The defensive line was always a source of concern for Kirby Smart’s team, but injuries sustained during fall camp will put Georgia’s depth to the test when they play No. 14 Clemson in Week 1. Jordan Hall will miss the entire season due to an Achilles injury, Warren Brinson was limited going into fall camp, and now South Carolina transfer Xzavier McLeod is set to miss the opening game of the season due to an apparent abdominal strain sustained during fall camp.
Following his dismissal from the South Carolina football program last autumn, McLeod transferred to Georgia. Despite seeing limited action in just four games for the Gamecocks, the 2023 four-star recruit was expected to play a significant role in Glenn Schummann’s defense as a redshirt freshman.
Hall and McLeod are both anticipated to miss the game against Clemson, although Warren Brinson seems fit enough to participate. Warren has been making progress, according to Smart’s Tuesday injury report update, which stated, “I believe he has returned to a 75–85% GPS metrics.” We should be able to bring Achilles back shortly because he was an Achilles when he entered the camp. I’ll find out more today.
As a result, Georgia is left with Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse as its two main interior starters, but little depth behind them. 6-foot-5, 280-pound defensive end Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins may have to temporarily slide inside, while redshirt sophomore Christen Miller will likely be required to play a bigger part in the defensive line rotation. Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, a true freshman, is also anticipated to participate.
Despite only averaging 4.3 yards per attempt, Clemson’s running offense from the previous season placed them 43rd overall. With running back Phil Mafah, the Tigers might wear down Georgia’s flimsy defensive line and increase their efficiency on the ground in a highly fast-paced attack led by offensive coordinator Garrett Riley.
Georgia is currently favored by two touchdowns over Clemson in the Aflac Kickoff Game; but, Carson Beck may be expected to win a shootout if Brinson’s return to the field is hindered in any way before August 31 or if he aggravates the injury during his first live-action game. The Bulldogs defeated Clemson 10-3 in their previous meeting with Georgia.
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