Georgia’s defense has had a history of being elite under Kirby Smart. Smart did a fantastic job this off season with player retention and the transfer portal. The Dawgs’ defense during the 2024 season has a mix of key returning players as well as some new faces fans should be familiar with. Although the Dawgs lost three starting members of the secondary to the NFL, a multitude of experienced players remain in the group. Last season, Georgia often struggled to pressure the quarterback. The emphasis of the Georgia defense during the 2024 season should be the defensive line and secondary.

1 Mykell Williams (#13, DL)

Williams came into Georgia as a five-star and the number two defensive-lineman in his class. He recorded 4.5 sacks during the 2023 season. The edge position is extremely valuable with quarterback pressure, and NFL scouts are already ranking Williams high on their boards.

2 Malaki Starks (#24, DB)

By now, Georgia fans are familiar with the name Malaki Starks. Also a former five-star, Starks entered his first game against Oregon as a true freshman and came down with a spectacular highlight interception. Starks enters his third year with the Dawgs and is one of the most talented players on the team. He amassed 31 solo tackles and three interceptions during the 2023 season.

3 Smael Mondon Jr. (#2, ILB)

Smael Mondon Jr. dealt with injuries throughout the entire 2023 season. Even so, Mondon Jr. played in every single game, starting in 11 of the 14. PFF listed their top-10 linebackers to watch in 2024 and Mondon was ranked fifth on the list. He is a two-year starter for the Bulldogs and will be a major leader on the defensive side of the ball.

4 Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (#93, DL)

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins missed six games during the 2023 season due to a foot injury. In his short time playing last season, he had one sack and forced one fumble. After surgery this past offseason, T.I.D. looks to make a strong return to the field.

5 Nazir Stackhouse (# 78, DL)

Nazir Stackhouse, a fan favorite, is returning for his senior season. Stackhouse was an All-SEC Second team player last season, starting in all 14 games. He made 24 tackles (13 solo) which included two sacks. In addition, he intercepted one ball against Missouri and nearly returned it for a pick-six.

6 Daylen Everette (#6, DB)

Daylen Everette is the most experienced returning corner. He started every game last season, and he put up his best performance in the Orange Bowl against FSU. His first career interception came against the Seminoles. His third year at Georgia will come with his second straight season starting at corner.

7 Jalon Walker (#11, ILB)

Jalon Walker played a very specific role for the Georgia defense in 2023. He saw action in every game as a reserve linebacker. Primarily playing on third down, Walker had 20 total tackles and had a team-high five sacks.

8 Chaz Chambliss (#32, OLB)

Soon after the Orange Bowl, Chaz Chambliss announced his intention to return for his Senior season. This offseason, Chambliss spoke on his focus this offseason being winning more efficiently in the pass-rush and use of his hands in the run game. Chambliss has been cross-training with MMA, inspired by players in the NFL such as Maxx Crosby.

9 Dan Jackson (#17, DB)

Dan Jackson walked on to Georgia and has been with the Dawgs since 2019. He has seen action on the field in the past three seasons. He is the most experienced member of the defensive back group. With the new absences of Javon Bullard and Tykee Smith, Jackson is again competing for a starting role at the safety position. Expected him to win the position, Jackson and his experience will help him play a vital role for the secondary.

10 Daniel Harris (#7, DB)

Daniel Harris made waves at the end of the 2023 season. With the absence of Julian Humphrey due to injury, Harris was able to see the field six times last season. He showed flashes in coverage and recorded one solo tackle. He will be a valuable member of the cornerback rotation, but don’t be surprised if he works his way into a starting role.

11 Julian Humphrey (#12, DB)

Humphrey briefly entered the transfer portal in January. Yet, he quickly decided to return to Georgia stating, “Georgia gets you ready for the NFL. It has been proven. I want to be a part of that.” Before suffering a season-ending injury against Ole Miss, Humphrey showed promise at the corner position. Now healthy, Humphrey will be a key-contributor to the Georgia secondary.

12 Christen Miller (#52 DL)

Christen Miller entered the transfer portal for a brief period during this offseason, but Kirby Smart and Co. were able to convince the talented defensive-lineman to return to the Dawgs. During his freshman season, Miller racked up nine solo tackles and one sack.