3 key questions for Georgia D-line, including how ‘havoc’ mentality can evolve

This is part of a series to preview Georgia football’s 2020 season through a closer look at each of the Bulldogs’ positions. Today we’re looking at the defensive line.

Key departures: Tyler Clark, David Marshall, Michael Barnett, Justin Young

Projected depth chart

DE: Malik Herring, Travon Walker, Jalen Carter

DT: Jordan Davis, Julian Rochester, Devonte Wyatt, Warren Brinson

Will the Georgia run defense remain dominant?

The strength of one of the nation’s best defenses in 2019 rested up front against the run.

The Bulldogs surrendered just 74.6 rushing yards per game last season, the best mark in all of college football. They also didn’t allow a rushing touchdown until the season’s 10th game against Auburn.

Georgia lost several big bodies from that squad, including Tyler Clark, who led the team in tackles for loss with eight. But an experienced group returns, bolstered by junior nose tackle Jordan Davis and senior Julian Rochester, who redshirted in 2019 due to injury.

Stifling the run is the first step to a quality SEC defense. In order to maintain the level of success reached by the 2019 unit, the Bulldogs will have to continue to hold up well against the ground game this fall.

Can Travon Walker take the next step?

Much like George Pickens on offense, Walker and made his presence known as a freshman in 2019.

He played in 12 games and registered 15 total tackles, including 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. Against Auburn, he sacked Tiger quarterback Bo Nix on a fourth-down play that clinched the game and the SEC East championship for the Bulldogs.

Walker has all the tools necessary to become a consistent pass rushing threat off the edge. If he can develop into that to pair with the pass rush generated from the inside, the “havoc” mentality preached by the Bulldogs last season can further evolve.

How much will the freshmen impact the game?

Recruiting the defensive line hasn’t been Georgia’s strong suit in recent years. That’s not the case for the Class of 2020.

The freshman group is headlined by five-star defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Four-stars Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse, as well as three-star Cameron Kinnie, round out the class.

These recruits provide an influx of youth and depth to the Georgia defensive line. Those two elements will be a key to a strong defensive front, something the Bulldogs will hope to maintain as the season progresses.

This story was originally published June 10, 2020 at 8:52 AM.