Damon Wilson transferring leaves Georgia razor thin on the EDGE

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The Georgia Bulldogs defensive unit took some massive hits yesterday. It started with both Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft; however, those decisions were expected. What wasn’t expected was Damon Wilson announcing his intentions to transfer.

Wilson, who tallied 22 total tackles, six tackles for loss, and three sacks this season, was widely projected to play a critical role in Georgia’s pass rush next year following the departures of Williams and Walker. Now, his decision leaves the Bulldogs without four of their most productive pass rushers, as Chaz Chambliss also declared for the draft. Collectively, the departing quartet accounted for 21 of Georgia’s 37 sacks this season, a significant chunk of the team’s defensive production.

It would behoove the Bulldogs to do whatever it takes to convince Damon Wilson to stay if at all possible, which is something that does happen often these days. The transfer portal is a lot like free agency. Why wouldn’t highly sought after players take the opportunity to get courted by every team to see what’s available?

But even if Georgia does find a way to convince Damon Wilson to stay, they’ll still need to invest heavily in the position through the transfer portal. The only player currently on the roster with significant experience is Gabe Harris Jr., who appeared in all 14 games for the Bulldogs this season, recording 14 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. Freshman Quintavius Johnson also saw limited action but is expected to burst onto the scene in 2025, while incoming recruit Isaiah Gibson, the nation’s top-ranked EDGE in the 2025 class, offers promise but lacks collegiate experience.

For a program that prides itself on relentless defensive pressure, Georgia must be aggressive in the transfer portal. Whether it’s convincing Wilson to stay, landing a high-impact transfer, or both, the Bulldogs have to reload at the position if they want to return to the College Football Playoff in 2025.

Photographer: Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire

 

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