Kirby Smart: Georgia’s Justin Williams is ‘the kind of alpha you need’ at linebacker

In the high-stakes world of college football, where championship aspirations hang in the balance of every game, one thing is certain: a team’s success often hinges on the leadership and playmaking ability of its defensive unit. For the University of Georgia Bulldogs, few players are expected to contribute more to that success than linebacker Justin Williams. Recently, Georgia’s head coach, Kirby Smart, provided glowing praise for Williams, calling him “the kind of alpha you need” at linebacker. This remark not only highlights Williams’ importance to the team but also points to the vital role he plays in a defense that is already among the best in the nation.

Smart’s endorsement of Williams as an “alpha” speaks volumes about the linebacker’s presence on the field, his leadership abilities, and his ability to set the tone for Georgia’s defense. As the Bulldogs continue to reload their roster for another season of contention in the SEC and on the national stage, Williams’ skill set and mentality will be essential to their success. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Justin Williams such a dynamic and special player, what Smart sees in him, and how Williams’ leadership will shape the 2025 Georgia football season.

Who is Justin Williams?

Justin Williams is a linebacker for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, a program known for producing some of the most talented defensive players in college football. Hailing from Conyers, Georgia, Williams was a highly sought-after recruit coming out of high school, and his transition to college football has been marked by significant growth and impressive performances on the field.

During his high school career, Williams demonstrated a combination of speed, strength, and instinct that made him one of the top linebackers in his class. Known for his ability to read offenses and make plays in space, Williams quickly garnered attention from top programs across the nation. But it was his leadership and mental toughness that truly made him stand out to Kirby Smart and the Georgia coaching staff. Williams’ innate understanding of the game, his work ethic, and his determination to be the best placed him at the top of Georgia’s recruitment list.

After joining Georgia, Williams quickly acclimated to the program’s rigorous standards and became a mainstay on the field. Despite being a young player in a program full of veterans, Williams’ rise to prominence in the Bulldogs’ linebacker corps was swift, as he showcased the physicality and mentality that Smart so highly values. His ability to make an immediate impact and contribute in key moments was a testament to his maturity and the confidence he brought to the position.

The “Alpha” Mentality: What Kirby Smart Sees in Williams

When Kirby Smart describes Justin Williams as “the kind of alpha you need,” he is referring to a number of qualities that go beyond just athletic ability. The word “alpha” in sports often describes a player who is not only a top performer but also the leader of the team—a player who sets the tone for others and drives the intensity of the unit. Smart’s statement about Williams speaks to his leadership, work ethic, and ability to inspire his teammates.

1. Leadership on the Field

One of the defining characteristics of an “alpha” player is their ability to lead by example. For a linebacker like Justin Williams, who plays in the heart of the defense, this is critical. Linebackers are often tasked with not only stopping the run, covering passes, and rushing the quarterback, but also organizing the defense and ensuring everyone is aligned properly. Williams has excelled in this area, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.

Whether it’s making the big hit in crucial moments or providing a pep talk in the huddle, Williams has shown that he is a natural leader. His football IQ allows him to recognize offensive tendencies and call out plays before they happen, putting his teammates in the best position to succeed. His vocal leadership on the field will be a key component of Georgia’s defense in the upcoming season, and it’s clear why Smart values his presence so highly.

2. The Competitive Fire

“Alpha” players aren’t just leaders—they are incredibly competitive individuals who have a relentless desire to win. Williams’ competitive fire is evident every time he steps on the field. Whether he’s in a practice session or a live game situation, Williams plays with a chip on his shoulder and a mindset that leaves no room for complacency.

His fierce determination to be the best has earned him a reputation as a player who doesn’t back down from a challenge. His pursuit of excellence, paired with his willingness to push his teammates to their limits, helps foster a winning mentality within the Georgia defense. Smart has repeatedly spoken about how Williams’ competitive nature is contagious, and it’s one of the reasons why he’s such an asset to the program.

3. Physical and Mental Toughness

In the physical world of college football, the ability to withstand adversity is crucial. An “alpha” player must demonstrate both physical and mental toughness, and Williams embodies both. As a linebacker, he’s tasked with going up against some of the best athletes in the country, from massive offensive linemen to elusive running backs and fast wide receivers. His ability to consistently perform at a high level, despite these challenges, speaks to his toughness.

But it’s not just his physicality that sets him apart—it’s his mental toughness. Football is a game of highs and lows, and a player’s ability to stay focused and composed during moments of adversity can define the outcome of a season. Williams has proven time and again that he can overcome setbacks, stay locked in during critical moments, and help his team respond when things aren’t going well. In this respect, he truly lives up to Smart’s description of being “the kind of alpha you need.”

4. An Elite Work Ethic

Another hallmark of an “alpha” player is their relentless work ethic. Georgia’s program, known for its demanding training and commitment to excellence, requires players to give their absolute best at all times. Williams has embraced this mindset, dedicating himself to improving every aspect of his game. Whether it’s film study, conditioning, or individual technique work, Williams consistently puts in the effort to hone his skills.

This drive to improve isn’t just about personal success; it’s about making the entire team better. Williams’ commitment to getting better and pushing others to do the same plays a key role in Georgia’s overall success. Smart has emphasized that players like Williams are integral to building a championship culture, where every player is held accountable for their actions on and off the field.

Williams’ Role in Georgia’s Defensive Scheme

Georgia’s defense has long been a strength of the team, with Smart’s coaching background as a defensive coordinator at Alabama contributing to the Bulldogs’ focus on building a formidable defensive unit. For the upcoming season, the defense will once again be the heart and soul of the team, and Williams is poised to play a major role in keeping Georgia’s defensive dominance intact.

As a linebacker, Williams will be responsible for stopping the run, rushing the quarterback, and covering the pass, making him an essential component of Georgia’s defensive scheme. His ability to read plays, make quick decisions, and execute with precision will be vital as Georgia faces some of the most potent offenses in the country, including those from rivals in the SEC.

In addition to his individual responsibilities, Williams will also serve as the leader of the linebacker corps—a unit that is crucial to the success of the defense as a whole. Smart will rely on Williams to be the vocal leader on the field, ensuring that the defense stays disciplined, stays aligned, and executes the game plan to perfection.

Given the physicality of the SEC and the caliber of competition Georgia faces every week, Williams’ presence will be invaluable. His ability to disrupt plays, rally his teammates, and set the tone for the defense will help Georgia maintain its status as one of the nation’s top defensive teams.

The Impact on Georgia’s 2025 Season

As Georgia enters the 2025 season with national championship aspirations, much will rest on the shoulders of players like Justin Williams. The defense, spearheaded by the linebacker, will be key to whether the Bulldogs can meet their lofty goals. Smart’s praise of Williams as “the kind of alpha you need” is not just about his individual talent; it’s also a recognition of his leadership and ability to inspire the entire team.

Williams has already proven himself to be one of the most talented and driven players on the roster, and with another season ahead of him, his potential to become one of Georgia’s all-time great linebackers is clear. If he can continue to grow and lead the defense as Smart expects, there’s little doubt that Williams will be a key factor in Georgia’s quest for an SEC title and a national championship.

 A Key Piece for Georgia’s Future

Kirby Smart’s glowing assessment of Justin Williams is a testament to the linebacker’s importance to the Georgia Bulldogs. As the “alpha” leader of Georgia’s defense, Williams brings a unique combination of physical ability, mental toughness, and leadership that makes him an invaluable asset to the team. His ability to dominate on the field and inspire his teammates will be crucial as the Bulldogs continue their pursuit of national glory.

With Smart’s guidance and Williams’ leadership, Georgia’s defense is poised to remain one of the top units in the nation. As the 2025 season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see how Williams continues to develop as a player and a leader, but one thing is certain: he is exactly the type of player Georgia needs to continue competing at the highest level in college football.