Georgia Football: 5 Reasons the Bulldog Defense Will Dominate in 2011

During Mark Richt's early success at the University of Georgia, the Dawgs sported one of the most feared defenses in the country.

During his recent struggles, however, Richt & Co. have lost some of their defensive intensity.  If Richt wants to keep his job, the Dawgs "D" will have to dial it up once again.

Let's look at the five reasons the Dawgs' defense will rebound and dominate opponents in 2011.

Another Year Under Todd Grantham

Last year’s switch to a 3-4 was a learning experience for most Dawgs. 

However, their 2011 campaign should be much different.

Georgia’s defenders are more comfortable with their assignments and the nomenclature of Grantham’s defense this season, and should be ready to change games in 2011.

Dynamic Duo of John Jenkins and Kwame Geathers

Georgia’s defensive line failed to dominate the line of scrimmage like it wanted to in 2010.  Look for that to be drastically different in 2011.

The Dawgs will sport two 350-pound defensive tackles in John Jenkins and Kwame Geathers ready to harass opposing offensive lines all year.

Jenkins was one of the top junior college prospects last year, and Geathers brought home MVP honors during spring ball in Athens.

The Dawgs’ defensive line will be fun to watch in 2011.

Alec Ogletree’s Move to Linebacker

Standing 6’3” and weighing upwards of 240 lbs., Alec Ogletree is exactly what Todd Grantham looks for in an inside linebacker.

Ogletree had a good season last year for the Dawgs, but will look to breakout from the linebacker position this fall.

His move should make the Dawgs linebackers some of the best in the SEC.

The Schedule

Though the Dawgs will open with two top 10 teams, they play eight games in the state of Georgia and are fortunate with their SEC West draw.

The Dawgs don’t play Alabama, LSU or Arkansas in 2011, all of which will sport strong offenses.

This is the year for the Dawgs defense to stand out.

Veteran Defensive Backs

Even with the departure of Alec Ogletree to the linebacker the Dawgs sport a talented, veteran group of defensive backs.

With a pair of juniors in Bacarri Rambo and Shawn Williams at safety, combined with junior Sanders Commings and senior Brandon Boykin at corner, the Dawgs will sport one of the more talented and veteran defensive backfields in the league.

Couple that with another year under Grantham and defensive backs coach Scott Lakatos, and the Dawgs could harass opposing quarterbacks all year.

Mark Richt Is Feeling the Heat

Mark Richt’s seat is red hot entering the 2011 season.

Look for Richt to let Todd Grantham dial up his defense and play aggressive, attacking football this fall.

With the kind of athletes the Dawgs have on defense, Grantham and Richt should feel comfortable letting their defenders cut loose.