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| Photo Credit: KELLY LAMBERT |
Houston supplied the spark many thought he would—playing in Todd Grantham's 3-4 defense—and he took advantage of the freedoms that scheme offered him by wreaking havoc in the SEC's backfields. His quickness, tenacity, and game-changing ability will be missed—sorely. Who will, or can, step into those roles and take on the mantles of being both a leader and a playmaker in this defense?
Christian Robinson and Cornelius Washington are the two most experienced players returning in 2011, but are either one of them prepared to shoulder that much responsibility?
Washington showed promise early, and was impressive through the first few games, but again failed to blossom into the player most still feel he can.
He, like Houston, made the switch from defensive end to linebacker in 2010. And, while Houston took to his new position almost instantly, Washington had problems. He struggled with assigments—particularly in pass coverage—and tailed off as the season progressed.
Now, with a year under his belt, can he finally put it all together?
As for Robinson, no one can doubt his great attitude and above-average work-ethic. However, it's tough to say whether or not he's got the goods to become the kind of player opposing teams scheme for or make adjustments around.
He's a good player, but he's not going to blow your doors off on a weekly basis.
The wildcard here is, obviously, Jarvis Jones. Was he able to maximize his one year as a spectator enough that he will be able to step into the role of starter? It seems to be asking a lot of him—considering he hasn't played one SEC down—and there has yet to be any indication that Georgia will fare any better at the nose position. A point that should not be forgotten.
Houston made plays despite deficiencies at that position, is there any reason to believe—at least right now—that there is a guy on this roster who would be able to do the same in 2011?
So, for right now, Georgia is left with one giant hole in their front-seven, and a whole lot more questions on how, and if, it can be filled.
What say you? Is there a guy on this roster, today, who can become anything close to what Justin Houston was over the last two years?
