For three years, linebackers CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson patrolled the second level of the Georgia defense and made plays together. Allen is gearing up for the start of his NFL career, but Wilson is still in Athens hoping to help the Bulldogs dominate.
Wilson is viewed as the leader of Georgia's linebackers after turning down the chance to go pro. He admitted that he had to grow into being a leader, but filling that role is part of the standard that comes with being a veteran at UGA.
"It's expected once you're in the position I'm in," Wilson said. "I'm a senior here at the University of Georgia. So I'm not at practice just focusing on stuff I can do — I'm trying to bring everybody else along and get everybody else better at the same time."
Allen's departure is a significant loss for Georgia, but Wilson showed last year he can deliver big plays, too.
Wilson shined during his first full season as a starter. He racked up 74 tackles — third on the team behind Allen and KJ Bolden — along with 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and 1 pass break-up.
Wilson was especially important when Allen dealt with a knee injury in November.
"There were times last year CJ couldn't practice, CJ couldn't play, that Raylen took over," Kirby Smart said. "He did a lot of great things along with CJ, and I think he's going to shoulder more of that load along with Justin and Chris. And that's where the leadership in your defense comes from: that middle group that communicates to the d-line and communicates to the back end."
Wilson acknowledged that Allen's departure means Georgia has less linebackers who have significant experience, which makes communication much more important. As Smart noted, Wilson doesn't have to handle that alone given how much Chris Cole and Justin Williams played last season.
Wilson credited both third-year linebackers for loving work and for being intelligent, which he described as a good combination. He offered similar praise to the three freshman linebackers, who he said love to work and are highly competitive.
Smart said he has no concerns about Wilson leading the room and added that his goal is for Wilson to grow as a player and to have a great season. Wilson explained he was motivated to return to Georgia because of goals he has not achieved, which include helping the Bulldogs win it all.
"The main goal really coming here — I mean, coming out of high school, I always wanted to get a national championship. So I'd say that's the main goal," Wilson said.