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Georgia Bulldogs: 5 players most likely to improve in 2016

By John Buhler

Oct 3, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) runs the ball while defended by Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Trenton Thompson (78) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) runs the ball while defended by Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Trenton Thompson (78) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Kelvin Taylor (21) runs with the ball as Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Roquan Smith (3) defends during the second half at EverBank Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 27-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Kelvin Taylor (21) runs with the ball as Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Roquan Smith (3) defends during the second half at EverBank Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 27-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Georgia was able to delay a downtick at inside linebacker for at least a season in 2015. Former UAB transfer Jake Ganus was sensational in his lone year playing Between the Hedges. Linebackers coaches Mike Ekeler and Kevin Sherrer even felt confident of playing outside linebacker Leonard Floyd on the inside to make the pass rush all that more lethal.

That being said, the Georgia Bulldogs have more answers at inside linebacker than they do at any other position group on defense in 2016. Kirby Smart brought with him from Alabama defensive assistant Glenn Schumann to become the new inside linebackers coach. While competition is going to play a huge part in whoever gets either inside linebacker job, maybe this is the perfect opportunity for sophomore Roquan Smith to seize control of the situation?

Smith played a bit as a true freshman in 2015, but is best known for his unorthodox decision to not sign a National Letter of Intent on National Signing Day in 2015. Roquan Smith initially committed to UCLA to play for Jim Mora, but after further consideration he decided to stay in state and play for the Dawgs collegiately.

Smith is one of those players that could play all four linebacker positions. While fellow sophomore Natrez Patrick is probably more polished to start inside at this point that Smith, Roquan Smith’s versatility and ferocity could get him ample opportunities to play all over new defensive coordinator Mel Tucker’s defense in 2016.

Next: Trent Thompson

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