Georgia could shift offensive lineman to defensive side during preseason practice

Depth on the defensive line is crucial in a conference like the SEC. Heading into the 2016 season, however, Georgia does not have that kind of luxury.

Sure, there are plenty of talented players on the defensive line’s depth chart. But the numbers aren’t where head coach Kirby Smart would prefer. Georgia also dealt with the dismissal of Chauncey Rivers (third drug-related arrest) and will be dealing with a suspension to sophomore Jonathan Ledbetter (DUI) to start the season.

In addition, freshman Julian Rochester could be facing a suspension pertaining to his felony arrest of possessing a weapon (BB gun) on campus and criminal damage to property.

With numbers a concern, there could be a chance Smart shifts an offensive lineman, or more, to the defensive front.

“We’re looking into it,” Smart said. “I don’t know right now. It’s going to be more of a depth issue, a numbers issue, where our 13th or 14th D-lineman may have to come from the O-line, where it may be a walk-on candidate.”

In addition to Ledbetter and Rochester, Georgia will begin its season with sophomore Trenton Thompson, junior John Atkins, sophomore DaQuan Hawkins, sophomore Michael Barnett, redshirt freshman Justin Young. Freshmen Michail Carter and Tyler Clark could be asked to contribute early too, giving the Bulldogs nine defensive linemen who could rotate in and out.

Freshman David Marshall is likely to begin his college career at outside linebacker but could be needed with his hand in the dirt if the situation calls for it.

Injuries up front are often inevitable, although Georgia didn’t deal with many at all a season ago.

Georgia already made one adjustment during the spring when it moved walk-on Alex Essex from the offensive line to defensive tackle. 

If it does occur, it’s not likely to be anyone in the two-deep on the offensive line. Smart said it would be a numbers move, which would keep someone such as Lamont Gaillard, who originally came to Georgia as a defensive lineman, on the offensive side.

Whoever the candidate to switch sides would likely be someone near the bottom of the offensive line depth chart who would see a boost on the defensive side. 

“He might’ve been the 18th O-lineman but he’ll be the 13th or 14th D-lineman,” Smart said. “We haven’t determined yet. I’m concerned about reps in practice.”

This story was originally published July 27, 2016 at 2:48 PM with the headline "Georgia could shift offensive lineman to defensive side during preseason practice."