Thursday, February 10, 2011

2011 Recruiting Wrap Up: Assessing the Depth Chart - DL and Linebacker

The combination recruits and the return of players from redshirt should mean that the defensive line and linebackers will look a lot different than they did last fall. For the purposes of the depth charts below, I am listing Ray Drew as an outside linebacker and Sterling Bailey at defensive end.


Depth Chart - Defensive End
1. Deangelo Tyson, Senior
2. Abry Jones, Junior
3. Derrick Lott, Sophomore
4. Garrison Smith, Sophomore
5. Sterling Bailey, Freshman

Analysis
With John Jenkins manning the nose guard position, Deangelo Tyson will be able to move back to his natural position of defensive end. When we go to a four down linemen set, he will shift back into a D tackle role. Tyson and Jones should be solid at DE, both having played significantly since their freshman seasons. Derrick Lott showed some flashes last season and Garrison Smith should see the field alot this fall. I think Sterling Bailey may be able to crack the rotation, particularly in pass situations opposite a linebacker playing up on the line.

Depth Chart - DT
1. John Jenkins, Junior
2. Kwame Geathers, Sophomore

Analysis
Jenkins will fit perfectly into Grantham's 3-4. Hoepfully Geathers has continued to develop in the off-season. Freshman Chris Mayes is also expected to play the nose guard position, but i have heard rumors that he may not qualify and be headed to GMC.

Depth Chart - OLB
1. Cornelius Washington, Junior
2. Ray Drew, Freshman
3. TJ Stripling, Sophomore
4. Reuben Faloughi, Sophomore
5. Dexter Morant, Redshirt Freshman

Analysis
I expect that Jarvis Jones may also see significant playing time at outside linebacker. I expect Ray Drew to take a starting spot in camp this summer and Cornelius Washington to be the beast we thought he could be. TJ Stripling is coming off that horrendous knee injury, but if healthy, could be in for a breakout season.

Depth Chart - ILB
1. Christian Robinson, Junior
2. Jarvis Jones, Redshirt Sophomore
3. Richard Samuel, Redshirt Junior
4. Mike Gilliard, Junior
5. Amarlo Herrera, Freshman

Analysis
The departure of Marcus Dowtin has opened up a spot in the starting lineup for Jarvis Jones (he may have taken it anyway). After sitting out a year healing from a neck injury, the former five star recruit could really make an impact in the SEC this fall. Christian Robinson was solid last year and will only get better. I am also excited to finally see Richard Samuel where he belongs. Most Georgia fans have never seen him on defense, but let me say that you are in for a treat. Amarlo Herrera and Kent Turene could also see the field this fall.

3 comments:

RussDawg said...

I disagree with Jones at the ILB spot. He will move to OLB and be a force, splitting time with Washington. Also I was not impressed with Christian Robinson at multiple points in the season. Tackles well at times but often gets lost in coverage and goes missing. I think Samuel takes his spot from the first day of spring. Just my two cents.

Dawgfan17 said...

The two biggest questions will be does Glenn play tackle or guard, which will be decided based on which of those positions someone else steps up at, and does Jones play inside or outside, which I think will be decided in a similar way. I honestly hope that Glenn ends up back at left guard giving us a tandem of Glenn and Sturdivant on that side. Most teams that are great at running the ball in short yardage situations have a side of the line everyone knows they are going to but can't stop it anyways.

Anonymous said...

What about Thornton? I'd love hear about his progression. Did you leave him off the depth chart for a reason?