Georgia Football: 3 reasons Bulldogs will win SEC title in 2021

2. Defensive linemen, linebackers

Kirby Smart and his staff have done a fantastic job at stockpiling these two positions groups with plenty of talent. In the last four recruiting classes (2018-21), Georgia has brought in 11 players that were ranked in the top-five in their position according to 247Sports. That number does not even include Jordan Davis, who very well may be the best defensive tackle in the country this upcoming season.

Those are extremely impressive results from your recruiting efforts.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Georgia defense over the last couple of seasons is its depth, and recruiting success is directly related to it. While many outsiders do know the names Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean, inside the Georgia football program, they know they have many other key contributors on the defensive side on the ball along the defensive line and linebackers.

Defensive coordinator Dan Lanning does a great job of rotating the defense to keep the players fresh throughout the game. Georgia has third-string linebackers that could likely start at 80 percent of other programs.

So let’s dive into it a bit more and break down the position groups and the personnel that will bring the SEC title trophy home to Athens.

The defensive line is lead by Davis and next to him will be Travon Walker, Devonte Wyatt, and Jalen Carter. Walker looks to be a popular candidate for a breakout player for the Dawgs this season. Wyatt is a seasoned veteran who provides effort and consistency and Carter is an athletic specimen who any coach would dream to have. He was a five-star recruit in the 2020 class who will rotate between nose tackle and defensive tackle positions but don’t underestimate his ability.

At the outside linebacker position, the Dawgs have plenty of firepower in this “wolfpack” room as they have come to be known. Adam Anderson and Nolan Smith will take the majority snaps at this position. They both came out of high school as highly ranked prospects as the No. 1 and No. 18 ranked recruits in the nation, respectively. They both have first-round potential. Anderson and Smith are more of the speed rush type but still have plenty of strength to overpower opponents.

Backing them up is MJ Sherman, Robert Beal, and Xavien Sorey. Georgia fans have been salivating at the potential of Sherman and Sorey as they both were ranked as the No. 2 outside linebacker recruits in their respective classes.

Last is the inside linebacker position. Spearheaded by Dean and fan-favorite Quay Walker. Dean has given Georgia fans some glimpses of being Roquan Smith 2.0. He is a rangy linebacker who can stay with running backs and tight ends in pass coverage while still being able to stuff running lanes. Providing additional quality depth are Channing Tindall and Robert Beal, both players who have been in the program for years and know the system well.