Georgia Football 2011 Season Preview: Player-by-Player Analysis (Defense)

September 3rd is just around the corner, meaning most college football teams have concluded fall camps and are preparing for their respective season openers with a good idea of who's playing where, who's improving and who's going to have to be an impact player.

Georgia's 2011 team will look a little bit different. Under their second year in defensive coordinator Todd Grantham's 3-4 scheme, the Dawgs made multiple position changes to enhance the output of the defense.

The offense returns starting quarterback Aaron Murray, who broke into the Georgia record books as a freshman last fall. 

However, the loss of multiple offensive lineman, for various reasons, and the departure of both Caleb King and Washaun Ealey put Georgia's offense in question for the time being.

So, is Georgia in trouble? You might think so if you don't have the staff all figured out, but that's why I'm here to give you a player by player evaluation.

Here's a look at your 2011 Georgia Bulldogs—from head to toe.

Defensive End: No. 93, Abry Jones (Junior)

Abry Jones was a big-time recruit a few years back, and he's been the most consistent defensive end in Todd Grantham's new scheme.

Mark Richt has raved about Jones and his ability shown during fall practices. The rising junior is expected to grow into a standout performer at his position.

Defensive End: No. 94, DeAngelo Tyson (Senior)

DeAngelo Tyson, despite being a big-time recruit, hasn't made his presence felt on the football field just yet. That may not be his fault.

For whatever reason, Tyson started at nose tackle for the Dawgs last year and was exposed constantly.

This season, the additions of junior college transfer John Jenkins and the emergence of Kwame Geathers allows Tyson to move back to his natural position.

At defensive end, Tyson should be productive and show why he was so highly regarded coming out of high school.

Nose Tackle: No. 99, Kwame Geathers (Sophomore)

It's hard to imagine how a 350-pound defensive tackle can just come out of nowhere, but that's exactly what big Kwame Geathers did this spring.

The sophomore defensive end, who comes from a bloodline of Bulldog defenders (brother of Robert Geathers), has become a dominating force in the interior of Georgia's defensive line.

In fact, Geathers has been so impressive that he's currently projected to start at nose tackle. This development raises eyebrows considering John Jenkins' commitment to UGA was publicized as being the key addition the team needed to improve on defense.

Apparently, Jenkins has been slightly behind the curve, but Kwame has certainly impressed coaches and players, and he's the same physical package that Jenkins is.

Nose Tackle: No. 6, John Jenkins (Junior)

John Jenkins was the second-biggest name in Georgia's "Dream Team" recruiting class, but the big man struggled with the heat and the assignments during fall camp.

He's still expected to be a major impact player, but there's a chance he shares his position with Geathers.

Some have speculated about Jenkins and Geathers hitting the field at the same time, but there has not been any indication from coaches or writers of that happening.

Linebacker: No. 45, Christian Robinson (Junior)

Christian Robinson is one of the leaders in the Georgia locker room, and he's also the quarterback of the defense.

The junior's focused and enthusiastic attitude, often displayed in interviews, has won over the Bulldog nation. A lot of fan chatter admits that, despite being 6-7 last year, this Georgia team has become one of the more likeable we've seen since the Shockley days.

Robinson is a huge part of that. He's bulked up quite a bit since his first start and should become a commanding and consistent part of Georgia's otherwise mysterious defense.

Linebacker: No. 9, Alec Ogletree (Sophomore)

Remember when the fans chanted "Bluuuuuueeeeeeee" back in 2005?

Get ready to start chanting "Trrrreeeeeeeeeeee" between the hedges in 2011.

Alec Ogletree, considered the best football player in the state of Georgia in 2009, will get his first Opening Day start this year.

But, Ogletree also is getting his first start at linebacker. He played a mop-up role at safety last season, but this year, the big hitter will move closer to the front line.

At middle linebacker, Ogletree made quite a showing in the G-Day game with his hitting ability. Georgia's linebacking corps is going to look a lot different, losing Akeem Dent, but there's a lot of positive buzz surrounding the unit.

Alec's presence is a main reason for that. 

Linebacker: No. 83, Cornelius Washington (Junior)

Cornelius Washington only hits the field so often, as a linebacker/defensive end hybrid who played a back up role last year.

But, Washington's junior year could bring the task of being a full time starter.

He has a little bit of an awkward build for his position, but he's proven time and time again that he has a serious motor.

Nipping on the heels of Washington's position will be freshman Ray Drew.

Linebacker: No. 47, Ray Drew (Freshman)

Also known as the "Pastor of Disaster," true freshman linebacker Ray Drew enters 2011 as one of the top five recruits in one of the nation's best recruiting classes.

He's also an ordained minister and already considered one of the most mature and mentally-prepared players on the team.

Drew will push Cornelius Washington as hard as he can for the starting position at outside linebacker this fall and should see tons of playing time at either the first or second string.

Linebacker: No. 29, Jarvis Jones (Sophomore)

Jarvis Jones, a native of Columbus, GA., returns to his home state after committing and playing a season at the University of Southern California.

Jones suffered a long-term injury during his freshman season, sat out, and eventually decided to transfer to Georgia.

He's expected to be an immediate impact player at the other outside linebacker position for the Dawgs.

Like Ogletree, Jones speeds up a linebacking corps that was considered feet-in-cement slow last year.

Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham believes Jones could be that guy to replace the pressure created by All-SEC linebacker Justin Houston, who bolted a year early for the NFL draft.

Safety: No. 18, Bacarri Rambo (Junior)

Bacarri Rambo was not a highly-recruited player coming out of high school, but he made himself known during his first year in Athens and has been a popular player ever since.

Seriously, how can you not pay attention to a guy with a last name that great?

Rambo has been a hit or miss player for the Dawgs and needs to become more consistent, but he's made plenty of big plays and is a sure tackler.

Pass defense is an area where the junior will have to drastically improve. Expectations are high for him, however.

He's been selected by a few publications as a second and third team All-SEC player.

Safety: No. 36, Shawn Williams (Junior)

Coming into the fall, Georgia fans were most insecure about this safety position, which has been a two man battle between Shawn Williams and rising senior Jakar Hamilton.

Hamilton, who was a big name coming out of the JUCO ranks last season, had an uneventful 2010 and was criticized for being behind the curve in the spring.

Now, Hamilton will miss the entire season with a season-ending injury, making the position Williams' to lose.

Williams saw some playing time last year, including getting punked by Trey Burton on that long touchdown run in the Florida game.

But, players and coaches are confident in Williams' ability. He's a large and strong safety with very good speed, and he's apparently so athletic that Aaron Murray selected Williams first overall during the team-wide "draft" for teams for the G-Day game.

That says something about Williams' presence in the locker room. He's received great reviews from coaches and media this fall and will be held to very high standards this year.

Corner: No. 19, Sanders Commings (Junior)

Sanders Commings is between positions right now, and honestly, nobody knows where he will end up.

He played exclusively at cornerback for Georgia last year, seeing plenty of starts. Commings capitalized, leading the team in interceptions and making plenty of big plays.

But, senior Brandon Boykin and former top recruit Branden Smith (I'm still pushing for that corner duo to receive the nickname Thing One and Thing Two, as Smith wears No. 1 and Boykin wears No. 2) have seemingly taken ownership of the starting cornerback positions.

Commings was talked about as the best option at the safety position opposite of Rambo and even practiced at safety for the majority of camp, but it now appears Williams has nailed down that job.

Commings chances of starting right now seem in limbo, but he's a proven playmaker. 

Corner: No. 2, Brandon Boykin (Senior)

"Bam Bam" was one of the three Georgia Bulldogs players to represent the team at SEC media days.

The senior cornerback was initially seen as "Asher Allen's unknown replacement" when he first started in 2009, but it took him just one game against South Carolina to erase any doubts of his ability.

Coming back for his fourth year, Boykin is now a locker room leader and highly-regarded cornerback.

He actually didn't see a lot of balls thrown his way last year, as offenses elected to stay away from a cornerback with the leaping ability and field coverage that Boykin has.

He's also a sure tackler. Expect a fantastic year for Brandon Boykin.

Corner: No. 1, Branden Smith (Junior)

Branden Smith has been labeled as the most drastically improved player on Georgia's team.

He's even surprised his own teammates with his improvement in the tackling department, and he recorded an unheard of five interceptions in one practice this fall.

Fans are know talking Smith up to be a new impact player on defense. Smith's head injury issues and the emergence of Commings kept him off the field a good bit last year.

Now, he's expected to start at cornerback. 

He's a lot bigger than he used to be but has always possessed great speed.

Smith has also been considered a major offensive weapon, expected to play the "Champ" role in Georgia's playbook, but he's insisted he's committed to being an anchor of the defense.

Corner: No. 5, Damian Swann (Freshman)

Damian Swann is only a freshman, but he's another extremely mature, smart and highly-athletic member of Georgia's team.

Swann is expected to see playing time immediately between the hedges, which means getting a start at the nickel or dime position.

He's also been practicing with the punt return team. 

The more ways Georgia can get Swann on the field, the better, but it's unlikely he starts anywhere without injuries.

Corner: No. 27, Nick Marshall (Freshman)

Nick Marshall joins Georgia to participate in football and basketball, and he's impressed so far.

He's a big kid and plays multiple positions, but right now, he's working at cornerback and safety.

It's unknown as to where he will end up playing, but he's another "Dream Team" member that fans are anxiously waiting to see hit the field.

Punter: No. 13, Drew Butler (Senior)

Along with Blair Walsh, Drew Butler is considered an All-American and enters his senior year between the hedges.

He's the son of former great Kevin Butler and one of the favorite players on the team by fans.

Punt Returner: No. 1, Branden Smith (Junior)

While "Thing Two," Brandon Boykin runs back the kickoffs for touchdowns, "Thing One," Branden Smith, will do the same with punts (roll with me here).

He has blazing straight line speed and fantastic agility, which is showcased at amazing proportions in his high school highlight tapes.

He's also compiled great highlights in G-Day, and in games returning punts, but he hasn't made the big plays in the big games yet.

This season, a healthy Thing One will be an impact performer on offense, defense and special teams. 

Other Names To Look out for

No. 20, Brandon Harton, Tailback

No. 10, Jordan Love, Corner

No. 20, Derek Owens, Corner

No. 85, Derrick Lott, Defensive End

No. 56, Garrison Smith, Defensive End

No. 95, Reuben Faloughi, Linebacker

No. 35, Michael Gilliard, Linebacker

No. 47, Corey Moore, Safety

No. 8, Chris Sanders, Corner

No. 37, Devin Bowman, Corner

No. 58, Sterling Bailey. Linebacker