Expectations rising for Elo Modozie

Of Georgia’s incoming defensive transfers, former Army edge rusher Elo Modozie continues to create his share of buzz.

Just ask SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic, who tabbed Modozie as his preseason SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

“They do not have a young man with this twitch, with this speed, this bend,” Cubelic said. “I know it is crazy that I am saying this is about a Georgia defense.”

Even head coach Kirby Smart seems to suggest Modozie could be special.

“People are going to know his name before the year is over, and I’m sure he’s going to get people to pronounce it the right way,” Smart said. “He’s a tremendous kid, a hard worker, and a really good athlete, and we’re looking forward to watching him flourish in this system.”

UGASports’ sources say the same about Modozie’s performance. Modozie stepped in from day one and picked up the system quickly.

That’s good news for the Bulldogs, who are counting on Modozie to help replace some of the pass rush lost with Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker now in the NFL.

“We’ve seen some flashes of some things from the workouts with him,” Smart said of the 6-foot-3, 248-pounder, who had 6.5 sacks last year with the Black Knights.

Linebacker CJ Allen said Modozie fits in other ways.

“Our whole theme and this message this whole offseason for the whole team has been fire, passion, energy, and being able to affect each other. It’s about just coming out and doing the little things,” Allen said. “I think Elo’s just a great person. He wants to get better and wants to learn the defense. (Modozie) wants to win. I think his coming here to learn the defense is huge for him.”

Cubelic’s recent comments about Modozie were not his first about the new Bulldog.

Early on his podcast “Cube Show,” the analyst had this to say.

“I think (he) has the ability. If he can add eight to 12 pounds before he enters the season, he can be as dominant of an edge defender as there is in this league,” Cubelic said. “And trust me, we’re about to get to some real edge guys in the next two groups. He has that kind of twitch, that kind of motor, that kind of ability, that kind of just get off and want-to as anybody I’ve seen in the nation. That kid’s got it.”

Cornerback Daylen Everette said Modozie has already fit right in.

“He didn’t really come in nervous or anything,” Everette said. “I feel like we did a good job bringing him in as a brother. Just being around him every day is just fun.”