Georgia Football: What You Need to Know About Bulldogs' LB Alec Ogletree

Jarvis Jones was a key part of the Bulldogs success last year. He was second on the team in tackles and led the SEC in sacks and tackles for loss.

But there was another linebacker for the Bulldogs that also played a big part in the Bulldogs run to the SEC title game.

Alec Ogletree missed nearly half of last season, but was able to still finish with 52 tackles, including 11 tackles against Georgia Tech.

He will miss at least the first two games of the season, but the expectations are still high for the junior linebacker.

Here's what you need to know about Ogletree heading into 2012.

Ogletree Played Safety His Freshman Year

Ogletree was a safety/linebacker coming out of high school, so when he came to Athens, the coaching staff put him at safety and he did not disappoint.

Ogletree appeared in 12 games, starting in five of them and tallying 34 tackles. He had his best game against Auburn where he recorded 10 tackles, and he blocked a punt when he made his first start against Idaho State.

When the Bulldogs hired Todd Grantham last year, they decided to move Ogletree to inside linebacker and so far he has not been a disappointment.

Ogletree Could Be the Fastest Linebacker in the Conference

The reason Ogletree was recruited at safety was because of his speed. But the coaching staff knew he had the toughness to play linebacker, so he never had issues getting comfortable with his new position.

Ogletree notched 52 tackles in seven games because he had the speed to take down the best skill players in the conference.

He also had three sacks during that span and probably would have had more if it wasn't for the strong play of Jones.

Respect Is Key

When media experts recognize what a player is doing, that is always a good feeling. But when a player's own teammates respect the work that is put in by that player, it really doesn't get much better than that.

Last year, Ogletee was one of two Bulldogs that won the David Jacobs Award which recognizes spirit, courage, character and determination. The other player to win was OL Chris Burnette.

Ogletree is a guy who will lead by example and if the young players are able to see what he does on a daily basis, they will be better defensive unit and a better team.

He Will Be an All-Conference Player

SEC Media Days wrapped up last week and the media members had Ogletree listed as a third-team All-SEC player.

With Ogletree missing the first two games of the year, he won't put up the numbers he would have liked. But he should be able to have over 70 tackles if he can stay healthy for the last 10-11 games.

If that happens and is able to have a few sacks and one of two interceptions, don't be surprised if he is a first-teamer when it's all said and done. He has the talent to do it, now it's just a matter of going out there and making strides from last year.

2012 Projections

As mentioned earlier, if Ogletree can stay healthy, he will have over 70 tackles which will be near the top of the team's leaders.

But this could be the year where he shows off his coverage skills and comes way with two interceptions.

As for being a pass rusher, he was effective last year and it should not change this year. Ogletree will likely end up with five-seven sacks because offensive linemen will be focused on Jones which will give more opportunities for Ogletree.

Also mentioned earlier, he will make the all-conference team, but he may even make some All-American lists if the media really likes what he does in 2012.