Sentell’s Intel: What qualities does Georgia football want in EDGE candidates?

As the Georgia Bulldogs continue to be one of the most dominant programs in college football, their success can be attributed to a variety of factors, from elite recruiting to exceptional player development. One area of consistent focus for Georgia football is the EDGE position, the hybrid role that combines pass-rushing and run-stopping responsibilities. Whether it’s getting after the quarterback or setting the edge against the run, the EDGE is critical to Georgia’s defensive schemes, and as a result, the coaching staff, led by Kirby Smart, places a premium on recruiting players who possess the right blend of size, athleticism, and football IQ to succeed in the position.

In this breakdown, we will explore the qualities that Georgia football looks for in its EDGE candidates. From physical attributes to mental makeup, these are the traits that make for successful pass rushers and run stoppers at the University of Georgia.

The Physical Profile: Size and Speed Matter

The EDGE position is one of the most demanding on the field. Players at this position are expected to be strong enough to shed blockers, fast enough to close the gap on quarterbacks, and agile enough to handle a variety of assignments. As such, Georgia’s coaching staff seeks recruits who have the physical attributes to excel in a position that often requires versatility.

1. Length and Frame

While speed and explosiveness are crucial, the foundation of any top-tier EDGE player is their length and frame. Georgia football values long-limbed athletes who can not only rush the passer effectively but also defend the run by using their reach to disengage from blockers. An EDGE player with a long wingspan can push against offensive tackles, hold the edge, and disengage from blockers in tight spaces.

The ideal EDGE candidate at Georgia typically stands between 6’3″ and 6’6″, with the ability to pack on enough muscle to fill out their frame without losing speed or flexibility. While height isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, having the ability to leverage length to their advantage, both in rushing the passer and in maintaining proper positioning on run plays, is essential.

2. Explosiveness and Burst

A critical trait for Georgia’s EDGE prospects is explosiveness—the ability to explode off the line of scrimmage and engage blockers or quarterbacks with speed. As an EDGE player, you’re often going head-to-head with some of the best offensive linemen in the country, so a quick first step is crucial for beating blockers off the snap. Georgia looks for players who can get out of their stance in the blink of an eye, closing ground on quarterbacks and offensive linemen before they can react.

The ideal EDGE recruit should show off the burst to close on a quarterback in a flash, whether it’s coming from a two-point stance or rushing from a standing position. The ability to collapse the pocket from the outside is key, so players who show elite burst combined with good lateral agility are highly valued by Georgia’s coaching staff.

3. Strength and Power

While speed and athleticism are crucial, strength is an undeniable factor in a successful EDGE player’s game. Georgia’s defensive system requires its EDGE players to be able to shed blockers, stack up against powerful offensive linemen, and collapse the pocket with force. A player with an impressive upper-body strength and a low center of gravity can avoid being pushed off their track and stay in pursuit of the quarterback, even when facing double-teams or blockers trying to ride them out of the play.

Georgia’s EDGE players need to be able to hold their ground against running backs and tight ends trying to set the edge in the running game. This means being strong enough to disengage from blockers and stay disciplined in both the run and pass game. Players who combine explosiveness with brute force, particularly in the lower body (for driving through offensive tackles), are key targets for the Bulldogs’ defense.

The Mental Profile: Football IQ and Work Ethic

While physical attributes are undeniably important, the mental and intellectual aspects of the game cannot be overlooked. An EDGE player’s success often hinges on their ability to read the offense, adjust to offensive schemes, and react to the flow of the game in real time. Georgia’s coaching staff places a premium on football IQ and the mental makeup of their EDGE recruits.

1. Pass Rush Techniques and Knowledge

A dominant pass rusher is not simply an athlete with good speed; they must also understand pass rush techniques. This includes things like hand placement, counter moves, and the ability to use speed to set up power. Georgia’s defensive staff works closely with its EDGE players to ensure they are not just physical specimens, but also technicians who can read offensive linemen and exploit weaknesses in blocking schemes.

The ideal EDGE recruit will already have a solid understanding of basic pass rush techniques, such as the swim move, rip move, or spin move. Georgia also seeks players who can rely on a variety of moves, adjusting their attack depending on how they are being blocked by the offensive lineman. A player who has the ability to work through the initial block and readjust during a pass rush, staying on the quarterback’s tail, is highly coveted.

2. Understanding of the Run Game

The EDGE position is often thought of as a pass-rushing role, but one of its most vital components is run defense. At Georgia, EDGE players are expected to set the edge on running plays, keeping the ball from bouncing to the outside and forcing the action back into the interior defensive line. Georgia seeks out EDGE players who have a natural understanding of gap assignments and who can maintain discipline when defending the run.

The ability to read plays, diagnose runs, and set the edge effectively is vital for any EDGE player. Georgia’s defensive coaching staff places a lot of emphasis on players who can prevent the offense from getting outside, forcing the running back back toward the middle where the interior defense can clean up. Players who are quick to recognize outside runs and contain the ball carrier are essential in Georgia’s aggressive, attacking defense.

3. Football IQ and Field Awareness

Football IQ is a key element in the success of Georgia’s EDGE players. The Bulldogs’ defense frequently uses schemes that require players to have strong pre-snap recognition. An EDGE player who can read the offensive linemen’s stance, anticipate the offensive line’s blocking patterns, and adjust their attack accordingly will be much more effective than someone relying solely on athleticism.

As part of Georgia’s defense, EDGE players must understand when to be aggressive and when to be patient, especially in read-option scenarios or when tasked with rushing the passer while keeping containment. A player with high football IQ will understand the importance of timing their rushes, recognizing screen plays, or dropping into coverage when necessary. This is why Georgia prioritizes recruits who not only possess physical tools but can process the game rapidly.

The Competitive Spirit: Intensity and Work Ethic

In addition to physical and mental attributes, competitive drive and work ethic are key to the success of EDGE players in Georgia’s defensive system. The Bulldogs’ coaching staff is relentless in their pursuit of players who are willing to put in the work, constantly improving and refining their craft.

1. Relentlessness and Motor

One of the defining qualities of Georgia’s EDGE players is their relentless motor. The best pass rushers are those who do not give up on a play, no matter how many times they are blocked or how many steps they fall behind. Players with a high motor continually fight through fatigue and blockers to chase down the quarterback or ball carrier, and they do so with intensity on every play.

2. Strong Work Ethic and Desire to Improve

Kirby Smart and his staff value players who are not satisfied with merely physical talent. They seek players who are willing to work tirelessly in the weight room, on the practice field, and in the film room to continually refine their craft. EDGE players at Georgia are expected to consistently put in the effort, develop new pass-rush techniques, and learn how to counter their opponents’ strategies.

The Ultimate EDGE Candidate

For Georgia football, the EDGE position is about more than just rushing the passer—it’s about versatility, mental sharpness, and an intense desire to succeed. The Bulldogs want players who can dominate the quarterback, set the edge against the run, and adapt their game to various offensive schemes.

The ideal EDGE recruit for Georgia will combine size, strength, and speed with a sharp football IQ and relentless work ethic. They must be able to rush the passer, defend the run, and read offensive schemes with precision. And above all, Georgia’s coaching staff seeks players who have the drive and determination to be the best, with a competitive spirit that pushes them to new heights.

As Georgia continues to recruit top-tier talent to its defense, these qualities will remain at the core of the Bulldogs’ search for the next wave of elite EDGE players. In a program that has prided itself on producing NFL talent and fielding dominant defenses, Georgia’s commitment to finding the perfect EDGE candidate ensures that the Bulldogs will continue to be a force on defense for years to come.