Georgia Football: The Linebackers Look to Become the Most Feared Goup in the SEC

Being a linebacker in the 3-4 scheme is very different from a linebacker in the 4-3.

For Georgia, their first year in the 3-4 had its growing pains, but the linebackers seemed to understand what was expected from them.

Justin Houston, Akeem Dent and Darryl Gamble excelled in the 3-4 last year, but they have moved on, so now three more players have to step up and make just as many plays as those three did.

The retuning linebacker for the Bulldogs is Christian Robinson, who played the “Mike” linebacker spot last season. Robinson tallied 46 tackles and recovered two fumbles. He was named to the All-SEC Third Team by Athlon Sports this preseason.

Robinson has said that with players like Dent and Houston gone, he wants to be the leader of the defense.

With Robinson locking down one inside linebacker spot, the other inside spot or the “Moe” position should be held down by Alec Ogletree who played safety. Ogletree looked great in the spring game and has a look about him that is intimidating. He has a chance to be a superstar if he stays on the right track.

The “Sam” linebacker is the most versatile position because this linebacker has to stop the run as well as rush the quarterback and help in pass coverage. Jarvis Jones is No. 1 on the depth chart. Jones, a transfer from USC, is from Columbus, Ga,. and looking to get back on track after suffering a neck injury that ended his career with the Trojans.

The other outside linebacker spot, or the “Will” position, will feature either two players. Cornelius Washington was a backup last year and is one of the fastest players on the team. He should thrive in the “Will” position because that spot’s main goal is to get after the quarterback.

However, true freshman Ray Drew is making some headway and could rival Washington for playing time. He has picked up the plays quickly and like Ogletree, Drew has an intimidating presence.

Other linebackers that are expected to see some playing time are Ruben Faloughi, Chasee Vasser and T.J. Stripling. Faloughi will play the Will, while Stripling and Vasser will play the Sam position. Stripling is recovering from a knee injury, and Vasser looks to build on a strong G-Day performance, recoding seven tackles and a fumble recovery.

The question remains—who is going to be the backup for Robinson? It looked like Brandon Burrows was going to be the No. 1 backup, but due to a shoulder injury he will be sidelined for the rest of the season. Richard Samuel was another candidate, but with the running back position being so thin, Samuel will either be the No. 1 or No. 2 RB when the season begins.

So it looks like Mike Gilliard will back up Robinson. Gilliard has played in 22 games the last two seasons and is able to play both inside linebacker positions. Gilliard will see a good amount of playing time during the season.

The linebackers for Georgia are untested, but are all very talented. If they can play like they are expected to play, then the defense will be leaps and bounds better than last season.

And if that happens, there will not be another 6-7 season in Athens.