Four Georgia defensive players that will earn more snaps in 2025

The University of Georgia has firmly established itself as one of the premier football programs in the country, particularly on defense. The Bulldogs have boasted some of the most dominant defensive units in recent history, and with the 2025 season on the horizon, Georgia’s defense continues to be a focal point of the team’s success. However, as talented players graduate, move on to the NFL, or leave for other reasons, there are opportunities for younger or less-experienced players to step up and earn more playing time.

While Georgia’s defense has produced elite talent over the years, the program consistently reloads with fresh faces ready to contribute. This article takes a closer look at four defensive players for the Bulldogs who will likely see an increase in playing time during the 2025 season. Whether they are emerging stars, talented sophomores looking to take the next step, or players who were previously in a rotational role, these athletes are poised to play significant roles on Georgia’s defense moving forward.

1. Michael Williams – EDGE Rusher

Michael Williams, a promising sophomore for the Georgia Bulldogs, is primed to take the next step in 2025 and earn more snaps at the edge rusher position. Williams was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, and he lived up to the hype in his freshman season, showing flashes of brilliance and providing depth along the defensive front. However, as is often the case with highly ranked recruits, his freshman year was more about development and gaining experience.

Williams demonstrated impressive athleticism and pass-rushing potential in his first season at Georgia, registering several sacks and quarterback pressures. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at around 270 pounds, Williams has the physical tools to be an elite pass rusher in the SEC. His combination of speed, strength, and explosiveness off the line of scrimmage makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing offensive linemen.

In 2025, Georgia will need Williams to step up as a key contributor on the defensive line. With key players potentially leaving for the NFL or graduating, the Bulldogs will rely on Williams to increase his snap count and play a larger role in both rushing the passer and setting the edge against the run. With defensive coordinator Will Muschamp likely focusing on keeping pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Williams is poised to be a focal point of Georgia’s pass-rushing efforts.

Projected Role in 2025: Expect Williams to take over as a starting edge rusher or at the very least earn more significant snaps. He is poised to be a disruptive force in the SEC, capable of getting to the quarterback, creating havoc in the backfield, and providing leadership in the defensive front. With his high ceiling and strong physical attributes, Williams is one of the Bulldogs’ most exciting young defensive players to watch in 2025.

2. Jalon Walker – Linebacker

Jalon Walker is another young Bulldog who made waves as a freshman but is expected to see a much larger role in 2025. As a highly regarded linebacker recruit, Walker joined Georgia’s defense with sky-high expectations. While his first year was filled with opportunities to learn and adjust to the speed of the SEC, he showcased plenty of promise. In his limited action, Walker demonstrated excellent instincts, athleticism, and the ability to cover a lot of ground. His versatility to play both inside and outside linebacker gives Georgia’s defense options when trying to create mismatches against opposing offenses.

Walker is a well-rounded linebacker who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. He excels in pass coverage, with the ability to defend against both running backs and tight ends, and he’s also a solid tackler who can step up against the run. He has the speed to chase down plays sideline to sideline and the strength to shed blockers and make plays in the backfield. As Georgia’s defense continues to evolve in 2025, Walker will become a central figure in the linebacker corps.

In 2025, Walker is likely to earn more snaps, both as a rotational player and as a key starter. His ability to be a multi-dimensional linebacker allows him to stay on the field for all three downs, contributing in pass coverage, rushing the quarterback, and stopping the run. With Georgia’s linebacker unit still a strength of the defense, Walker’s emergence will be a crucial part of the team’s success.

Projected Role in 2025: Walker should become a full-time starter or at least a heavily utilized rotational player in Georgia’s linebacker corps. He will likely contribute as both a coverage linebacker and as someone who can disrupt the quarterback with blitzes. Walker’s athleticism and versatility make him a key asset for Georgia’s defense moving forward, and in 2025, expect him to be on the field for a significant number of snaps.

3. Tyre West – Defensive Tackle

Tyre West is another promising young defensive player who will see more snaps for Georgia in 2025. West arrived at Georgia with a lot of fanfare as a highly regarded defensive tackle prospect. During his first season, he showed flashes of his potential but spent much of his time as a rotational player, learning behind some of Georgia’s more experienced defensive linemen. As he heads into his sophomore season, West is primed to earn a bigger role and play a pivotal part in Georgia’s defense.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing around 300 pounds, West has the size and strength to play as a traditional nose tackle or defensive tackle in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. He is a disruptive force at the line of scrimmage, capable of getting penetration and disrupting plays in the backfield. His ability to stop the run is one of his strongest attributes, but West has also shown the ability to push the pocket and affect the quarterback’s rhythm.

In 2025, Georgia will need West to step up and be a more consistent presence on the defensive line. With players potentially leaving for the NFL, the Bulldogs will be looking for young talents like West to contribute heavily in the trenches. His ability to clog up running lanes, pressure the quarterback, and disrupt opposing offensive lines will make him a key asset for Georgia’s defense.

Projected Role in 2025: West will likely earn a starting spot or a significantly larger role as a rotational defensive lineman in Georgia’s defensive line rotation. His combination of strength, size, and athleticism makes him a perfect fit for a high-pressured, run-stopping defense. As a result, expect him to see more snaps and contribute significantly to Georgia’s defense in 2025.

4. Kamari Lassiter – Cornerback

Kamari Lassiter, a standout cornerback for Georgia, has been one of the more underrated players in the Bulldogs’ secondary. While much of the focus in Georgia’s defensive backfield has been on stars like Kelee Ringo and Christopher Smith, Lassiter has quietly developed into one of the most reliable cornerbacks on the team. With his excellent ball skills, ability to lock down wide receivers, and high football IQ, Lassiter is ready to take on a more significant role in Georgia’s defense in 2025.

Lassiter is known for his physicality, his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, and his elite reaction time. As a sophomore in 2024, he showed the ability to cover a variety of wide receivers, from fast, speedy players to physical, larger ones. Lassiter’s combination of size, speed, and technique make him a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses. He is a reliable tackler who can come up and stop the run when needed but excels in pass coverage, where he can break up passes and make interceptions.

In 2025, Lassiter will have an increased role on Georgia’s defense. As one of the most talented and experienced cornerbacks on the roster, he will likely become a full-time starter and one of the primary players in Georgia’s secondary. His ability to cover wide receivers in both man and zone schemes will make him a versatile and valuable piece of Georgia’s defense.

Projected Role in 2025: Lassiter is primed to become a lockdown corner for Georgia in 2025. He will likely play as a full-time starter and earn a larger role as the team’s primary cornerback. His skills and leadership in the secondary will be essential in helping Georgia’s defense stay as one of the best in the nation. Expect him to take on a more significant role and make more plays as a shutdown corner in the SEC.