Georgia football: 2018 defense will need help

Georgia football’s late rising star

Walker’s time is now. He has demonstrated  the ability to step into one pair of outside linebacker shoes.

Following Georgia’s November loss to Auburn, Walker stepped up his play. He registered six tackles against Georgia Tech, including three straight stops. In the SEC Championship, Walker recorded two tackles for a loss and a sack.

“I felt like I could contribute,” Walker said, “so I showed my talents.”

Walker sacked Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield in the third quarter of the the Rose Bowl. You may not recall the play, but you recall Walker mimicking Mayfield’s propeller celebration. On Oklahoma’s next drive, Mayfield responded to Walker’s pressure by throwing an interception.

Walker finished the season second on the team and fifth in the SEC in tackles for a loss (13.5) and second on the team in sacks (5.5). He had 40 tackles, all playing limited minutes.

Walker may be ready, and Natrez Patrick may stick around, but the Georgia linebacker corps will not resemble the 2017 crew that featured Smith, Carter and Bellamey.

Look to the offense

If Georgia fans hope the 2018 version of Smart’s Dawgs can claim a spot in the SEC Championship game and the College Football Playoffs, they best hope for outstanding offense.

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The defense will be good, but for the 2018 Georgia football team to meet those lofty expectations, it will need help.