Georgia Football 24 for ’24: Chaz Chambliss

We kicked off our 24 for ’24 series with 24 days to go until the turning of the calendar from July to August. With Georgia getting fall camp started around then, what better time to turn the attention to the season and the team’s most important players.

Importance can have different meanings. We’ll try to explain our thinking for you with each individual. In some cases, it’s about their ability on the field and the difficult the Dawgs would have in replacing that. Others could be important for reasons outside of that.

Yesterday, our attention was on senior receiver Rara Thomas, who came in at No. 21 on the list. Today, it’s No. 20: senior outside linebacker Chaz Chambliss.

Chaz Chambliss

Class: Senior
Position: Outside Linebacker
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 250 pounds
Hometown / High School: Carrolton, Ga. (Carrolton)

Chaz Chambliss and his role on Georgia’s defense is an often debated topic among UGA fans. His stats haven’t been special, but his spot on the field has been consistent. Why is that? He’s earned the trust of Georgia’s coaching staff.

Chambliss played in 14 games as a freshman in 2021, making a name on special teams and contributing when he got his opportunities with 11 total tackles including 1.5 for loss. As a sophomore the next season, his numbers went up – as did his role. After an injury ended Nolan Smith’s season in October, Chambliss became one of the Bulldogs’ top options at outside linebacker. He would finish 2022 with 16 tackles including three for loss and two sacks.

The stat sheet once again shows improvement in 2023. It also came with more snaps. In 14 games, Chambliss recorded 20 tackles. He had an interception against Ball State, one of his six outings with multiple stops and one of four he either had a solo or assisted tackle for loss.

Chambliss isn’t Georgia’s most talented option at outside linebacker. Former five-stars like Mykel Williams and Damon Wilson take that title. Still, you’re going to see Chambliss on the field regularly – which means it’s important he plays well. Georgia coaches count on him to help in run support on early downs. Taking him off the field for pass rush situations is possible, and probably even likely, too. However, for the specific role he has, Chambliss has proven himself as an option that will give everything he’s got every time he’s asked to do it. He knows what to do, where to be and how to play in Georgia’s defense. That’s a skill that comes with time rather than talent, and it’s one that makes Chambliss an important piece of Georgia’s team in 2024.

In Case You Missed It…

No. 24 – Raylen Wilson
No. 23 – Warren Brinson
No. 22 – Roderick Robinson
No. 21 – Rara Thomas

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