Can UGA Football's Marvin Jones Turn into a Monster for the Dawgs?
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ATHENS - UGA football has a very rich, and recent, history of sending great linebackers to the NFL. Roquan Smith, Nakobe Dean and Nolan Smith all starred during their time in Athens and paved the way for future recruits to find success wearing the red and black.
Coming in to 2023, that continued success will be pivotal to the Dawgs’ pursuit of an unprecedented third CFP title in as many seasons.
Georgia’s success on the field can primarily be attributed to a great defense. Led by the players mentioned above, the Dawg defense has been nasty. However, those players are long gone and it’s up to the new crop of stellar players to fill the void.
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There is perhaps no bigger void left than at outside linebacker as both Smith and Robert Beal departed in this offseason for the NFL. While Chaz Chambliss returns, there is still a gaping hole that must be filled on the edge.
Enter Marvin Jones Jr.
Jones is a 6’5, 250 pound sophomore from Sunrise, Florida. A former 5-star recruit, Jones’ father, Marvin Sr., was a two time All American linebacker at Florida State and former Butkus Award winner in 1992. While bloodlines can matter, Jones didn’t find a ton of statistical success in the 2022 campaign, logging only 4 total tackles and 1 sack while playing in 13 of the 15 contests last season. Jones’ potential ascent into the starting lineup was stunted by a torn labrum which he had surgery on at the completion of last season. Thus, he missed valuable practice time during the spring. So, why is Jones on this list?
Simply put, Jones has the size and athleticism Kirby Smart looks for at the edge position. His weight helps him set the edge in the run game and his speed and athleticism enables him to get to the quarterback and create the havoc plays that are crucial to a successful Georgia defense. Georgia has other options at outside linebacker: Jalon Walker and Darrius Smith. Damon Wilson, Sam M’Pemba and Gabe Harris were early entrants from the 2023 signing class and were able to participate during spring drills but don’t have the game experience, albeit limited, that Jones has.
Jones has been cleared to fully participate in all activities once fall practice begins in early August. His progression will be closely watched, although several returning players have mentioned Jones by name as THAT guy to watch this season. After losing Smith, Beal and Jalen Carter to the NFL Draft Georgia will be looking to create ways to put opposing offenses in difficult situations.
Blitzing both inside and outside linebackers will be key in creating pressure that forces opponents out of their game plan. Having the ability to keep a player such as Jones on the field for all three downs gives defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann (and Will Muschamp) flexibility in both pressure and coverage calls without having to develop a package of players for different down and distance situations. A healthy Jones will go a long way in determining just how good the 2023 defense can be.
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