Latest news with #Modozie
USA Today
22-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN's Cole Cubelic thinks Georgia LB could win SEC defensive player of the year
The edge defender position at Georgia saw a dip in NFL talent in recent years after the departures of Travon Walker, Nolan Smith, and Robert Beal, but the tide has turned. Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker recently showcased elite talent, leading to both being selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. Walker's exceptional performance was further recognized when he earned the 2024 Butkus Award. Georgia had to dip into the transfer portal to try to find a great edge rusher for the 2025 season. The Dawgs think they found one in Elo Modozie. "I am glad you mentioned motor, Randall Cobb, because this young man (Elo Modozie), if it is back in coverage, if it is back side of a run play, if it is 50 yards down the field, it does not matter," SEC Network college football expert Cubelic said. "He has the ability to rush the passer, bend the edge with speed and flexibility, he will go get a play on the opposite side of the field." "I think he is the perfect fit to give Georgia something they did not have when he was added to the roster. I think he can handle another 12-15 pounds on to his frame as well. When you think about that mentality, where he is coming from, into that Georgia defense, it really is a perfect mix for him to put up a dominant season for Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs." Cueblic has expectations that are high and has Modozie, an Army Black Knights transfer, winning SEC defensive player of the year. Modozie's final season at Army was impactful, as he recorded 34 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Over his two-year career with the Black Knights, he accumulated a total of 43 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. His production will be much needed now that the edge position for Georgia is inexperienced outside of Gabe Harris. Follow UGAWire on Instagram or Threads!
USA Today
08-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Georgia rises in ESPN's updated college football rankings
Georgia rises in ESPN's updated college football rankings ESPN ranks the Georgia Bulldogs higher in their post-spring college football top 25 rankings than they did following the 2024 college football season. Georgia notably made several key moves in the transfer portal during the spring to strengthen their roster. The Bulldogs looked good in their spring game and did not lose any major contributors via the spring transfer portal. Georgia checks in as the No. 4 team in Mark Schlabach's post-spring top 25, which is one spot higher than Georgia was in the winter version of the rankings. Georgia is ranked behind No. 3 Texas, No. 2 Clemson and No. 1 Penn State. The defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes round out the top five at No. 5. Schlabach likes what Georgia has done to improve its wide receiver room. The Bulldogs added Texas A&M transfer Noah Thomas and USC transfer Zachariah Branch via the winter transfer portal. "Georgia's receiver corps, which was a problem area in 2024, might actually be a strength in 2025," said Schlabach. Georgia's receivers will try to help out projected starting quarterback Gunner Stockton, who helped Georgia win the SEC championship and played well in Georgia's Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame. One of Georgia's top spring transfers is bruising Illinois running back Josh McCray. "McCray led the Illini with 609 rushing yards and 10 scores last season; his physical running style will complement (Nate) Frazier," said Schlabach. Georgia's offense should be in a decent place for the 2025 season. However, the Dawgs have a lot of question marks on defense and in the trenches. Georgia lost four starting offensive linemen to the 2025 NFL draft and seven of their eight leading sack producers from last season. Schlabach outlines some new faces that could make an immediate impact for Georgia's defense. "Coach Kirby Smart made Modozie a priority in the spring portal window after the Bulldogs lost NFL first-round picks Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams. Modozie had 6.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss for the (Army) Black Knights in 2024. Freshman Elijah Griffin, the No. 1 defensive tackle prospect in the 2025 ESPN 300, made a great impression in spring practice and should contribute immediately," noted Schlabach. Georgia's 2025 schedule is a little more manageable, so we may have to wait a while to see how good this UGA team is. The Dawgs don't have a true test until Week 3 at Tennessee.
