Georgia · SECGeorgia Turns to Two Freshmen for Defensive-Line Depth
Valdin Sone has already earned a role through his disruption and speed. PJ Dean is still learning the outside linebacker spot, but Amaris Williams’ absence gives Georgia reason to accelerate his development as the Bulldogs move toward opponent-specific preparation.
AUG 26, 2026
Valdin Sone's national ranking in the Rivals Industry Ranking.
Sone's ranking among defensive tackles in that ranking.
PJ Dean's listed weight while working with Georgia's outside linebackers.
01 · The NewsThe Freshmen Roles
Georgia coach Kirby Smart said Tuesday that true freshmen Valdin Sone and PJ Dean are moving toward early defensive roles as the Bulldogs leave general camp work and begin preparing for specific opponents. Smart said Sone has created a role with his athleticism, disruption, pursuit and speed on special teams. He added that Sone will play this season in some form. Dean has taken a less direct route. Spring injuries cost him time, and Georgia has recently worked him more with the outside linebackers than the defensive ends. Smart said Dean is improving quickly but still has mistakes to remove. With Amaris Williams out, Georgia needs to find more ways to rush the passer, which gives Dean a path to playing time.
02 · The StakesWhy the Timing Matters
Sone was the Bulldogs’ No. 1 target along the interior defensive line during the recruiting cycle. He arrived as a four-star prospect ranked No. 107 nationally and No. 10 among defensive tackles in the Rivals Industry Ranking. At 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, he offers Georgia size with the movement Smart wants from him. Dean’s opportunity comes from a different need. He is now listed at 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, and the staff is testing him outside because Georgia needs edge-rush depth after Williams’ absence. Smart said Dean can run and is growing rapidly, but the freshman has not yet settled into a finished role.
03 · The Detail Beneath the HeadlineThe Detail Beneath the Headline
Dean’s position history matters more than the freshman label. He was recruited while moving between possible offensive and defensive positions, including center, guard, defensive tackle and defensive end. Georgia now has him working with the outside linebackers, where Smart sees a possible fit for a player who can shift between edge and end duties. That gives the staff another body to evaluate along the front, but it also means Dean is learning the job while Georgia needs help from it. Sone’s path is more clearly tied to the interior. Dean’s value depends on how quickly the staff can settle his responsibilities.
“Dean has athletic ability, but Smart also said he is still making mistakes and is lighter than Georgia expected.”
The Wire Desk04 · The PersonnelThe New Front
Smart described Sone in specific football terms. He gets off blocks, runs to the ball and chases plays. Georgia still wants him to become stronger at the point of attack, so his early work will show whether his quickness holds up when interior blockers get hands on him. His ability to run has also put him in the special-teams picture. Dean is being asked to learn the outside linebacker position after missing time in the spring. Smart compared the possible fit to players such as Gabe Harris, Davin Bellamy and Mykel Williams, who worked between outside linebacker and defensive end depending on the situation and the players around them. That comparison describes a possible role, not a decision already made. The next opponent-specific practices should show whether Dean remains primarily outside or continues moving between spots.
05 · Honest ScaleWhat Happens Next
Georgia is not asking both freshmen to solve the same problem. Sone can help by giving the interior a disruptive player who also brings speed to special teams. Dean matters because Williams’ absence has made the edge rotation less comfortable, and Dean is one of the younger players the staff can examine there. The risk is straightforward. Dean has athletic ability, but Smart also said he is still making mistakes and is lighter than Georgia expected. That makes his path dependent on learning the position quickly enough for the staff to trust him. If he earns early snaps, Georgia gains another way to rush without asking its established edge players to handle every situation. The first opponent-specific work will show whether Dean is becoming part of the rotation or only part of the evaluation.
06 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Where does Dean work?
The next opponent-specific practices should reveal whether Dean stays mainly with the outside linebackers or continues receiving defensive-end work. That split will show how Georgia is trying to use him.
Does Sone reach special teams?
Smart specifically pointed to Sone’s running ability as a reason he can help on special teams. His presence there would give Georgia an early way to use him while he develops strength inside.