ATHENS — Georgia’s secondary was not viewed as an obvious strength entering this offseason.

The Bulldogs were torched in the final game of the 2025 season, as Trinidad Chambliss threw for 362 yards. It wasn’t the first time that season an opponent threw for over 350 yards, as Tennessee did so earlier in the season.

Georgia lost three-year starter Daylen Everette to the NFL draft and had to lean on the portal to fortify the secondary.

But after a few fall practices, it seems like Georgia’s secondary may be better than initially thought. Especially with how the group looked during Sunday’s practice.

It helps having stars like safety KJ Bolden and cornerback Ellis Robinson.

With what those two have already shown in Athens, it wouldn’t be a surprise for both to be the best player at their respective positions come the end of the season.

“Ellis always just been good on the field,” Bolden said of his teammate. “I feel like it’s off the field. He got way better. He’s being a great leader now. He’s bringing guys along with him. You can tell he’s being more vocal out there talking and things like that, so I’m proud of Ellis. I feel like he came a long way just off the field.”

On3 tabbed Bolden as a First-Team All-American on Monday. Robinson was a second-team selection.

As for the rest of the pieces in the secondary, Clemson transfer Khalil Barnes has made a major impression in his short time in Athens.

He was a three-year starter at Clemson and brings plenty of experience.

“Man, Khalil’s great. He’s a hard worker,” Bolden said. “Just every day his nose is down, working hard in the weight room, conditioning, football. It don’t matter what we’re doing, he’s working hard.”

With young players like Rasean Dinkins and Tyriq Green also in the secondary, Barnes’ ability to communicate at a high level makes life easier for everyone else in the secondary.

The other transfer Georgia added was ECU’s Ja’Marley Riddle. While Barnes had a strong spring, Riddle spent most of his time recovering from a groin injury he suffered at the end of last season.

Riddle gives Georgia another big body and strong athlete to possibly pair alongside Bolden. Right now, it seems Barnes and Dinkins will get the first crack at the star and safety positions.

“Can he play man-to-man? Can’t be on the field if he can’t. Can he tackle? Can’t be on the field if he can’t,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “And does he play the ball well in the deep part of the field, which can be a fatal flaw if you can’t because if you misjudge it, they score touchdowns. If you can do those three things, we can teach you what to do.”

Opposite Robinson at cornerback is Demello Jones. With Robinson ascending as one of the top cornerbacks in the country, teams figure to target Jones often.

But he’s already held his own for Georgia, playing a key role on the 2025 team.

With Everette now in the NFL, Georgia needs Jones to step up as an every-down cornerback.

There are some concerns behind Robinson and Jones in terms of depth.

Not dissimilar to the safety position, the Bulldogs leaned on the transfer portal. Georgia added Oklahoma’s Gentry Williams and USC’s Braylon Conley. Both come with previous playing experience and are expected to push Robinson and Jones for playing time.

Georgia is expected to be strong along the lines of scrimmage this coming season. The questions with this team have largely pertained to the passing game to this point.

Those questions only grew louder after Sunday’s practice. But how well Georgia’s secondary played in the practice shouldn’t be overlooked.

If Bolden and Robinson further blossom and the transfer additions do their jobs, this secondary can be every bit as good as Georgia’s defensive front.

Which could take Georgia’s defense from very good to the best in the country.