts with Smael Mondon, a two-year starter at inside linebacker who opted to return for his senior season. After leading the team in tackles in 2022, he took a slight step back in 2023 – playing through injury for much of the year. Having him back gives Georgia a veteran presence on the inside.
Alongside him will be the likes of CJ Allen, Jalon Walker and Raylen Wilson. Those three represent the younger side of Georgia’s talented defense. Allen and Wilson are just sophomores but were asked to step into big roles as true freshmen in 2023 while Walker, a junior, still has so much unseen potential.
Move your way outside, and you’ll see similar themes. There’s a veteran in Chaz Chambliss that’s played tons of snaps. There’s potential for a player like Mykel Williams, moving from being a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end to more of a true outside linebacker, to make a major impact. Let’s also not forget about five-star Damon Wilson who’s going into his second season in the system after showing flashes as a freshman.
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“I really like the guys that we have. I think that there’s a lot of ability in that room, guys that are going to step up,” Georgia defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach Glenn Schumann said ahead of the Orange Bowl. “When there’s opportunity to step up, the guys who take advantage of it, they’ll be the ones that are out there, as far as moving forward. We had guys that played for us this year that we believe in. That’s why they’ve been in there in the forms and facets they have.”
“They’re here for a reason. They’re really mature. They go about their business the right way,” he continued. “I know that when you have faith in how people prepare and do things, in addition to their ability, you know that they’re going to constantly improve. They’ve improved throughout the year. There’s nothing that beats experience. Sometimes they’ve learned from mistakes. Sometimes they’ve gained confidence through plays they’ve made. I’ve really seen really solid growth the last couple of weeks. I’m looking forward to watching them play.”
Georgia will begin spring practice on Tuesday, March 12th and conduct a total of 15 sessions including three scrimmages. The final of those on Saturday, April 13th will be open for the public to see in the annual red vs. black G-Day spring game.