Georgia football’s CJ Allen embraces linebacker legacy as next defensive leader | Georgia Sports

At Georgia, playing linebacker is more than a position; it’s a legacy. And it’s CJ Allen’s turn to be the next great Georgia linebacker. 

With the Bulldogs reloading on defense ahead of the 2025 season, Allen, a junior from Barnesville, Georgia, is expected to step into the lead linebacker role for one of college football’s most dominant units.

“You are a linebacker at the University of Georgia,” Allen said Tuesday at SEC Media Days. “That just means a lot to be able to put that ‘G’ on.”

Allen was one of three Georgia players selected to attend SEC Media Days, joining quarterback Gunner Stockton and cornerback Daylen Everette.

Georgia’s linebacker tradition includes three Butkus Award winners in the last decade: Roquan Smith (2017), Nakobe Dean (2021) and Jalon Walker (2024). All three helped anchor national title-contending defenses and went on to the NFL.

Allen, a former four-star recruit from Lamar County High School, was ranked among the top five linebackers in the class of 2023. He chose Georgia over offers from Florida, Auburn and Tennessee, and didn’t take long to make his presence known.

Midway through his freshman season, Allen stepped in for injured starter Jamon Dumas-Johnson. The following week, he delivered a breakout performance with nine tackles and a sack in a win over No. 9 Ole Miss. 

“I really, honestly think that team success leads to individual success,” Allen said.

That performance secured his place in the rotation, and he’s been a consistent contributor since. With Walker, Malaki Starks and Smael Mondon Jr. off to the NFL, Allen is expected to lead a younger Georgia defense this fall — and he’s already drawing first-round grades from numerous NFL draft analysts.

“I know what the young guys are going through,” Allen said. “So I’m just being there for them. Now, I’m just trying to be that leader for the whole team.”

He keeps his message simple: focus on the work. It’s a mentality that head coach Kirby Smart has preached throughout his tenure at Georgia.

“Keep the main thing the main thing,” Allen said. “Be where your feet are. You show up on Day One, be on Day One. Don’t think about Day 17.”

Allen believes this year’s unit has the chance to exceed expectations, especially after a season where Georgia’s defense didn’t meet its usual standard.

“The whole defense, man, I think we can surprise a lot of people,” he said. “Just playing with each other, getting to know each other on a deeper level.”

That identity starts with defending Sanford Stadium, where Georgia has won 31 straight games dating back to 2019.

“It’s like someone coming into your house,” Allen said. “You’re not just going to let them come in and take something.”

The question now is what Allen will do with this opportunity. Georgia linebackers have a track record of leading championship-caliber defenses, and with experience now on his side, Allen has the chance to follow in their footsteps and make his own mark.

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}