Georgia Football: What You Need to Know About Bulldogs' Stacked Defensive Line

Jarvis Jones got a lot of credit for turning around the Georgia defense last year because he was able to wreak havoc in the backfield.

And while Jones did have a good year and became the leader for the Bulldogs defense, his success would not have been possible if the defensive line was not able to come through.

This year, the defensive line for the Bulldogs is expected to be stronger than last year. They have three returning starters and two players who were outside linebackers last year and are expected to make a big impact at the defensive end spot.

The Bulldogs could have the best defensive line in the country, and if they play like they played last year, the Bulldogs could have more success when it comes to wins and loses.

Here's what you need to know about a very talented Georgia defensive line.

John Jenkins Is an Immovable Object

Before the 2011 season, Mark Richt and his coaching staff knew they had to get a bona fide nose tackle to help bolster the defensive line.

So, they signed John Jenkins and he made an impact right away.

Tipping the scales at over 350 pounds, Jenkins is the prototypical size for a nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme. Jenkins can take on double teams, but he can also make plays in the backfield when he sees the opportunity. He is coming off a great spring session and he could really be a first-team All-SEC player if he continues to improve.

Kwame Geathers Is Also an Immoveable Object

Kwame Geathers is another nose tackle for the Bulldogs who is also over 350 pounds. He may not be as athletic as Jenkins, and he may not make as many plays, but he can still eat up blocks, which is the most important thing for him to do in the scheme that the Bulldogs run.

Geathers started in three games last year (played in 12) and recorded 14 tackles.

Like Jenkins, Geathers had a productive spring and is poised to have a huge year, despite being No. 2 on the depth chart.

Abry Jones Is a Future All-SEC Defensive End

All the talk has been around Geathers and Jenkins when it comes to the defensive line for the Bulldogs. But don't overlook Abry Jones, who came into his own last year.

Jones started in all 14 games last year and recorded 48 tackles and four sacks. Jones was named to Phil Steele's Midseason All-SEC Third Team and was awarded as one of the team's Most Improved Players when the season concluded.

Jones has all the tools to be a First-Team All-SEC player. All he has to do is continue to get better, which is something he has done since he arrived on campus in 2009.

Cornelius Washington and Ray Drew Provide Speed Rush

The Bulldogs already have a speed rusher in Jarvis Jones, but the coaching staff wanted to add more speed to the defensive line. So, they moved Cornelius Washington and Ray Drew from outside linebacker to defensive end.

Washington is slated to start along with Abry Jones and Drew will back up Washington. Both Washington and Drew had productive spring practices and both players will add speed, strength and depth to an already deep defensive line.

The Rest of the D-Lineman

The reserve defensive lineman will be just as important for the Bulldogs because they will see some playing time due to the lineman rotation the Bulldogs run.

Geathers and Drew have already been mentioned, and those two will see a lot of playing time this season. But expect Garrison Smith, Ricky Lowe and Sterling Bailey see some action in the rotation.

Smith played in all 14 games last year and recorded 22 tackles. Lowe was on the scout team last year that has moved from outside linebacker to defensive end. He scored a touchdown off a fumble recovery in the G-Day game.

Bailey redshirted last year and is expected to be a very productive defensive end for the Bulldogs.