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Mel Tucker: Georgia’s defense looking for identity after losing Roquan Smith
By Jake Rill
Published:
Roquan Smith was an anchor on Georgia’s defense last season, but now, he’s playing in the NFL with the Chicago Bears.
The Bulldogs are moving on, but they’ll need players to step up and fill the void created by Smith’s departure at inside linebacker.
“Obviously he was a great player, but it’s next man up,” Georgia defensive coordinator Mel Tucker said while meeting with reporters on Saturday. “We’ll rally and we’ll go with the guys we have, and we’ll see what the identity is this year.”
There are four inside linebackers on the Bulldogs’ roster — seniors Natrez Patrick and Juwan Taylor, redshirt junior Tae Crowder and sophomore Monty Rice. Patrick has the most experience among that group, compiling 116 tackles over the past three seasons, including 35 in nine games last year.
“I think they’re hungry,” Tucker said. “They’re all going to get opportunities. The rep chart is going to change from day to day, there’s nothing set in stone and we’re going to play the best guys.”
The success of Georgia’s defense could depend on how well that group accounts for the loss of Smith. However, it’s likely the Bulldogs have a strong defense again this season as they’ve been performing well on the recruiting trail and have bolstered their depth recently.
Georgia will show its new defensive identity in game action for the first time when it opens its season against Austin Peay on Sept. 1.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
