UGA Projected 2023 Depth Chart - Defense
Fall practice gets underway for the back to back national champion Bulldogs today. With five Bulldogs being drafted in April's NFL Draft, the defending champs will need to fill some big shoes.
Don't Worry the Cabinet isn't bare...
The Bulldogs placed six players on the defensive side of the ball on the Preseason First Team All-SEC list. So while the Bulldogs have some big names to replace, Georgia has plenty of talent waiting in the wings.
2022 backups will be thrusted into the limelight this fall. While some veterans return to stabilize a thirsty defense! All got experience last season and with the flashes they showed during 2022, expect the defense to be stout once again this season.
Defensive line
Defensive end
Mykel Williams
Tramel Walthour
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Defensive tackle
Warren Brinson
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Christen Miller
Jordan Hall
Nose tackle
Nazir Stackhouse
Zion Logue
Christen Miller
Jonathan Jefferson
Jamaal Jarrett
Overview: The depth is there on the defensive line. The big question is whether someone emerges as a dominant force of this group, Alas Jalen Carter.
Brinson, Logue, Stackhouse and Walthour are all veterans that have played a lot of football. Stackhouse may have the most upside of that group and ended last season playing big time ball.
Mykel Williams led Georgia in sacks last season as a true freshman. He did have foot surgery in the spring and while he’s expected to be 100 percent healthy, it will be worth monitoring his progress.
Hall and Jarrett are the two freshmen of the group. Coaches love the size and speed of both but it will be a bit of a transition to this level of ball. With the first two game being lighter competition, expect them to cut their teeth early!
Outside linebacker
Chaz Chambliss
Marvin Jones Jr.
Damon Wilson
Darris Smith
CJ Madden
Gabe Harris
Sam M’Pemba
OVERVIEW: UGA has depth at this position but they are waiting for the player to bust out and be the difference maker in the backfield of opponents. The staff believes Jones Jr and Wilson have that potential! Jones Jr is easing back into action this Fall after being out this Spring.
Inside linebacker
Money linebacker
Jamon Dumas-Johnson
EJ Lightsey
CJ Allen
Mac linebacker
Smael Mondon
Xavian Sorey
Jalon Walker
Overview: Dumas-Johnson and Mondon return as starters from last season. Mondon won’t be 100 percent to start fall camp and may not be ready to go for the start of the season. That means Georgia will lean on Sorey and Lightsey, who both had strong springs. Walker is recovering from a shoulder injury but he will be cleared to go at the start of fall camp. If not at Inside linebacker, UGA plans on finding a spot on the field for Walker!
Secondary
Left cornerback
Nyland Green
Julian Humphrey
Daniel Harris
Right cornerback
Kamari Lassiter
Daylen Everette
AJ Harris
Chris Peal
Free safety
Malaki Starks
Dan Jackson
JaCorey Thomas
Justyn Rhett
Strong safety
Javon Bullard
David Daniel-Sisavanh
Kyron Jones
Star
Tykee Smith/Javon Bullard
Joenel Aguero
Overview: Starks is entering his second year as a starter, while Bullard looks to move over to the safety spot held by Chris Smith last season. Tykee Smith had a strong spring and looks likely to start against UT-Martin at star. Incoming freshman Joenel Aguero will really push for playing time and from what he showed in the G-Day scrimmage thrives on contact! Dan Jackson is back at safety after he missed the majority of 2022 with a foot injury. He’s another veteran in the secondary that should help spell time. What was once a position of need for the Dawgs a couple years ago looks now to be a strength! Playing time won’t be easy to come by in this group.