The Stack House: Hub for past, present, future of Georgia defensive line

ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse isn’t like most third-year students. He still lives in the dorms. But, because he hasn’t moved off campus, he’s had the opportunity to live with a few of his talented teammates including Jalen Carter. Of course Carter is off to the NFL, opening up a spot on Tray Scott’s defensive line, but it also opened up space in Stackhouse’s room. Both on and off the field, that’s where early enrollee Jordan Hall comes in.

“Jordan Hall, he’s a very funny guy. He’s a character. I like him,” Stackhouse said, adding that he’s not too loud of a roommate – a little louder than Carter – stays out of the way and is overall enjoyable to live with. “… I would say he learns at a decent pace as a freshman. He’s excited to get down and get out on the field. He’s always looking for work, always looking to get more reps and get better on the field.”

Hall was without a doubt one of the most talented players in the Class of 2023. Ranked the No. 25 player overall and No. 4 defensive lineman according to the On3 Industry Ranking, he was just one outlet away from being a five-star plus+ player. ESPN had him at No. 152 and No. 11 among defensive lineman while the other three major recruiting services ranked Hall in the top 20 overall and as no worse than the No. 3 player for his position.

Explosive defensive lineman who has the best combination of length and first-step quickness in the 2023 cycle. Measured at around 6-foot-3, 310 pounds with an arm over 34 inches prior to his senior season. Explodes into the backfield in a split second, blowing up plays in the backfield. Shows outstanding short area burst, closing on quarterbacks and running backs. Uses active hands at the line of scrimmage and employs an effective swim move. Looks to have long arms, which aid in his ability as a violent finisher behind the line. Has the play speed to track down plays from the backside. Put together some of the best junior season video among defensive tackles in the 2023 cycle. Played well when facing top competition. Will benefit from time in a college strength program. Turned in a very strong showing at the All-American Bowl, looking like the top defensive lineman in attendance.

Charles Power – On3 Director of Scouting

As for how that game translates to the college level, it’s still too early to tell, but hopes are high. Georgia has the likes of Zion Logue, Warren Brinson, Bear Alexander and others ready to play on the interior beside Stackhouse, who started all 15 games. However, with as much as the Bulldogs rotate the position, the opportunity is there for Hall and others as well to show what they’re made of too.

“I just see a lot of guys stepping up, accepting their new roles on the team knowing that, you know, Jalen Carter leaving just opened up a bigger spot for other guys to showcase their talents and show they can provide for us to win games and stuff like that,” Stackhouse said. “Z-Logue getting more reps in practice and striking alongside of Tramel Walthour playing end, sometimes JACK and just getting more reps. A chance for people like Bear Alexander and Mykel Williams to go out there and show people that they can start and play in big games.”

Of course, Stackhouse couldn’t escape without giving his stance on Carter has a pro prospect. One of the most talented players in the 2023 NFL Draft, Carter has seen his stock fall since an offseason arrest earlier in March for misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing. Scouts and experts see him as an incredible talent on the field – maybe the most talented of any prospect in the draft class – but have their concerns about his character off of it. Stackhouse says that any team that passes on Carter will regret the decision.

“I would be biased if I say they aren’t crazy if they pass up on Jalen, but at the same time any team that doesn’t want Jalen, he’s just going to prove them different. He’s just going to prove them wrong,” Stackhouse said. “I’m like, ‘Whoever he goes [to], he’s just going to go out there and he’s just going to be Jalen Carter like he was at the University of Georgia.’ So if he were to go to the Seahawks — that’s the talk of the town right now — if he were to go to the Seahawks, he’s going to create a big impact on the Seahawks. If he were to go to the Bears, he would create a big impact on the Bears. The teams that do pass him up, Jalen, I wouldn’t say he would have a chip on his shoulder, but he’s just one of those guys where he’s like, ‘Oh, it doesn’t bother me. I’m just going to go out there and play anyway.’ He just has a really good way of just showing everyone that he’s Him.”

Georgia is seven practices in to their 15 session spring. The Bulldogs will go again on Thursday, passing the midway point, before their first scrimmage on Saturday. Spring ball wraps up on April 15th with the G-Day spring game at Sanford Stadium at 4:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Meanwhile, the NFL Draft is set for April 27th-29th in Kansas City, airing on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network.