Georgia Football: Cornelius Washington Suspension May Give Another Freshman Shot

Cornelius Washington has become the third and latest starting Georgia Bulldog linebacker to hand his spot to a hungry backup this season. Washington’s replacement is yet to be named, but hopefully, whomever steps in will duplicate the success of inside linebackers Michael Gilliard and Armallo Herrera, who have replaced Christian Robinson and Alec Ogletree, both missing time with foot injuries.

Just hours after turning in perhaps the best game of his career against Mississippi State in Athens on Saturday, Washington was arrested for driving under the influence early Sunday morning. Washington had four tackles and two sacks against MSU.

In accordance with university policy, Washington will be suspended at least two games, but probably will be eligible to play in Georgia’s October 29 matchup with the Florida Gators in Jacksonville.

Similar to losing Ogletree when he was needed most against South Carolina and Marcus Lattimore, Washington’s suspension directly precedes a game in which he could have been a big factor.

Georgia travels to Knoxville to take on the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday. Tyler Bray and the Vols have been very good through the air. Though slightly padded by games against Montana and Buffalo, Tennessee is 11th in the nation passing, averaging 336.5 yards per games.

Washington’s pass rush will certainly be missed against the Vols, but Georgia has stepped up to fill holes on defense nicely all season.

Richt did not announce Washington’s replacement Sunday, but after the success of true freshmen including Isaiah Crowell, Malcolm Mitchell and Herrera, don’t be surprised to see fellow true freshman Ray Drew to see some significant playing time during Washington’s absence.

Drew is a physical specimen, listed at 6’5” and 263 lbs. In addition to his staggering size, Drew also has great speed and lateral pursuit and is tailor made for defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s 3-4 scheme.

Washington will be missed, but hopefully Grantham and Georgia can make the best of the situation, get Drew some game experience and be that much deeper with a young team when Washington does return.