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- Georgia outside linebacker Chase Linton remains week-to-week, according to Kirby Smart before Western Kentucky. Smart said the younger outside linebackers have been taking additional reps and developing while injured veterans help in meetings; he gave no return date or clearance for Linton. - Georgia's Kamari Brooks played extensively in the opener but is only recently back from an injury that cost him fall-camp time. Smart says his readiness is still being tested and the staff is accelerating his learning so he can contribute; opener playing time should not be read as proof he is fully developed or unrestricted going forward. - Smart cautions against overrating Georgia's offensive-line performance or pass rush from the opener: the opponent was overmatched in size and speed, and the quarterback released the ball quickly. Nobody played more than roughly 30-40 snaps. Rotating linemen beside different teammates was routine from practice, not a reported communication problem. - Georgia linebacker Chris Cole gives the defense speed, length and sideline-to-sideline range, with Smart highlighting his edge ability. Smart says Cole has less density than the larger versatile linebackers used as comparisons and less inside-linebacker experience than Quay; his edge strengths do not establish an identical all-purpose role.

- Georgia's outside-linebacker options remain reduced by Amaris Williams' spring knee injury and Chase Linton's lower-leg injury, with Linton described as week-to-week rather than assigned a confirmed return date. - Newcomer PJ Dean recorded 1.5 sacks, 1.5 tackles for loss and two tackles against Tennessee State, while Khamari Brooks added three tackles as Georgia tested younger pass-rush options in the opener. - Defensive end Gabe Harris generated multiple pressures despite recording only two tackles, contributing to a Georgia pass rush that finished with three sacks against Tennessee State, matching its highest single-game sack total from last season. - Kirby Smart highlighted inside linebacker Chris Cole's speed, length and ability to work on the edge, while Cole's opener included half a sack, a tackle for loss, three tackles and a pass breakup.

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- Georgia held Tennessee State to 109 yards and 10 first downs in a 63-3 opener despite playing deep into the defensive depth chart. - Georgia did not force a takeaway, but the pass rush flashed all day and freshman PJ Dean led the defense with 1.5 sacks. - Jordan Hall said Georgia wanted its first defensive impression to be lasting, and Chris Cole said the opener gave the defense confidence after spending spring and fall camp facing only Georgia's offense. - Georgia's young defensive energy carried from camp into Week 1, with veterans noting the younger roster has brought a different level of fire, passion, and celebration to the unit.