3 Georgia football players that must step up for Bulldogs to win the SEC

Adam Anderson faces the tall task of replacing Azeez Ojulari on the edge

For Georgia to be able to close out games, the Dawgs must do two things well: Run the football and rush the passer. Georgia has a deep running back corps with the likes of Zamir White, James Cook, Kendall Milton, Kenny McIntosh and Daishun Edwards. However, the Dawgs do have to replace one of their most prolific pass-rushers in recent memory in linebacker Azeez Ojulari.

Given that he is a senior, it is Adam Anderson‘s turn to do his part in keeping Georgia Linebacker U. He will get support in the linebacking corps from Nakobe Dean, Nolan Smith and Quay Walker, but Anderson needs to lead this team in sacks. He is coming off a career-best with 5.5 in 2020. Georgia is going to need about eight from him this year, as well as close to 10 tackles for a loss.

Darnell Washington has the talent to be Georgia’s version of Kyle Pitts

For Georgia, it is going to come down to them having a playmaker on offense no SEC defense can answer. While it could be in the running game or at quarterback with Daniels, their potential biggest mismatch has to be sophomore tight end Darnell Washington. The 6-foot-7 former five-star recruit from Las Vegas showed signs of great promise in his true freshman season last year.

Washington may have only had seven catches for 166 yards in four games, but last year was anything but a normal season. If he can build a rapport with Daniels quickly, this tandem has the potential to be this year’s version of Kyle Trask to Kyle Pitts in the SEC East. Factor in Gilbert being a former five-star tight end himself and Georgia could have a very difficult passing offense to stop.

If Georgia wants to win the SEC and make the College Football Playoff this fall, the Dawgs need to be able to close out games with a strong ground game and pass rush, as well as having the ability to come from behind with a high-octane passing offense. A balanced Georgia team that can win in multiple ways will allow them to get to 11-1 or even 12-0 with a shot at the playoff on the line.

An improved passing game and a reloaded pass rush are necessary for Georgia to win the SEC.

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