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Georgia Bulldogs: Top 5 Defensive Players for 2015

By John Buhler

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Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) reacts after sacking Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Auburn 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Was there any doubt?  Honestly?  Leonard Floyd is a pre-season first-teamer not only in the SEC but in Division I College Football.  Should Floyd have a double-digit sack season for the Dawgs, he will go in the Top 10 of the 2016 NFL Draft.  Like his fellow OLB Jordan Jenkins, Leonard is on the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List.

Could Floyd have entered the 2015 NFL Draft last season?  Yes, but I’m glad he chose to spend one more year in Athens.  Though he is a bona fide pass rushing force on the outside for Mark Richt’s Georgia Bulldogs, we did discover a hole in his game against Florida last season.  Floyd has to evolve into a contributor in run stoppage.

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With Jordan Jenkins being solid at the JACK position and Lorenzo Carter commanding more snaps on the defensive side of the ball, expect to see more of Leonard Floyd on the inside in 2015.  I expect him to rise to the challenge and become the complete package before heading on to the NFL.

Though these five top players on UGA’s defense will have to carry their weight and then some for the Dawgs to have a magical 2015, I expect Jeremy Pruitt’s entire defense to improve in Year Two.  As more and more talented defensive players come to Athens being recruited by the defensive staff of Pruitt, Kevin Sherrer, Mike Ekeler, and Tracy Rocker, the better the Georgia Bulldogs football program will become.  The offense has been top-notch for some time.  It’s time for the defense to rival UGA’s highly praised pro-style offense.

Next: Georgia Bulldogs: Pre-Season SEC East Favorites?

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