SEC Spring Football Preview: Georgia Bulldogs
2011 Record: 10-4
Returning Starters: 15
Key Losses: Brandon Boykin, DeAngelo Tyson, Orson Charles, Cordy Glenn, Ben Jones
Breakdown:
After opening the 2011 season with losses to Boise State and South Carolina, Mark Richt’s seat appeared to be uncomfortably warm, and the Georgia Bulldogs responded with 10 straight victories and an SEC East Championship. They did so, in large part, because of a defensive resurgence under coordinator Todd Grantham.
The Dawgs played smothering defense down the stretch, and that defense returns loads of talent in 2012. They return nine starters on that side of the ball, including their entire linebacking corps with rush linebackers Jarvis Jones and Cornelius Washington who combined for 18.5 sacks in 2011, despite Washington missing some time.
Offensively, the Dawgs have a lot to replace on the line (they lose three starters), but they return with their skill position depth chart almost entirely intact. Aaron Murray has been one of the SEC’s most productive quarterbacks for the past two seasons, and Isaiah Crowell lived up to the hype by rushing for 850 yards as a true freshman.
They will also have to replace TE/WR Orson Charles, who left early for the NFL Draft and figures to be one of the first tight ends off the board.
What to watch for:
With three starters gone off the offensive line, competition should be wide open in the trenches for the Georgia Bulldogs. Junior Dallas Lee will almost certainly work back into the starting lineup on the interior after returning from a broken leg, but the tackle position is going to be wide open.
Defensively, junior defensive end Garrison Smith should slide into DeAngelo Tyson’s vacated spot at the five-technique, but depth is unsettling at the position. In the secondary, Branden Smith will move into Brandon Boykin’s starting corner spot.
Another position battle to keep an eye on will be the nose tackle position in Grantham’s 3-4. Senior John Jenkins is established as the starter, but Kwame Geathers has played a lot of meaningful snaps over the last couple years and he will probably continue to expand on his role.
Spring Game: 4-14
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