Georgia Bulldogs DB Javon Bullard Becoming UGA's New Defensive Star
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ATHENS - After losing most of his historic defense from last year’s national championship team, Kirby Smart knew he needed some of his younger defenders to step up and play big minutes this fall.
The opportunity was there, and one defender, defensive back Javon Bullard, has taken full advantage. Playing Georgia’s STAR position, Bullard is versatile defensive back who has shined like a star all season long on the field.
The 5-foot-11 180-pound sophomore out of Milledgeville, Georgia has played better and better throughout the season, making his name known across the college football world against No. 1 Tennessee. The Vol’s top-ranked offense came to Athens in early November and Bullard didn’t flinch. He ended the game with seven tackles and two sacks in the big victory, showing his ability to cover as well as his ability to get after the quarterback.
Against LSU, Bullard led the team with six total tackles. It wasn’t a great day for Georgia’s secondary, but Bullard came to play. He was all over the field that night and looked like one of the top defensive backs in the SEC.
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Of course, Bullard saved arguably his best game for the Peach Bowl. Again, it wasn’t necessarily a great game for Georgia’s defense overall, but Bullard showed up when it mattered most. Named Defensive MVP after Georgia’s wild 42-41 victory, Bullard only made three tackles in the win, but he also added a key sack and one of the biggest defensive plays of the game.
Down 11 late in the 3rd quarter, Buckeye QB CJ Stroud eluded a sack and lofted a ball up to Marvin Harrison Jr in the back of the end-zone. At first, it looked like Ohio State was going to have a game-sealing touchdown. But at the last second, Bullard made a clean hit on Harrison Jr to break up the pass.
That pass-breakup by Bullard saved Georgia’s season. If the pass is completed, Ohio State likely goes up 18 points heading into the 4th quarter. Instead, they settled for a field goal, increasing their lead to 14. Of course, we know how the rest of the game went.
Bullard spoke about the game-saving PBU in his post-game press conference.
“C.J. (Stroud) made a play with his feet and threw the ball up in the air. I saw Marvin's hands going for the ball and just tried to make a play when I could.”
Of all the wild plays in that game, Bullard’s pass-breakup was one of the biggest. He saved four points, and it led to a Georgia victory and another national championship game appearance.
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