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Georgia EDGE Damon Wilson getting 'shine' he deserves in year two

On3 imageby: Jake Rowe10/26/24JakeMRowe
Damon Wilson Georgia
Georgia outside linebacker Damon Wilson II (10) during Georgia’s game against Alabama on Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Al., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (Conor Dillon/UGAAA)

After a couple of paper-thin seasons at the position, Georgia’s edge defenders had a banner day in the Bulldogs 30-15 win at Texas a week ago. At least four guys brought havoc upon the Longhorn offense from the end of the line of scrimmage, a group that includes sophomore outside linebacker Damon Wilson.

Jalon Walker had a huge day bouncing back and forth between off-ball linebacker and EDGE. Mykel Williams, who plays a hybrid outside linebacker/defensive line role, had a pair of sacks and Chaz Chambliss, known much more for his ability to strike blockers and play the run, punctuated the victory with a quick pressure to end Texas’ final possession. Wilson, however, was as impressive as anyone.

The Florida native had a sack and a forced fumble. He recovered another fumble and if you look back at the film and just look at No. 10 when he’s in the game, you’ll see Wilson flying all over the field and pursuing plays 30-plus yards away from where he lined upt.

He’s a ball of energy and teammates have seen it in action on the practice field. They know how hard Wilson works and the plays he made against Texas are ones he earned.

“Yeah, I mean, he is a great, great athlete and a super good pass rusher,” junior left guard Dylan Fairchild said of Wilson earlier this week. “And I’m glad that he’s, you know, finally getting some of his shine. And he deserves it. And it’s great to see. know last year even, I think this is his second year. Last year, even as a freshman, he’s speed to powering people and it’s working. So, that’s as a freshman. And so, I’m just excited for his future. It’s only going to go up for him. And I’m super excited for him. It’s just great to see him be very productive.”

That strip sack against Texas was the first full sack of Wilson’s career. Through 12 games as a freshman and the first six this season, the former five-star prospect and crown jewel of Georgia’s 2023 class was an eyelash away. He has drawn holding penalties and drive quarterbacks off their spots. Wilson has beaten offensive tackles quickly only to see the ball come up a little too quickly for him to get home.

The hope now is that Wilson and the rest of Georgia’s pass rush will act accordingly now that it has tasted blood. This Bulldog front is different. Instead of teeming with athletic 300 pounders who can’t be moved off the point of attack, Georgia has long, twitchy defenders who excel at penetrating, disrupting, and chasing.

Wilson has a key role in this new-look approach, even if its necessity-driven thus far. He’s the type of talent who can make those around him better.

“Damon, he’s a real good athlete,” junior cornerback Daylen Everette said. “That’s something that you can just see just first glance. He’s a real good player, and I like playing behind him, playing with him, and even being around him. It’s fun just to be around him.”

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