ESPN named Georgia Bulldogs sophomore inside linebacker Raylen Wilson as a break out player for the 2024 college football season. Wilson is a former elite recruit with excellent speed.
Wilson is coming off a freshman season during which he played in 12 games and recorded 15 tackles. Wilson was named to the SEC All-Freshman team after the 2023 season.
“He’s instinctive, fast and physical, and can be a downhill thumper who can also be a sideline-to-sideline pursuer,” said ESPN’s Billy Tucker. “Wilson has bulked up to 235 pounds with the same speed and athleticism and filled out his length to enhance his already impressive skills as a blitzer.”
Tucker predicts Wilson will have a massive season with 90 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks. We don’t think this level of production is entirely realistic when looking at Georgia’s inside linebackers room. The Bulldogs also have Smael Mondon and CJ Allen at inside linebacker, so Wilson may not even start.
Georgia Bulldogs defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann recently discussed Allen and Wilson with the media. Both Allen and Wilson saw extended action this spring with Mondon out due to a foot injury.
“CJ and Raylen really benefited from this spring, having the opportunity to take over heightened leadership roles and in bowl prep, and they’ve only grown from that,” said Schumann. “I think you’ve seen an increased confidence in them, and those guys are really mature beyond their years in terms of how they prepare, so they’ve been growing every day. I’m excited about how they’re going to play this year.”
Georgia has to be confident in the depth it has at inside linebacker.