According to PFF, Georgia edge defenders Malik Herring and Azeez Olujari are two of the top three returning in the SEC in 2020.
According to PFF (Pro Football Focus) Georgia is returning two of the SEC’s top edge defenders for the 2020 season.
Georgia senior defensive end Malik Herring graded as the highest returning SEC edge defender at 90.5. Herring, from Forsyth, Georgia, played in 13 games for the Bulldogs in 2019 and recorded five tackles for loss and 26 total tackles as part of a Georgia defensive line that played mostly as a unit, rotating in and out to keep legs fresh.
A few points behind Kentucky’s Jamar Watson on the list is Georgia red-shirt sophomore Azeez Ojulari, who graded as the third best SEC returning edge defender at 78.0.
After a red-shirting his freshman season, Ojulari burst onto the scene for the Bulldogs in 2019, recording 36 tackles and six for a loss. Against Tennessee, the Marietta, Georgia native led the team with two sacks and 10 quarterback pressures.
The 2019 Georgia defense was one of the best the Bulldogs have ever seen. And with the help of returning starters like Malik Herring and Azeez Olujari with veterans like Monty Rice and Richard LeCounte III, Georgia could have another record-breaking defense in 2020.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Kentucky edge defender Jamar “Boogie” Watson
Last year, the NFL draft featured a talented edge rusher by the name of Josh Allen. In 2020, another pass-rushing Wildcat could make waves at the next level.
A versatile prospect who can get after opposing quarterbacks and shut down ball-carriers in the backfield, Watson recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about the skill set he brings to the table, how playing at Kentucky has prepared him for the next level, and what fans can expect from him the rest of this season.
JM: How would you describe your skill set?
JBW: I’m a very athletic edge rusher. I can play off the edge as a rusher and I can drop in coverage a little bit as well. I’m a savvy player and I have a high football I.Q. as well.
JM: What’s your favorite part about playing linebacker?
JBW: I love having the ability to effect the game on a snap-by-snap basis. I play in the middle of the defense and we get to be involved on every single play. I have a role to play on every single defensive snap. I love that. That gives me a chance to be a high impact player.
JM: I heard that you’re a tap dancer. How did you get into that?
JBW: My high school basketball coach recommended that I get into tap dancing. I needed an extra credit and it was a pretty easy class, if I’m being honest (laughs). I gave it a shot and I’ve actually kept it going since high school. I really ended up liking it.
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JM: Your dream job outside of being an NFL player is to become a police offer. Why is that?
JBW: It started off with me watching lots of law enforcement shows. Those were my favorite types of shows growing up.CSI, Law & Order, shows like that. As I got older, my interest in law enforcement became more serious and I started doing some research. If I wasn’t playing football, that would be my dream career. That’s what I’m studying right now in school. That’s my top desire aside from football. My goal is to play in the NFL, first and foremost, but a career as an officer of the law after football definitely intrigues me.
JM: What’s your favorite cop show of all time?
JBW: That’s a great question. If I had to go all time, I would probably say “Person of Interest.” It’s on Netflix now, and it has about five seasons. It’s about this I.T. nerd guy who has the ability to predict future crimes and he has this badass friend who’s the muscle of the group. He sends him out on these missions to stop these crimes before they happen. That’s probably my favorite show of all time.
JM: Who do you think is the best NCAA player you’ve ever gone up against?
JBW: I would probably go with Sony Michel or Deebo Samuel. Those guys stood out for obvious reasons. I can’t forget about Lamar Jackson. He’s as dynamic as they come. Those are definitely my top three.
JM: Is there an NFL running back or tight end you’re looking forward to tackling or covering?
JBW: I would probably say Ezekiel Elliott. He’s received so much publicity over the last couple of years. He’s a superstar running back and I’d love to test out my abilities against a guy like that.
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
JM: Coach Brad White did a great job with Josh Allen last year. He also has six years NFL experience with the Indianapolis Colts. How has he helped elevate your game?
JBW: He’s definitely taken my game to another level. He has an incredible feel for the game. He understands the role of a linebacker well beyond pass rushing. He’s helped me in every faucet of my game. His attention to detail is tremendous. It’s the small things that he’s taught me that helped me become a better player. He’s really made a difference in my life. Josh Allen will tell you himself, we as a linebacker group give a ton of credit to coach White. He puts a huge emphasis on having us reach for the ball. Try to strip it out and create turnovers. It’s the small technique stuff that he’s really helped me out a lot.
JM: How has Kentucky helped prepare you for what’s next?
JBW: The weight staff is one of the best in the country. We have some veteran guys around this program. The coaching staff has a ton of experience. The training staff is top notch as well. They keep us right throughout the summer and throughout the season as well. Our coaches have had success at multiple levels. Having these guys at my disposal has been huge for me.
JM: What can Kentucky fans expect from you for the rest of this season?
JBW: They can expect me to be continue being a productive member of this defense. My team needs me to be productive. I’m working hard to improve every single day. I’m definitely focused and locked in right now.
