by ATHENS, GA. (AP) Glenn Schumann claims that comparing Georgia teams from the past and present is unfair.
The defensive coordinator isn’t ignoring the reality that, despite the Bulldogs winning their third SEC title under Kirby Smart, the 2024 defense fell short of Georgia’s expectations.
The defense had a number of terrifying outcomes on Georgia’s way to 11 victories, the SEC title game victory over Texas, and a berth in the College Football Playoffs.
Even though the defense gave up 41 points in a defeat to Alabama and ended the regular season with a 44-42 victory against Georgia Tech in eight overtimes, it produced three NFL first-round draft selections: Mykel Williams, Jalon Walker, and Malaki Starks.
Coach: We need to tackle better
It is no accident that Georgia’s defense, led by former defensive coach Smart, was the foundation of the team’s back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022. Starting with the 2021 squad, which led the country with 10.20 points allowed per game, Georgia led the SEC in both points and yards allowed for three straight seasons.
When the Bulldogs dropped to seventh place in the league in 2024 with 20.57 points and 329 yards allowed per game, the illustrious legacy of formidable defenses was undermined.
Schumann stated last week, “You start justifying statistics, then you’re just making excuses for a performance that wasn’t up to our standard.” In terms of run defense, our top priority is to improve our tackles. Actually, we didn’t perform up to par the previous year.
High expectations
Georgia has big expectations, especially on defense, since they are ranked No. 5 in The Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll, which was revealed on Monday. The championship caliber of teams led by players like Travon Walker, Jordan Davis, Eric Stokes, Jalen Carter, and Nolan Smith may be at least somewhat responsible for the perception that the 2025 defense can regain its leading position.
Speaking about defense, linebacker CJ Allen, who is projected to be a unit leader, stated, “I think it really comes down to the little things.” Fire, passion, and energy have been our overarching theme and message for the entire squad over this offseason. It means a lot to be able to influence one another while playing with fire, emotion, and enthusiasm. simply showing up and taking care of the small things.
Stopping the run
One of the top recruits, Elijah Griffin, a freshman defensive lineman, has the chance to contribute right away.
According to Schumann, EG is doing fantastic. Young athletes should always have their expectations moderated, but he exudes maturity and a strong work ethic. It’s clear that he’s a huge, athletic man. Therefore, we’re hoping Elijah can assist us this year. He’s off to a nice start at camp.
Other defensive leaders include safety KJ Bolden and linebacker Raylen Wilson. As part of the focus on halting the run, Smart stated that he is keeping an eye on the defensive line, which is led by junior tackle Christen Miller.
Regarding Miller, Smart stated, “We need him to be a playmaker.” He must be disruptive for us. We discuss habits, speed, quickness, and experience. He is the player with the most experience. He has assumed this role because he is aware that it is his responsibility to set an example for that group.
According to Smart, that group is where the task of halting the run begins. Although it affects everyone, the defensive line and the mindset of that room are where it all begins. And he has so far taken the proper approach to that.
