Georgia Football: Why Bulldogs' Defense Has Potential to Be Best in the Nation

When the Georgia Bulldogs switched from a 4-3 to a 3-4 on defense, many people knew that the defense would have some growing pains in the first year. And they did, ranking in the middle of the road in the conference in major defensive category.

But once the players got used to the system and got comfortable with the terminology, the defense improved dramatically and statistically became one of the five best in the country.

So one would have to think the unit would have to take another step forward in 2012, right?

It's a very high possibility. With the Bulldogs' defense really gaining respect across the country, they have a chance to be the top unit in the country if everything goes according to plan.

Why do they have a chance to be the best? Here are some reasons.

Jarvis Jones

The first thing that comes to mind when talking about the Bulldogs' defense has to be Jarvis Jones. The consensus All-American linebacker, a huge part of the Bulldogs' success on defense last year, should only be better this season.

Will he lead the SEC in sacks again this year? It's a possibility because he is the best outside pass-rusher in the conference. But expect to see Jones improve in run defense and even make plays in the passing game.

The Twin Towers

Most programs would love to have one space-eating nose tackle that can take on blockers to free up the linebackers. The Bulldogs are fortunate to have two of them, as John Jenkins and Kwame Geathers did some damage last season.

One of the things Mark Richt and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said about the two 350-plus-pound athletes back during spring practice is that they have improved dramatically from last season and are the biggest and best nose guards around.

One of the most important positions on the 3-4 front is the nose guard spot. And because the Bulldogs have two very successful nose guards, there is no reason the Bulldogs should not be a top-five defense again.

The Depth at Defensive Line and Linebackers

Another important factor for a successful 3-4 defense is having depth at the front seven. We've talked about Jarvis Jones, but Alec Ogletree, Christian Robinson, Amarlo Herrera, Michael Gilliard and Chase Vasser can hold their own as well. While they are not as dominant as Jones, they still can make plays when their number is called.

As for the defensive line, Abry Jones and Cornelius Washington will start at the defensive ends spots to compliment Geathers and Jenkins. But having Ray Drew and Garrison Smith to back up Jones and Washington is not a bad thing because both saw a lot of playing time last year.

Drew and Washington are playing new positions, but both have done well during spring practice and look ready to go for the 2012 season.

The Schedule

Believe it or not, the schedule will play a big factor in the Bulldogs' performance on defense. The Bulldogs are only facing two teams that averaged over 30 points per game on offense: Missouri and South Carolina.

Other than that, they are facing teams that struggled to get any offensive momentum last season such as Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky and Ole Miss. And let's not forget about Buffalo, Florida Atlantic and Georgia Southern, who will have fits with the size and speed of the Bulldogs.

I'm not saying the Bulldogs will have a lot of shutouts, but I would be surprised if they surrender more than 15 points per game.

Malcolm Mitchell

There has to be an wild card that will make or break the Bulldogs defense this year and I think Malcolm Mitchell is that guy.

After bursting onto the scene at wide receiver last season, he will look to do the same thing at cornerback.

When he was recruited by the Bulldogs, he was listed as a cornerback and was considered one of the 10 best corners in the country, according to Scout.

He might have some growing pains early in the season, but once he sees more reps and gets comfortable with the scheme, he should be an All-SEC-caliber player.