Georgia Needs to Identify Playmakers for Their Defensive Line

Kirby Smart stands out as one of the foremost defensive coaches in football. Georgia consistently showcases one of the nation’s top defenses year after year, boasting a roster filled with future NFL talent. Even during his tenure at Alabama, Smart’s defensive units maintained their distinct style. While the composition of each team may vary due to the ever-changing landscape of college football, the fundamental approach to defense under Smart typically remains consistent: employing two deep safeties, three linemen in the trenches, and featuring speedy linebackers in the middle. However, it’s when Smart has a game-changing presence on the defensive line that his team truly excels.

During Kirby Smart’s tenure as defensive coordinator at Alabama, players like A’Shawn Robinson, Jarran Reed, and Jonathan Allen were pivotal figures in national championship-winning defenses. Similarly, at Georgia, Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt, Travon Walker, and Jalen Carter played instrumental roles in securing the program’s first national championship in four decades and subsequent back-to-back appearances in the title game. In each instance, the key to Smart’s championship-winning defenses can be attributed to a dominant presence on the defensive line—players who command double teams and disrupt opposing offenses.

However, the 2023 season revealed a gap in Georgia’s defensive line, lacking a standout performer capable of taking over games. While many players from that unit are expected to transition to the NFL, none demonstrated the ability to dominate games like their predecessors. Notably, the leading Georgia lineman in tackles for loss in 2023, Christen Miller, recorded just 4.0 tackles for loss, whereas players like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Travon Walker, and Devonte Wyatt made significantly greater impacts in previous seasons.

Kirby Smart emphasizes the importance of creating “havoc” for opposing offenses, and this starts with a formidable defensive front. With a challenging schedule ahead in 2024 against elite offenses, the Bulldogs will rely on a game-changing presence on the defensive line to disrupt opponents and lead the charge defensively.