UGA Football Breakout Candidates at Outside Linebacker
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ATHENS - If there’s one big question on defense that needs answering, it’s who will replace Nolan Smith?
Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs have plenty of talent on the roster at outside linebacker, but do they have someone who can really replace Nolan Smith?
Smith will go down as an “all-time” Bulldog after helping lead Georgia to back-to-back national championships. He was first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Philadelphia Eagles, who won the NFC last season, With Smith on board, along with Jalen Carter and Kelee Ringo, the Eagles now have +800 odds to win the Super Bowl next year according to FanDuel.
Chaz Chambliss will see the field plenty in 2022. He can get after the quarterback, he brings more experience, and he’ll only get better in 2022. He’s an established defender that the defensive staff can depend on. Last season, Chambliss played in 12 of 15 games, making 16 tackles, two sacks and eight more QB pressures. He played better and better as the season went along, making four tackles against Tennessee, one sack and four hurries against LSU, and three tackles in Georgia’s national championship win over TCU.
But who has a chance to step up and have a breakout season?
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The first name that comes to mind is former 5-star, Marvin Jones Jr. The big 6-foot--5 250-pounder saw action in 13 games last year on defense and special teams, so he does bring some experience as an upcoming sophomore. However, Jones Jr missed the entirety of spring practice due to a shoulder injury, so that was a setback in his progress.
As talented as he is, it’s never great to miss spring practice, so fall camp will be important for Jones Jr to keep developing and possibly earn significant playing time in 2022. Sources close to the program loves the potential that he brings to the table, so it’s easy to see him as a possible “breakout candidate” in 2023. Last year, the former five-star made four total tackles and one sack.
Another rising sophomore to keep in mind is Darris Smith. An incredibly long and athletic outside linebacker, Smith certainly looks the part physically with an ideal 6-foot-5 225-pouns frame. He’s a promising pass rusher with impressive length and quickness off the ball. The former Appling County (GA) standout played in 10 games last season as a freshman, totaling four tackles. One came against Ohio State, and another came in Georgia’s national championship game against TCU. The potential and tools are there, and when the light comes on for him, he could be really tough to keep off the field.
Then there’s CJ Madden. A versatile outside linebacker/defensive end at 6-foot-4 230-pounds, the former Cedar Grove standout redshirted last year and is hoping to see the field some in 2023. He’s big and physical, and certainly has the potential to become a dependable player at some point in his career. He might have a few guys ahead of him on the depth chart, and multiple hungry incoming freshman behind him, so Madden needs to come on strong in fall camp if he wants to make an impact this fall. If he continues to impress, Madden could earn himself a special teams role before seeing significant time on defense.
Then there are the freshman. A trio that sources are VERY high on. 5-star Damon Wilson and 4-stars Sam M’Pemba and Gabe Harris. Three physical pass-rushers who bring above average athleticism, each one of them had their moments this spring during Georgia’s G-Day scrimmage. All three are extremely talented and will push the guys ahead of them. Don’t expect thee staff to keep these freshmen on the bench for too long. They can all get after the quarterback, and they’re each hoping to compete for some type of playing time in 2023.
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