Georgia Bulldogs spring practice preview: much young movement at outside linebacker

As the Georgia Bulldogs march toward another spring practice, all eyes are on the rapidly changing and ever-evolving roster. Under head coach Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have established themselves as a powerhouse in college football, with a winning culture that has led to back-to-back national championships. However, despite this immense success, the program’s pursuit of excellence means constant improvement, and this year, one position stands out as being critical to their continued dominance: outside linebacker.

The outside linebacker position for Georgia is currently undergoing significant changes. While the team returns a wealth of experience in various areas, the outside linebacker spot sees a notable influx of young talent. Many of the key contributors from previous seasons have either moved on to the NFL or graduated, leaving a gap that needs to be filled. These spring practices will be crucial for determining who will step up and make an impact in what is arguably one of the most important positions on Georgia’s defense.

In this preview, we’ll take an in-depth look at the state of Georgia’s outside linebacker position heading into spring practice. From the young prospects vying for playing time to the strategies being employed by defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, this is an essential position to monitor as Georgia prepares for a new season.

The Importance of the Outside Linebacker Position in Georgia’s Defense

Before diving into the specifics of the young talent at the outside linebacker position, it’s important to understand why this role is so vital in Georgia’s defense. Under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have built one of the most aggressive, opportunistic defenses in the country, and the outside linebacker position is critical to the success of that scheme.

Georgia’s defensive philosophy revolves around versatility, pressure, and the ability to dictate the pace of the game. The outside linebackers serve multiple functions in this defense, and they must be able to impact the game in a variety of ways. They need to rush the passer, cover running backs and tight ends, and maintain discipline in the run game. With these responsibilities in mind, outside linebackers must have a unique blend of strength, speed, agility, and football IQ.

Additionally, Georgia has consistently produced elite edge rushers who wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Players like Azeez Ojulari, Nolan Smith, and Travon Walker have not only been dominant in the pass rush but have also set the tone for the rest of the defense with their physicality and playmaking ability. With such a rich history at the position, Georgia’s defensive coaching staff, led by Glenn Schumann, will be looking to identify the next wave of outside linebackers who can carry on this tradition.

The Departures and Gaps to Fill

The departure of key players from the outside linebacker position is a primary reason for the youth movement in this area. In particular, two standout players—Nolan Smith and Robert Beal—have exhausted their eligibility and moved on to the NFL. Smith, who was a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had an outstanding career at Georgia, particularly as a pass rusher. His leadership and presence on the field will be sorely missed, as he was one of the pillars of Georgia’s defensive unit during their back-to-back championship runs.

Robert Beal, who contributed significantly in pass rushing and run defense, also leaves a sizable gap. While Beal may not have received as much attention as Smith, his consistency and ability to contribute in key moments were crucial to the Bulldogs’ success. These departures leave Georgia with holes at the outside linebacker position that need to be filled by new, young talent.

Additionally, the Bulldogs’ defensive strategy continues to evolve. While the team has long relied on a 3-4 defense, with outside linebackers serving as edge rushers, Smart and Schumann have adapted their system in recent years, incorporating more hybrid looks and rotating personnel based on the opponent. This has created more opportunities for young players to make an impact in the spring and prove that they can play multiple roles in the defense.

The Emerging Young Talent

While Georgia lost some key players at outside linebacker, the team has reloaded with impressive young talent, and spring practice is their chance to show what they can do. Several players are poised to make a name for themselves and compete for significant roles on the team. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top candidates.

1. MJ Sherman – Junior (6’2″, 240 pounds)

One of the most intriguing names in the outside linebacker conversation is MJ Sherman. A highly-rated recruit coming out of high school, Sherman has been a part of Georgia’s program for a couple of years but has not yet had a chance to start regularly. However, spring practice represents his best opportunity to seize a starting role and step into a leadership position.

Sherman is an explosive player with a combination of size and speed that makes him a versatile weapon. During the 2024 season, he saw limited action, but his physical attributes—such as his strength and burst off the line—have the potential to make him a top-tier pass rusher. Sherman’s biggest challenge has been consistency and developing his football IQ to keep up with the speed of the college game, but during spring practice, he’s had the opportunity to show how much progress he’s made in these areas.

Sherman has shown flashes of brilliance as a pass rusher, and his ability to play multiple positions within Georgia’s defensive scheme makes him an intriguing candidate to take on a larger role in 2025. With Nolan Smith and Robert Beal gone, Sherman will be expected to elevate his game, and spring practice will be key in determining whether he can deliver.

2. Chaz Chambliss – Sophomore (6’2″, 240 pounds)

Chaz Chambliss is another name to watch closely at outside linebacker this spring. Chambliss, who redshirted in 2024, has been a player that coaches have had high hopes for, and his spring performance could be a defining moment in his career. With great size and athleticism, Chambliss brings a well-rounded skill set to the position. He’s not just a pass rusher; he can also drop into coverage and is stout against the run.

Chambliss’s experience in Georgia’s program gives him a leg up in terms of familiarity with the defense, and he is expected to compete for a significant role this spring. The Bulldogs’ coaches have praised his work ethic and leadership qualities, and his ability to learn from the upperclassmen during practices has set him up for success. If Chambliss can prove he’s developed as a pass rusher and continues to improve his skills in coverage, he could emerge as a starter in 2025.

3. Jalon Walker – Freshman (6’2″, 230 pounds)

Jalon Walker, a highly touted freshman, has quickly become one of the most intriguing prospects at outside linebacker during spring practice. Walker was one of the top recruits in the 2024 class, and his arrival at Georgia has generated a lot of excitement. At 6’2″ and 230 pounds, Walker has the physical tools to play either outside linebacker or inside linebacker, making him a versatile asset in Georgia’s defense.

Walker has shown impressive athleticism and a natural ability to rush the passer, which has made him a standout in spring drills. His speed and instincts are already evident, and coaches are excited about his potential to make an impact early in his career. If Walker can continue to develop and adjust to the speed of the college game, he could push for significant playing time in 2025.

4. Sammy Brown – Freshman (6’1″, 230 pounds)

Another freshman that is generating buzz is Sammy Brown, a dynamic athlete who has impressed in early spring practices. Like Walker, Brown possesses great size and athleticism for an outside linebacker. Known for his ability to rush the passer and defend the run, Brown brings an explosive skill set that could be a game-changer for Georgia’s defense.

Brown’s strength and agility have already stood out during the spring, and his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield could make him a key contributor as a freshman. If he can prove himself capable of handling the complexities of Georgia’s defensive system, Brown could see significant playing time as a rotational player or even as a starter in his debut season.

Coaching and Development: Glenn Schumann’s Influence

Defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann is one of the most respected minds in college football, and his ability to develop players at the linebacker position is a key reason Georgia’s defense has been so successful. Schumann has worked with a variety of linebackers over the years, from elite pass rushers to versatile, hybrid players, and his coaching style emphasizes technique, mental preparation, and versatility.

With a wealth of young talent at outside linebacker, Schumann’s coaching will be critical in helping these players reach their potential. His ability to develop players like Nolan Smith, Azeez Ojulari, and others has earned him widespread praise, and the young linebackers entering spring practice will look to him for guidance.

Schumann’s defensive schemes will also provide ample opportunities for young players to showcase their skills. The Bulldogs’ defense is built on a system that allows outside linebackers to rush the passer, drop into coverage, and play multiple roles. Schumann’s ability to mix up the scheme and put his players in positions to succeed will be key in maximizing the potential of Georgia’s outside linebackers.

A Bright Future at Outside Linebacker for Georgia

As Georgia’s spring practice unfolds, the outside linebacker position is one of the most intriguing areas to watch. While the Bulldogs lost some key contributors to the NFL, the influx of young talent ensures that the position remains a strength. Players like MJ Sherman, Chaz Chambliss, Jalon Walker, and Sammy Brown are all vying for significant roles, and their performances during spring practice will go a long way toward determining who emerges as a starter in 2025.

With the guidance of Glenn Schumann and the defensive staff, Georgia’s outside linebackers are poised to continue the tradition of elite edge rushers that have defined the Bulldogs’ defense. The depth and talent at the position are undeniable, and the competition for playing time will only fuel the development of these young players.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Georgia Bulldogs have every reason to be excited about their future at outside linebacker. The young movement in the position is a testament to the program’s ability to reload with top-tier talent, and this spring practice will be the first step toward solidifying a new wave of impact players for years to come.