ATHENS — Kirby Smart was very enthusiastic when discussing the progress of Jordan Hall.
It’s a big season for the sophomore, as he’s expected to be an important piece on the defensive line this fall.
The problem at the moment is that Smart was discussing his return from injury, rather than his growth as a player.
“Jordan was out there smoking it across the field, and excited,” Smart said. “He was up at 5.30 in the morning, game day, rehabbing on his own, beat Ron in there, riding a bike in Atlanta. I mean, he is a different dude when it comes to rehab. He has attacked it and dove all in.”
Hall isn’t the only injured defensive lineman at the moment. Depending on how you view Mykel Williams, he’s one of four dealing with some sort of injury entering the second game of the season.
Georgia should be just fine this week against Tennessee Tech, especially with how well Christen Miller and Nazir Stackhouse looked on Saturday. Stackhouse played 33 snaps on the interior, while Miller added 29. That both were able to play so well at that volume is a big reason Clemson’s Phil Mafah had only 59 rushing yards.
“Tray (Scott) has done a great job of bringing the young players along in that room, and we’re getting a blessing in some ways of getting all these young guys ready while we’re trying to get healthy,” Smart said. “That could really pay dividends late in the year if we get everybody back.”
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins led the defensive line in snaps played with 35, as he bounced between defensive end and defensive tackle.
It remains to be seen if Hall will be back this week, as he is still recovering from surgery on both of his legs to alleviate stress fractures.
Warren Brinson left Saturday’s game with a lower leg contusion. Smart said the senior defensive tackle has a shot to play this weekend, but it doesn’t sound like his injury is long-term. Brinson battled an Achilles injury during fall camp as well.
Hall is ahead of Xzavier McLeod at this point, with the latter battling an abdominal injury at the moment. Neither player dressed out on Saturday.
As for Williams, who plays a hybrid position of outside linebacker and defensive lineman, he did not participate in Tuesday’s practice. Smart added earlier in the week Williams’ ankle won’t require surgery and isn’t expected to be a long-term injury.
With Williams sidelined, expect to see more snaps for sophomore Damon Wilson.
“There’s things he’s got to improve on and do better. He missed a couple of opportunities to make a couple of plays that I thought he should’ve made,” Smart said. “But I don’t judge Damon on that body of work of those snaps. I judge Damon on the body of work of the 1,000 snaps he’s had in camp. And he’s had a really good camp. He’s improved himself physically. He can play more downs now. He’s got to continue to get stronger and maintain his weight.”
Given Georgia should cruise to victory this week against an overmatched Tennessee Tech, Georgia will also get the opportunity to get some reps for younger defensive linemen like Joseph Jonah-Ajonye and Jordan Thomas.
All snaps for this group will be crucial with Georgia’s next two games both being on the road. The Bulldogs visit Kentucky and mobile quarterback Brock Vandagriff next week and take on Alabama and Jalen Milroe at the end of the month.
It helps this group greatly that Georgia has an off week sandwiched between the two games.
