Georgia football: 1 offensive and 1 defensive player poised to break out in 2021

Adam Anderson will have his opportunity to be the Dawgs’ next star pass rusher

In the 21st century, Georgia has asserted itself as Linebacker U. While other programs may claim that title, what has set Georgia apart in this position group is the versatility and high-end performance the Dawgs typically get out of their linebackers. Whether it has been Jarvis Jones, Azeez Ojulari or Roquan Smith, Georgia can always rely on its linebackers. Adam Anderson is next.

Like Washington, Anderson was a five-star recruit coming out of high school. The Rome, Georgia native had a strong junior season with the Dawgs last year with 13 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 11 games. Keep in mind that he had to play second-fiddle to Ojulari in the Georgia pass rush. Now with Ojulari playing in the NFL, 2021 is the time for Anderson to go get himself a 10-sack season.

What makes Anderson such a prime candidate to break out is two-fold: One, his position coach in defensive coordinator Dan Lanning will be a Power Five head coach elsewhere in 2022. This will afford his best position player ample opportunities to shine for him. And two, Georgia has balance defensively at all levels with Jordan Davis in the trenches and so much new talent in the back-end.

Ultimately, Georgia should be good enough to go somewhere around 11-1 and win the SEC East for the fourth time in five years. If the Dawgs can win two of three games vs. Clemson in Charlotte, Florida in Jacksonville and whoever comes out of the SEC West in Atlanta, Georgia will make its second-ever trip to the College Football Playoff. From there, they have the talent to go and win it.

If players like Anderson and Washington live up to their lofty five-star status, Georgia can be elite.

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