Georgia Bulldogs Need Robert Beal and Chaz Chambliss To Step Up At OLB

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ATHENS - Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs got some of the worst news possible this week as senior captain and star outside linebacker Nolan Smith tore his pec against Florida and will be out for the remainder of the season.

With the pass-happy Tennessee Vols coming to town with their top-ranked offense, this is the last thing Smart and the Bulldogs needed to hear.

But life goes on, and so does the 2022 season.

That means it’s next man up at outside linebacker, and while there’s nobody like Nolan Smith waiting in the wings, there’s still plenty of talent at the position.

5-star MJ Sherman has a chance to step up, as does talented true freshman Marvin Jones Jr.‍. In the end, it will be up to veteran Robert Beal Jr. and Chaz Chambliss to hold down the fort against Tennessee.

Smart spoke about those two during his Monday press conference.

“Well, Robert played (against Florida)”, Smart said. “He played a little more number of snaps once Nolan was injured. Chaz (Chambliss) did a nice job coming in. It was great to get him back. Didn't know that he would have to play that much in that role. His hamstring has still been bothering him. It bothered him a little bit the other night after the game. So it's one of those that we're going to see how he does today and moves around. Looking to get Marvin, MJ, all those guys going. So nobody really played more because it was just Chaz and Robert, really.”

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Chaz Chambliss can get after the quarterback. In fact, he’s one of the more natural pass-rushers on the roster. Theey need to get him back to 100% sooner than later, though.

Robert Beal has been around the block now. Then went around the block again. And again. He brings a lot of experience and knows what he’s doing out there. He has a long frame and can get into the backfield. The Tennessee offensive line has been terrific in pass protection this season, so Beal needs to bring his “A” game on Saturday.

It won’t be easy to replace Nolan Smith, but someone has to do it on the biggest stage this weekend Between the Hedges.