When it comes to football, quarterback is obviously the star position.
Seasons can be made or broken with one failed pass or a missed audible in the biggest game, so it makes sense that the position is constantly in the limelight. But the quarterback is also just one player at the end of the day, and the position groups that surround him will be crucial to make a run to the College Football Playoff for teams in the top 25.
With that being said and spring practice right around the corner, it’s time to look at the position groups that will be key in the 2023 season for each ranked team in our Way-Too-Early college football top 25.
Replacing starting quarterback Stetson Bennett is obviously going to be Georgia’s primary focus in spring practice, but it will also need to identify difference-makers at outside linebacker. The Bulldogs got a head start last season after star Nolan Smith suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in late October. Smith and senior Robert Beal Jr. departed for the NFL draft, and MJ Sherman transferred to Nebraska. Chaz Chambliss and Jalon Walker, who was recruited as an inside linebacker, had increased roles on the outside after Smith was hurt. Marvin Jones Jr. also played at the position as a true freshman, but he’ll miss spring drills with a shoulder injury. The Bulldogs have plenty of former ESPN 300 recruits to work with, including Darris Smith and C.J. Madden and freshmen Damon Wilson, Samuel M’Pemba and Gabriel Harris, who were all early enrollees. “When we’ve been at our best, we’ve had a lot of speed and athleticism in that [outside linebackers] room, and we’re trying to get back to it,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “We hope these guys can do that and provide some defensive end help as well when it comes to playing 4-3 and having two guys out there.” — Mark Schlabach
Any group of Ohio State’s defense could fit here, but the Buckeyes really need their defensive line to become a disruptive force again. The group…
