Georgia Bulldogs: Linebacker Breakdown

Article Courtesy of SEC Sports Hub

The Bulldogs return arguably the best linebacking corps in the SEC heading into the 2008 season. Sophomore Rennie Curran came on very strongly towards the end of the 2007 season and should team up with fellow sophomore Akeem Dent and senior Dannell Ellerbe to form a hard-hitting, smash-mouth unit. 

Ellerbe should be one of the vocal leaders for the entire defense, and his leadership will again be key in having one of the best defenses in the SEC. Ellerbe is a prototypical linebacker, with great size and good speed. 

Ellerbe reads defenses as well as anyone and should contribute to the defense greatly against both the run and the pass. His pass coverage skills still have some room for improvement, but he is solid against the run and should provide a steady presence in the middle of the Georgia defense. 

Akeem Dent is a fast and talented linebacker that should continue to improve throughout the year. Dent had a great freshman season and his development as a player will only bolster an already very talented Bulldog defense. 

Dent is one of the better linebackers on the Georgia roster in pass coverage and also does exceptionally well cutting off the rushing attack on the outside. He should have another influential year for the Bulldogs. 

The final starter, Rennie Curran, seemed to come out of nowhere at midseason during the 2007 campaign. Curran laid big hit after big hit throughout the second half of the season as the Bulldogs began their six game tear. 

He is a budding superstar in Athens and has quickly become a fan favorite. His big hitting ability will likely force a few turnovers during the 2008 season and the Georgia defense feeds off his energy. 

Sophomores Akeem Hebron and Darryl Gamble should both see significant time as backups at the linebacker position. 

Freshman Marcus Dowtin could also end up seeing some playing time at the linebacker spot in 2008.

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