Georgia Bulldogs: 5 Defensive Players to Watch vs. Vandy
By John Buhler
Sep 5, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Louisiana Monroe Warhawks running back DeVontae McNeal (28) is tackled by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) and defensive tackle Sterling Bailey (58) during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
If there was one player that impressed me the most in last week’s win over ULM on the defensive side of the ball, it was Senior DT Sterling Bailey. With many guys from the “no-name” defensive line departing after last year, I knew that at least one upperclassmen would have to step up for DL Coach Tracy Rocker’s group.
Last week, Bailey helped turn the ferocious Georgia pass rush from a great group of linebackers to a very strong-looking front seven. Both Bailey and Chris Mayes made big plays from the defensive line last week, when we all thought that it was going to become the Trent Thompson. I’m sure that’s coming, but Sterling Bailey and Chris Mayes looked impressive.
I see the defensive line having a great opportunity for continued excellence in Week 2 against Vanderbilt on Saturday. Expect a handful of defensive linemen to make plays against a struggling Vandy offense, recording tackles for a loss of yardage and maybe a strip sack of VU QB Johnny McCrary.
Of all the players on the UGA defensive line, look for DT Sterling Bailey to make the most of his opportunities on Saturday. I sense that he could help in stuffing the run, forcing two tackles for a loss, and get at least half a sack with another great UGA pass rusher on Saturday. He won’t blow up the stat sheet for the Georgia Bulldogs, but Sterling Bailey’s presence will play a prominent role against Vandy.
Next: From Walk-On to Leader of the DBs