Jones cleared so watch out for UGA LBs

Now that Jarvis Jones has been cleared by the SEC and the NCAA, the Georgia Bulldogs can now officially put his name on the depth chart in pen and opposing quarterbacks can dread facing the linebacker corps. Jones though isn’t the only reason Kellen Moore, Stephen Garcia and the rest of the quarterbacks on Georgia’s schedule should fear the “4” of defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s 3-4 defense. Jones is certainly capable of unleashing a fury, as evidenced by his play at USC before an injury forced him to miss the final five games of his true freshman season. He will play the SAM (strongside outside) linebacker spot. In the middle, Alec Ogletree moves to linebacker from the safety position where he won All-SEC freshman honors one year ago. In the spring game it seemed both were having a competition to see who could pop someone the loudest.

Ogletree will be flanked in the middle of the defense by Christian Robinson, a junior that has quickly become one of the leaders of the defense. Robinson played a bunch last year and brings the most experience back to the linebacker unit. He is all over the field and will benefit from the two animals beside him in Ogletree and Jones. The WILL (weakside outside linebacker) will likely be Cornelius Washington, who was a force at DE two years ago and should finally be out of Justin Houston’s shadow. Washington could have to hold off several of the newcomers though as Ray Drew could see some time at WILL now that Jones is officially good to go. The freshman Drew said in an interview just days before National Signing Day that Grantham saw him as another DeMarcus Ware, so he very well could come from the SAM spot, though he must learn to play without his hand in the dirt.

The depth of the linebacker spot is steadily growing as preseason practice continues. True freshman Ramik Wilson “just hits people,” as one teammate told reporters after a practice. Coach Mark Richt also praised both Chase Vasser and Michael Gilliard after the first few practices.

Oh course these linebackers will also see more success due to an improved defensive line. Suddenly a defense that seemed lost at times in 2010 should be locked, loaded and ready to thump in 2011.