Georgia Looking for 'Someone' to 'Take It' at Edge Rusher

Elo Modozie Georgia — Nov 2, 2024; West Point, New York, USA; Army Black Knights linebacker Elo Modozie (18) celebrates a sack against the Air Force Falcons during the second half at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

ATLANTA – With the losses of Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams, and Chaz Chambliss to the NFL Draft, the Georgia Bulldogs lose their top three leaders in sacks and top edge rushers. The trio combined for 18 sacks last season. But as the Bulldogs have learned, replacing that production can be easier said than done.

While it has become common for one NFL Draft pick to leave, inside linebacker CJ Allen knows it won’t be on one person to compensate for the loss.

“I think just as a team, we’ve got to step it up, understand that,” Allen said. “There’s a lot of reps that’s out there, so someone’s got to take it.”

One of those guys who is positioned to “take it” is Elo Modozie. The rising junior transferred to Georgia in the spring from Army. He brings experience to an outside linebacker room that lacks it. But he also brings much-needed proven production.

Playing in all 14 games last season, Modozie totaled 34 tackles, eight for a loss, 6.5 sacks, and one pass defended. His 6.5 sacks would have tied him for the team-best on Georgia’s roster last year with Walker and Chambliss.

“He’s a type of guy that I feel like can definitely do that for us,” Daylen Everette said of Modozie as a pass-rusher. “Eli is definitely a good guy. He’s definitely good to hang out with.”

Everette has an up-close look at the now No. 18 Bulldog.

“It’s funny, me and him, we actually sit next to each other in the locker room,” Everette said. “I get to talk to him a little bit. I like being around him. … I’m really excited for him to be on the team and really excited to see what he’ll do for us this year.”

After the losses in the NFL Draft, Georgia also lost Damon Wilson to the transfer portal. The now Missouri Tiger would have been Georgia’s most experienced returning edge rusher. However, now with Wilson elsewhere, that is now Gabe Harris.

Harris is the most experienced returnee, having played in 25 games over the past two years in Athens. With just two career sacks so far, he is someone the Bulldogs are hoping takes a step forward.