JJ Hanne making waves up front

JJ Hanne has already acquired something every Georgia player strives for.

The freshman defensive lineman has been sporting a blue guardian cap during the early portion of preseason camp. Those signify players who play with the passion, fire, and energy that head coach Kirby Smart desires.

Hanne, a native of Germany, has been exemplifying those qualities as he angles to crack Georgia’s defensive line rotation.

“He’s growing up,” Smart said. “He’s learning technique, plays hard. Football’s important to him. You always see him out there doing extra work after practice.”

Georgia’s defensive line room is a crowded one. There are veterans such as Christen Miller, Xzavier McLeod, and Jordan Hall. There is also five-star freshman Elijah Griffin, who has garnered praise from his teammates and his head coach.

But center Drew Bobo has also seen enough from Hanne to believe he will be a special player in his own right.

“He has such a motor. He never stops,” Bobo said. “I mean, if it’s a rush, it’s never over with him. You think you have him and he’s working another move, another move, another move. Until the quarterback throws the ball, he’s working a move and then he’s running down the field. I think he’s done a really good job learning everything and coming here and everyone loves him on the team. I think he’s just really fit in well.”

If Hanne’s early work ethic is any indication, he is on pace to become a contributor for the Bulldogs sooner rather than later.

“He’s one of the kids who wasn’t born and raised in the States,” Smart said. “So he doesn’t take this opportunity for granted, and that’s a key ingredient to success.”