Some coaches have the players while others do not.

Since joining the college coaching ranks in 2007 at Alabama, Jeremy Pruitt’s been blessed with immense talent, evidenced by three national championships at two different programs over a four-year span.

His latest task, rebuilding Georgia’s defense into a national power, is still in its infant stage but Year 2 should be better than the first. The Bulldogs were good, but not great, last season on Pruitt’s side of the football, giving up the second-fewest touchdowns (36) in the SEC East and leading the division in opponents’ points per game (20.7).

Those were steps in the right direction for an often-criticized unit previously under Todd Grantham, an assistant Georgia’s fanbase grew tired of before his departure to Louisville.

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Pruitt came through on his promise of an attacking defense resulting in 29 takeaways, nearly doubling Georgia’s total from the 2013 campaign. An inexperienced secondary was active with 16 interceptions and despite depth concerns, finished second in the SEC at just 170.4 passing yards allowed per contest.

One of the back seven’s leaders, Quincy Mauger, expects an even better showing this fall.

“I still feel like we’re hungry, we’re looking to get even more turnovers than we did last year,” Mauger said after a recent practice.”

Last spring, the Bulldogs were learning Pruitt’s system, understand his philosophy as it relates to relentless pressure and forcing the issue.

Players are more confident this season and know what Pruitt is looking for Outside of departed linebackers Amarlo Herrera, Ramik Wilson and cornerback Damian Swann, Georgia returns the bulk of its defense and several other non-starters who received much-needed reps last season in relief.

Mauger and rising sophomore Dominick Sanders — who started every game as a true freshman at corner — headline what’s expected to be a talented, youthful secondary. Jordan Jenkins is back to anchor a group of linebackers featuring two of the SEC’s best outside pass rushers — Leonard Floyd and Lorenzo Carter.

Floyd and Jenkins skipped early departures to the NFL for another season in Athens with sights set on winning an SEC Championship.

Carter is next in line to become the program’s top defender and will play some defensive end in Georgia’s 3-4 look this season. The sophomore has worked on his coverage ability during spring practice and put on 10 pounds heavier (up to 245) during the offseason to increase his strength.

He says he feels even faster than before, terrifying for opposing offenses.

One player, perhaps unfamiliar in most SEC circles, is former five-star signee Tramel Terry who came to Georgia as one of the nation’s top athletes out of Goose Creek, S.C. in 2013. A devastating knee injury suffered during a prep all-star game as a senior forced Terry to the defensive side of the football where he’s worked at safety with spot duty at corner.

He played in 10 games last season as a redshirt freshman and picked off a pass against Troy. His snaps should increase as a third-year player at any of the four secondary spots.

“He gives great effort, every play, every snap,” Mauger said according to the Ledger-Enquirer. “He’s still learning. He’s still coming off that leg injury, so it’s nice to see that he doesn’t take any excuses on his leg. He progresses every day, one play at a time.”