Georgia’s defensive front faces uncertainty this week as the Bulldogs prepare for their upcoming game against Tennessee Tech. Injuries have taken a toll on the team’s defensive line, raising concerns about their depth at the position.
Jordan Hall and Xzavier McLeod were already sidelined for the Clemson game due to injuries. During the same game, Warren Brinson and Mykel Williams also sustained injuries, with Brinson leaving in the first quarter after his leg was stepped on, and Williams exiting after suffering an ankle injury from an illegal chop block by Clemson running back Phil Mafah.
Head coach Kirby Smart provided updates during his Monday press conference. He expressed optimism about Brinson’s recovery from an ankle contusion, hoping to have him back on the field soon. However, Williams’ status is more uncertain. Diagnosed with a grade 2 ankle sprain, Williams is considered week-to-week and is questionable for the game against Tennessee Tech.
If Brinson remains sidelined, it could mean increased playing time for Christen Miller, Nazir Stackhouse, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins on the interior defensive line. On the edge, Damon Wilson is likely to see more action if Williams is unable to play. Additionally, Georgia plans to get Jalon Walker more involved after his impressive performance against Clemson, where he recorded 6 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.
“We’ve had to get uncomfortable as coaches to use his skill set, and I think Schu and the defensive staff have done a great job of finding ways that he can be successful,” Smart said of Walker. “Mykel and him both are really good football players, and they both need to be on the field. They don’t need to share time.”
Reese's Senior Bowl scouting staff expected @GeorgiaFootball OLB/ILB Jalon Walker to have a breakout year and he got off to 🔥 start in Week 1.
Here's a 𝙩𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 rep from Saturday's game, with @JalonWlaker showing strength, physicality, technique, discipline, &… https://t.co/xytrU66JAi pic.twitter.com/gyL9NVYDRE
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) September 2, 2024
The Bulldogs were also without defensive back Joenel Aguero against Clemson. Smart mentioned that Aguero might have been available in an emergency, but JaCorey Thomas stepped in as the starter. Georgia also adjusted its lineup by moving Malaki Starks to the nickel position and inserting KJ Bolden at safety.
On the offensive side, running back Trevor Etienne was suspended for the first game due to a violation of University policy, as reported by ESPN. Smart did not provide an update on Etienne’s status. Freshman Nate Frazier led the Bulldogs’ rushing attack with 83 yards and a touchdown.
Georgia’s game against Tennessee Tech is scheduled for a 2 p.m. ET kickoff on SEC Network+.
