Georgia Bulldogs and Kirby Smart have found their not so secret weapon on defense as they dominate Clemson

The Georgia Bulldogs defense did not have many questions coming into the 2024 college football season, but they needed some of their high pedigree stars to step up and take their game to the next level when it came to getting after the passer . Heading into this year Georgia returned just three players along their defensive front who posted even a 10% pass rush pressure rate (not great). After week one, it seems Georgia has found their not so secret weapon to fix that problem.

Jalon Walker, a former five star recruit, just about single-handedly shut Clemson down by himself on Saturday. He tallied a half dozen tackles (leading the team), and grabbed a sack and a half on Clemson's quarterback Cade Klubnik, making sure he was rattled all game long. Just watch him set the edge against an offensive tackle with at least fifty pounds of weight advantage on him, then shed for the sack (in post below).

Last season Jalon Walker was used primarily as a pass rush specialist with around 30% off-ball linebacker reps mixed in, but he played less than 250 total snaps across 14 games. This ultimate hybrid edge defender and off-ball linebacker unicorn looks like he's going to be a near every down all star for Georgia's intimidating defense this season.

And he looked like he was on a mission today to prove that he deserved the increased role for one of the most elite defensive units in the country as he was an absolute nightmare off the edge. Here he is embarrassing the Clemson right tackle for another absurd sack play of the day (in post below).

Many NFL Draft scouts and national pundits spent plenty of time understandably hyping up Mykel Williams this off-season as a potential lock for first round capital next spring, but Jalon Walker just put his name in that hat as well. If he and Williams can combine to be the terrific tandem they were against Clemson all season long it's going to be tough for any opposing offense to move the ball.

Jalon Walker already posted a pass rusher pressure rate last season over 20% (on par with early first round edge rusher prospects) as he snagged five sacks on the year in part-time action. He could emerge as a potential defensive player of the year in his expanded role for the Georgia Bulldogs now.

When asked about Jalon Walker and properly utilizing his elite versatility Kirby Smart had this to say:

"We've had to get uncomfortable as coaches to use his skillset."

If Jalon Walker keeps playing like he did against Clemson, Kirby Smart and Georgia coaches won't stay uncomfortable for long.

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