On defense, the thunder is those hard hitters with a fierce boom. They are the defenders that leave no doubt, bury the opposition in the dirt and step over their graves. They are the men of the gridiron that seek contact and punish anyone standing in their way. These are the 10 Dawgs on defense that bring the THUNDER!

CJ Allen (#3, LB)

While preseason expectations were sky-high, the sophomore linebacker didn’t play to that standard last season. Still, Allen remained the heart of the defense, finishing second on the team with 76 total tackles. He notched a career-high 10 stops against Georgia Tech and continues to play a crucial role as a downhill enforcer. Now a junior, he is fast, physical and instinctive. Allen could emerge as the next Nakobe Dean-esque linebacker, patrolling sideline to sideline with energy and thunder.

Christen Miller (#52, DL)

Miller leads a thinner D-line unit but brings plenty of punch. Starting 10 games in 2024, including a five-tackle showing against Notre Dame in the CFP-Sugar Bowl, he returns as a vital force up front. Georgia needs Miller to be a disruptive run-stopper and a nightmare for quarterbacks. Expect him to collapse pockets and bring the heat–fast and thunderous.

Joseph Jonah-Ajonye (#99, DL)

As a redshirt freshman, Jonah-Ajonye got a taste of the action last year, recording a tackle in the SEC opener versus Kentucky. Now, the expectation is growth. He must evolve into a consistent, physical presence on the line, clogging lanes, breaking through double teams and wreaking havoc in the backfield as games wear on.

Raylen Wilson (#5, LB)

Quick and aggressive, Wilson adds veteran savvy to the linebacker corps. He earned his first career sack against Kentucky last year, showing his knack for QB pressure. His speed flashes like lightning and the impact hits that follow bring the thunder. Expect more disruption from this athletic junior in 2025.

KJ Bolden (#4, S)

With “Dirty Dan” Jackson and Malaki Starks gone, Bolden becomes the veteran presence in the safety room. He earned SEC All-Freshman honors last season after appearing in 14 games and showcasing elite closing speed and ball-tracking ability. Bolden will be a key playmaker on the back end. Expect interceptions, big hits and plenty of thunderous highlights.

Daylen Everette (#6, DB)

Everette took a big step forward last season, especially in SEC matchups. Over the course of two games against Texas, he recorded three interceptions, a sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery, proving he’s ready for the big stage. As a senior, he will be counted on as a leader in the secondary. Everette brings lockdown ability and a nose for the football—traits every thunderous defense needs.

Chris Cole (#9, LB)

Still just a sophomore, Cole made a strong impact with four tackles against rival Florida. Behind leaders like Allen and Wilson, Cole will continue to earn key snaps. He is physical, fast and possesses one of the highest ceilings on the team. Don’t be surprised if Cole delivers some of the season’s loudest hits.

Joenel Aguero (#8, DB)

Aguero is tailor-made for the STAR position—built like a linebacker but with DB-level speed and quickness. He brings a rare blend of power and athleticism, and his presence on the field screams versatility. Expect him to deliver big plays and even bigger hits from the hybrid slot defender spot.

Gabe Harris (#0, OLB)

With Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams gone, Harris is ready to rise. He tallied three tackles and one sack each against Alabama, Kentucky, and UMass, forcing a fumble versus Kentucky as well. As a dynamic edge rusher, Harris will be key to Georgia’s outside pressure game, forcing quarterbacks into mistakes and making offensive lines pay.

Daniel Harris  (#7, DB)

Thrown into the fire midseason after Julian Humphrey’s departure, Harris responded in a big way. He notched 22 tackles, three pass breakups, and a crushing hit against Florida. He also stepped up with three tackles in the SEC Championship win over Texas. With lockdown skills and physicality, Harris will line up opposite Everette and bring thunder to every rep.