Projecting Georgia’s 2023 depth chart on defense: Summer Edition
We all love depth charts. They may be as useless as they’ve ever been with more position-less football and rotations, but we still love them. DawgsHQ loves projecting them for the Georgia faithful, too.
With that in mind and without further ado, we’re going to take another crack at projecting what Georgia’s three-deep will look like in 2023. We examined the offense yesterday and now we take a look at the defense.
Defensive End
Mykel WilliamsTramel Walthour / Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Williams is back healthy after missing a lot of spring practice. There are people inside the Georgia facility who’ll tell you that he’s one of the most talented defenders to come through the program in a long time. Ingram-Dawkins had a fantastic spring and he’ll be a major factor here and maybe at defensive tackle as well. Walthour is the old head of the bunch and is one of the most underrated run defenders in the country.
Defensive Tackle
Warren Brinson Christen MillerJordan Hall
All three of these guys are going to play a lot and there are others not listed who’ll line up at this position. Brinson is a very good football player who has steadily gotten stronger and changed his body. Miller has a world of talent and much will be expected in year two. Georgia is hoping that Hall can help some early and a lot late as he catches on to the defense.
ATHENS, GA – OCTOBER 08: Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse (78) looks on during a college football game between the Auburn Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs on October 8, 2022 at Sanford Stadium in Athens, GA. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Nose Guard
Nazir StackhouseZion LogueJonathan Jefferson / Jamaal Jarrett
Stackhouse is one of the look-to leaders of this defense and he’s going to line up at nose and defensive tackle. The big man is going to play a ton of snaps. Logue has the ability to line up at all three positions up front and is a valuable piece for this defense. He, too, is a big-time leader. Jefferson showed some flashes this spring and Georgia really needs for him to step up and help shoulder the load. Jarrett will likely start the season as a reserve only but has a chance to work his way in as the year goes on.
Outside Linebacker
Chaz Chambliss / Marvin JonesDarris Smith / Damon Wilson / C.J. Madden
As we always say when we talk about this position, it’s a weird one to break down. The starter means less at this position than any other because it can be a revolving door. Chambliss is going to be an early-down player for the Bulldogs because he’s a good run defender. Jones has a chance to take the reins, though, with a great camp. We’re told he has looked great this summer since recovering from shoulder surgery.
Smith is going to have a chance to play on third downs, likely in space. Wilson is also a third-down piece who could earn more first and second-down snaps as the season goes on. Madden is likely a better fit at defensive end right now but has the knowledge needed to come in and help play the run.
MONEY Linebacker
Jamon Dumas-JohnsonE.J. Lighsey / Jalon WalkerCJ Allen
Dumas-Johnson is coming off a breakout season and has a chance to be a Butkus candidate. Some recent buzz on him suggests he has changed his body some, dropped some bad weight, and is in great shape. Lightsey had a fantastic spring and is probably in the rotation as of now. Walker is looking to overcome the fact that he missed spring. He’s back at inside linebacker and will have a role. Allen has done nothing but impress since arriving in Athens but he’s probably an injury or two away from crunch-time snaps.
Georgia inside linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. (2) during the Bulldogs 33-0 win over Samford in a game played September 10, 2022, at Sanford Stadium at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. Photo credit Perry McIntyre.
MAC Linebacker
Smael MondonXavian SoreyRaylen Wilson
There’s a decent to good chance that Mondon begins the season on the shelf with a foot injury. That would probably thrust Sorey into the starting spot. Mondon showed late last season that he’s a difference maker but Sorey’s raw talent is also undeniable. But Sorey won’t be able to assume anything because Wilson will be charging hard. He, too, is a freak show of a talent.
Left Cornerback
Daylen EveretteJulian Humphrey / Nyland Green
We projected Humphrey as the starter post spring but we’re back on Everette here. There has been substantial buzz of late that he is doing quite well in the summer 7-on-7 work. Still, preseason camp will tell the tale and both Humphrey and Green are in the thick of it. This will be a battle all of August that will probably result in two or more of these guys getting meaningful snaps to start the season.
Strong Safety
Javon BullardDavid Daniel-Sisavanh / Dan JacksonJoenel Aguero
Bullard will enter preseason camp as the guy at strong safety and Bulldog fans should be excited about that. He has shown that he can move around, blitz from different spots, cover, and play the ball in front. This is a great spot for the defensive MVP National Championship game and Peach Bowl. Jackson is probably the No. 2 if he’s healthy but he’s still dealing with a food injury. Daniel-Sisavanh has experience but he has struggled in coverage. Aguero is probably more of a factor at STAR than strong safety.
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Malaki Starks (24) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Free Safety
Malaki StarksJaCorey Thomas / Dan JacksonJustin Rhett
Starks has a chance to be a super star in year two. The flashes were there in his first year. Again, Jackson is a good depth piece behind him if healthy. Thomas hasn’t played much but will need to get ready and Rhett has worked both at safety and cornerback thus far. Where will he start out during preseason camp?
Right Cornerback
Kamari LassiterA.J. HarrisSmoke Bouie
Lassiter quietly had a great spring and he has been impressive this summer too. This position belongs to him so long as he’s healthy. Bouie is entering his second season and played some at Texas A&M last season but we’re told that Harris, a true freshman, is ahead right now. Don’t count the youngster out for some playing time in 2023.
STAR
Tykee SmithJoenel AgueroJavon Bullard
This was Bullard’s position last year and he can always slide back down and play it. Tykee Smith, however, has a hold on it for now. His progression was a factor in Georgia deciding to move Bullard to safety. Smith has improved a ton. Aguero is going to push him all year and has a higher upside at the spot. Smith might not be able to hold him off in the long term.
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