ATHENS — Georgia football put out its first football-related video of players working out this summer, and the energy was unmistakable.
The camera loved Eric Stokes, who along with Richard LeCounte was among the 11 SEC players named to the Bednarik Award, which recognizes the best defensive player in football.
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Stokes and LeCounte anchor a secondary that’s deep in talent and experience. It sets up a winnable showdown for UGA against Alabama’s accomplished receiving corps on Sept. 19 in Tuscaloosa.
The SEC has yet to announced its plans for the upcoming season, but commissioner Greg Sankey said last week he’s still aiming for a full schedule.
That’s how the Georgia players look to be going about their business, too, ready for whatever it takes.
Senior defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt showed great passion in leading the team at the start of calisthenics in the video.
Wyatt, a 6-foot-3, 301-pounder, traveled the long road from Decatur to Georgia, making a stop at Hutchinson Community College in between.
Wyatt was second on the UGA team in QB pressures last season (27) and tops in tackles among interior defensive linemen (30).
Wyatt is perhaps the most underrated player on a defense full of emerging stars.
Sophomore Travon Walker, a 6-5, 290-pounder, is one of the younger players much is expected of this season.
Walker is seen in the video leading the defensive linemen in a sprint, a step ahead of returning senior Malik Herring (6-3, 280).
Walker’s speed has been talked about before, as he was on the kickoff team as a true freshman.
The Georgia defensive line’s growth under assistant Tray Scott has been impressive.
Last year’s group didn’t allow a rushing touchdown until the 10th game of the season and was a big reason why UGA led the nation in run defense.
The unit was arguably the weakest unit on the team in 2018, coming undone in an embarrassing loss at LSU that season and unable to contain Jalen Hurts in a Crimson Tide comeback in the 2018 SEC title game.
The Bulldogs’ current defensive line — with OLBs Azeez Ojulari, Jermaine Johnson and Nolan Smith mixed in — might challenge the UGA secondary as the most effective unit on that side of the football.
Sophomore linebacker Trezmen Marshall, another Georgia high school product, was also shown in the video. Marshall hasn’t made much noise on Saturdays to this point, but it’s possible the film crew could be providing a hint of something to watch for.
Redshirt freshman lineman Warren McClendon also made an appearance, looking fit and trim and ready to compete for what many will believe is a competitive right tackle position.
The Bulldogs can only train in front of the coaches right now.
The football-related activity (with a ball) isn’t allowed during supervised portions of practice at Georgia until July 26.
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