Justin Williams of Georgia is “the kind of alpha you need” at linebacker, according to Kirby Smart

In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of college football, having a player who can anchor a defense is critical for any team’s success. For the University of Georgia Bulldogs, a team with a storied history of producing elite defensive players, finding the right leadership on that side of the ball is paramount. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, known for his defensive acumen and his ability to identify and develop top-tier talent, has a clear sense of what makes a successful linebacker: leadership, tenacity, and physical dominance.

When Smart speaks about Justin Williams, a rising linebacker for the Bulldogs, his words are unequivocal: “He’s the kind of alpha you need.” This glowing endorsement from one of the brightest defensive minds in the country speaks volumes about Williams’ potential and his role within Georgia’s defensive unit. Over the course of his career, Smart has had no shortage of standout linebackers under his tutelage, from Roquan Smith to Nakobe Dean, but Williams’ unique combination of traits makes him an integral part of Georgia’s future on defense.

A Rising Star in the Bulldogs’ Defense

Justin Williams’ rise to prominence has been impressive, especially given the high standards of Georgia’s football program. As a recruit, Williams showed incredible promise in high school, drawing the attention of top-tier programs across the country with his athleticism, leadership, and raw talent. However, what has really set Williams apart during his time at Georgia is his ability to blend his physical tools with his mental toughness.

At 6’1″ and 225 pounds, Williams combines speed with strength, a trait that’s crucial for linebackers, particularly in the SEC, where speed, size, and power often determine the outcome of a game. His football IQ is equally impressive. In Smart’s defensive system, which is known for its complexity and fast-paced execution, having a linebacker who can process information quickly and make adjustments on the fly is essential. Williams has proven to be that type of player. His ability to read plays and make split-second decisions makes him one of the most dangerous players on Georgia’s defense.

Williams came into the program with high expectations, and so far, he has lived up to them. He quickly earned a spot in the rotation as a freshman, showcasing his ability to step up in high-stakes situations. As the 2025 season approaches, Williams is expected to play an even larger role in Georgia’s defense, particularly given the leadership void left by some of the team’s key departures.

Kirby Smart’s Leadership Philosophy

To understand the significance of Smart’s praise for Williams, it’s important to delve into the philosophy that has helped Kirby Smart establish Georgia as one of the premier defensive programs in college football. As a former defensive coordinator at Alabama under Nick Saban, Smart has inherited many of Saban’s defensive principles, focusing on tough, physical play, precise execution, and, most importantly, leadership.

Smart is known for cultivating a culture where players are not only expected to perform on the field but also to lead by example, especially on defense. In his defense, players are tasked with being vocal leaders who inspire and motivate the rest of the team. It’s not enough to simply be talented—leaders must show the way through their actions, their effort, and their commitment to their teammates. In his time at Georgia, Smart has seen firsthand how powerful leadership can be on the defensive side of the ball, particularly from players like Smith and Dean, who were critical to Georgia’s success in recent seasons.

When Smart describes Williams as “the kind of alpha you need,” he’s referring to the intangible qualities that define a true leader. This includes Williams’ ability to take charge of the defense, set the tone, and rally his teammates when the game is on the line. These are the characteristics that are hard to quantify in a stat sheet but are essential to the Bulldogs’ defensive dominance.

The Attributes of an “Alpha” Linebacker

An “alpha” linebacker in the mold of Justin Williams is more than just a physical presence. It’s about mentality. It’s about confidence. It’s about taking ownership of the field and the locker room. These qualities are often referred to as “intangibles,” but to Smart, they are just as important as physical ability. Let’s break down what makes Williams the kind of player Smart is referring to:

1. Physical Dominance and Versatility

At the linebacker position, being an alpha often means you have the physical tools to make plays all over the field. Williams has demonstrated an ability to rush the passer, cover tight ends in pass defense, and stop the run with power and explosiveness. His versatility allows Georgia’s defensive coaching staff to move him around based on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, something that Smart takes full advantage of in his game planning. In a league as fast and physical as the SEC, linebackers need to be able to contribute in multiple facets of the game—and Williams checks all those boxes.

2. Mental Toughness and Football IQ

It’s one thing to be physically dominant, but being mentally tough is what separates the good from the great. Football IQ is critical in Smart’s system, where players are required to make adjustments on the fly based on the offense’s movements. Williams’ ability to read offenses, recognize schemes, and react quickly has earned him the trust of his coaches and teammates. It’s clear that Williams has a deep understanding of the game, which allows him to stay ahead of opposing offenses.

Moreover, his ability to stay calm under pressure sets him apart. In the SEC, where games can be decided in the final seconds, a linebacker’s ability to keep their composure in high-stress situations is invaluable. Williams has shown time and time again that he has that ability, making him a reliable leader for Georgia when the stakes are highest.

3. Work Ethic and Accountability

Being an alpha is also about setting an example for others to follow, and Williams does that through his relentless work ethic. Smart has often emphasized that players who are committed to getting better each day elevate their entire team. Williams is known for his tireless effort, whether it’s in the weight room, the film room, or during practice. His work ethic has earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.

In a program like Georgia’s, where competition is fierce and every position is up for grabs, Williams has demonstrated the kind of accountability that makes him an ideal leader. He holds himself to the highest standards, and that mentality permeates through the entire defense. As Smart has said in the past, “A great defense is a group of players who hold each other accountable.”

4. Impact on Teammates and Leadership in the Locker Room

One of the defining traits of an “alpha” linebacker is the ability to lead vocally and inspire those around him. As the leader of the defense, Williams is tasked with rallying the troops, calling out plays, and keeping the intensity high throughout the game. His natural leadership style has earned him the trust of his teammates, who look to him for direction and inspiration when things get tough.

Williams is also known for his mentorship of younger players, helping them adjust to the speed and physicality of SEC football. His leadership isn’t just about commanding the field—he understands that the future of the program depends on developing the next generation of Bulldogs. That’s why, as much as Williams excels on the field, his role as a mentor is equally important in maintaining Georgia’s defensive dominance year after year.

Kirby Smart’s Confidence in Justin Williams

Smart’s comments about Williams reflect the deep trust and belief he has in the linebacker’s abilities. For Smart, the linebacker position is crucial in executing the defense’s overall strategy. As Georgia continues to chase national championships, the Bulldogs’ success will largely depend on having a leader who can command the defense and make plays when it matters most.

Smart’s assessment of Williams as “the kind of alpha you need” shows that Williams is poised to be the centerpiece of Georgia’s defense for the foreseeable future. His combination of physical ability, leadership, and mental toughness makes him exactly the type of player Smart looks for when building championship-caliber defenses.

The Road Ahead: Expectations for 2025 and Beyond

With the 2025 college football season approaching, expectations are high for Georgia’s defense, and Williams is at the center of those expectations. After a season where Georgia’s defense had to rebuild in some areas, Williams will be one of the key players tasked with keeping the defense at an elite level. His leadership, combined with the talent surrounding him, makes Georgia’s defense one of the most feared units in the nation.

For Williams, the challenge is clear: continue to develop as both a player and a leader. His performance in 2025 will be crucial to Georgia’s success, and with Smart’s trust and the faith of his teammates, there’s little doubt that Williams will rise to the occasion.

As Kirby Smart aptly put it, Justin Williams is indeed “the kind of alpha you need” on the field. He’s the type of player who can anchor a defense, inspire his teammates, and lead Georgia back to the top of college football.