Georgia football searching for pass rush ahead of Tennessee State opener

ATHENS — Georgia’s defensive front produced some encouraging moments in its second scrimmage of preseason camp.

Just don’t tell Kirby Smart the Bulldogs have solved their pass-rush questions.

With fall camp essentially complete and Georgia beginning preparations for its Sept. 5 season opener against Tennessee State, Smart made it clear Tuesday that generating consistent pressure remains one of the defense’s biggest concerns.

“We aren’t where we need to be in terms of pass rush,” Smart said. “We’re missing some guys in terms of dealing with Amaris not being out there and some talent there.”

Georgia did create some havoc in its second scrimmage. Smart said the defense forced turnovers and produced sacks, but he pushed back on the notion that the performance represented a breakthrough.

“We didn’t have a sack fest out there,” Smart said. “That was not what it was at all.”

The absence of Amaris Williams has forced Georgia to explore other options, and Smart suggested the Bulldogs may have to manufacture pressure rather than depend exclusively on their defensive front.

“We’re having to do it in other ways, and we’ll have to do that probably all year in terms of the way we create pressure and how we go about it,” Smart said.

Two young players who could help are Valdin Sone and PJ Dean.

Smart has been particularly encouraged by Sone, whose athleticism has allowed him to begin carving out a role.

“He’s created a role in terms of his twitch, his disruption,” Smart said. “He’s really athletic.”

Sone still needs to become stronger at the point of attack, Smart said, but his ability to shed blocks and pursue the football gives Georgia something it can use.

“He’s going to have a role this year and play in some form or fashion,” Smart said. “He plays on special teams because he can run. He’s bright. He’s intelligent. He loves football.”

Dean’s development has taken a different path.

Injuries prevented him from getting a full spring, but Smart said consistent practice time during preseason camp has accelerated his progress.

“He’s probably just starting to scratch the surface,” Smart said. “Now that fall camp is here, he’s growing up rapidly.”

Georgia has recently worked Dean more with the outside linebackers than defensive ends. Smart said Dean is lighter than the Bulldogs initially anticipated but possesses the speed to potentially contribute to the pass rush.

“With Amaris Williams being out, we’ve got to find ways to rush the passer,” Smart said. “I do think he’s going to help us add depth.”

Georgia now moves into what Smart calls the second phase of preseason preparation — cleaning up trouble spots and beginning opponent-specific work.

There is plenty Smart likes about his defense.

The pass rush isn’t on that list yet.

“To say that we’re where we need to be pass rush-wise,” Smart said, “I don’t know that we are.”