The Georgia Bulldogs aim to boast one of the top defenses in the SEC and the nation in 2025. However, it will be even more challenging after losing at least seven defensive starters either to the 2025 NFL Draft or the transfer portal. Therefore, the Bulldogs must rely on the few returning starters and young players, including a former five-star, to pick up the slack and lead the team to the Promised Land.
The Georgia Bulldogs’ young CB saw limited playing time in 2024
Georgia Bulldogs, Ellis Robinson IV
Aug 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensie back Ellis Robinson IV (1) breaks up a pass for Clemson Tigers wide receiver Cole Turner (22) during the fourth quarter of the 2024 Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Ellis Robinson IV committed to the Georgia Bulldogs as a five-star recruit and was ranked not only as the top cornerback but the best overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, according to ESPN 300. The five-star was buried in the depth chart during his true freshman campaign and saw limited playing time, recording only three tackles and allowing seven passing yards across four games and 51 defensive snaps before redshirting. Robinson is expected to see the field more in 2025 and has a chance to show the nation why he was the highest-rated recruit.
Georgia Bulldogs’ highly-rated CB named a breakout candidate by ESPN
Georgia Bulldogs, Ellis Robinson IV
Georgia defensive back Ellis Robinson IV (1) arrives before the start of the Georgia G-Day spring football game in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
In an ESPN article, Billy Tucker lists 11 second-year players who are breakout candidates for the 2025 season. He highlights Ellis Robinson IV as the third player listed. Tucker points out that Robinson is expected to see meaningful snaps in the nickel and has the skill set to eventually move to the outside and develop into a lockdown corner.
“While many expected greater impact from Robinson as the No. 1-ranked player in the ESPN 300, Georgia’s defense had three players selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Even this season, Robinson is not projected to start on the outside, but he’ll see plenty of meaningful snaps at nickel and has the skills to take over the perimeter as a lockdown corner at any point,” Tucker said.
“Word from Athens is that the light has come on. Robinson is seeing the game more clearly, allowing him to play faster. Reminder: Robinson possesses a rare blend of length, speed and ball skills. He just happens to be part of a defense where that’s the norm.”
Ellis Robinson IV has impressed Kirby Smart this offseason
Georgia Bulldogs, Ellis Robinson IV
Georgia wide receiver Sacovie White (18) makes a catch while being defended by Georgia defensive back Ellis Robinson IV (1) during the Georgia G-Day spring football game in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
“He’s improved, he’s worked really hard, he competes in practice, he can play physical,” Kirby Smart said about Robinson, via Johnathan Hooker ofUGA Wire. “He doesn’t always do it, he needs to do it more consistently. He is not shy or afraid of contact, and he’s got ball skills. He makes plays on the ball a lot, and that’s a big part of being a corner.”
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