Georgia Linebacker CJ Allen Explains the Bulldogs’ Approach to the Fall Season
The Georgia Bulldogs have consistently been a powerhouse in college football under head coach Kirby Smart, winning national championships and maintaining a high level of competitiveness in the Southeastern Conference. This coming season, Georgia is looking to continue its dominance, with a number of key players returning, including linebacker CJ Allen. As one of the emerging stars on defense, Allen’s perspective on the team’s approach to the upcoming fall season is crucial to understanding Georgia’s plans for another run at the title.
The Rise of CJ Allen
Before diving into Georgia’s strategy for the 2025 season, it’s important to understand CJ Allen’s background. A standout linebacker in high school, Allen made an immediate impact upon arriving at Georgia. Known for his leadership, discipline, and relentless work ethic, he quickly became one of the cornerstones of the Bulldogs’ defense. With his ability to read the game and make plays, Allen’s presence in the linebacker corps is vital to Georgia’s success moving forward.
“I’ve been working on becoming more versatile,” Allen said in a recent interview. “The biggest thing for me is staying consistent. Coach Smart emphasizes that every rep counts. Whether it’s in the weight room or on the field, you have to bring your best each day.”
Allen’s attitude reflects the overarching philosophy at Georgia: consistency, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. His role in the linebacker unit is multifaceted, as he not only focuses on making plays but also helps lead by example for the younger players who are constantly learning from him and his teammates.
A New Era of Leadership
Georgia has seen some significant turnover in recent years, with key players leaving for the NFL and new talent stepping in to fill their shoes. Despite this, the Bulldogs are not lacking in leadership, and much of that responsibility has fallen to veteran players like CJ Allen.
“I’ve been blessed to be around a lot of great leaders,” Allen explained. “The guys before me set a standard, and it’s up to us now to uphold that standard. It’s not just about being vocal; it’s about how you work, how you approach the game, and how you help your teammates elevate their play.”
This leadership is critical to Georgia’s success as it heads into a new season with high expectations. With a host of new faces on both sides of the ball, the team needs to rely on players like Allen to ensure the culture of success remains strong.
Defensive Domination: What to Expect from the Bulldogs
Under Smart, Georgia has developed a reputation for having one of the most dominant defenses in the country. This season, that trend is expected to continue. The Bulldogs have one of the deepest and most talented defensive lineups in the SEC, and Allen’s role in that defense will be pivotal. With the team’s emphasis on stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback, the linebacker group will have a key responsibility in both covering ground and supporting the defensive line.
“Coach Smart preaches that defense wins championships,” Allen said. “The emphasis is always on being physical and making plays at every level of the defense. Our goal is to make offenses uncomfortable, force turnovers, and give the offense opportunities to score.”
Allen’s role as a linebacker is to be the glue between the defensive line and the secondary. His ability to read offenses and react quickly to plays will be a huge asset as Georgia looks to stifle opposing teams in 2025.
The Bulldogs’ Mentality: Focused and Determined
As the Bulldogs head into fall camp and the start of the regular season, the team’s mentality remains one of unwavering focus and determination. Allen stressed that while the team has lofty goals, they understand that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about the process.
“We know we’re talented, but talent alone doesn’t win games,” Allen said. “It’s about doing the little things right, day in and day out. We take pride in how we prepare. Whether it’s watching film or working on our footwork, every detail matters. We want to be the most prepared team on the field.”
This mindset reflects the mentality Kirby Smart has instilled in his players since taking over as head coach. Smart is known for his relentless attention to detail and his ability to get the most out of his players. Allen’s understanding of this approach has been key to his own development, and he knows that this level of discipline is required to continue Georgia’s winning ways.
Key Matchups for the 2025 Season
As with any successful program, Georgia’s schedule is packed with tough matchups that will test their ability to compete at the highest level. For the Bulldogs, key games against rivals such as Florida, Auburn, and Tennessee will likely determine the course of their season.
“These are the games we circle on the calendar,” Allen said. “But we also know that every game is important. You can’t afford to take anyone lightly. Every team in the SEC is capable of beating you if you don’t show up ready to play.”
The SEC is notorious for its competitive nature, and Georgia knows that the road to another national championship will not be easy. However, with Allen and the rest of the Bulldogs’ defense leading the charge, Georgia is poised to navigate this tough schedule with confidence and resilience.
The Importance of Depth and Youth Development
One of the most important aspects of Georgia’s continued success is its ability to develop young talent. The Bulldogs have consistently recruited some of the best high school players in the country, and that influx of talent provides competition for playing time and depth across the roster.
For Allen, one of the most important elements of this development is the mentorship he provides to younger linebackers. “When I first got here, I had older guys teaching me the ropes, showing me the things I didn’t know,” Allen explained. “Now, it’s my turn to pass that knowledge on to the younger guys. It’s important to me to make sure they understand what it takes to succeed here.”
This passing of the torch from veteran players like Allen to younger ones is critical for Georgia’s long-term success. The Bulldogs know that sustaining their level of excellence requires not only developing talent but also ensuring that future leaders are prepared to step up.
The Bulldogs’ Offensive and Defensive Synergy
While much of the focus has been on Georgia’s defense, Allen emphasized that the success of the team depends on a balance between offense and defense. The offensive unit, led by a talented quarterback and skilled skill players, will play a crucial role in setting the tone for the team.
“Offense and defense go hand in hand,” Allen noted. “When the offense puts up points and puts pressure on the other team, it makes our job easier. When we get stops, it gives the offense more opportunities to score. We’re all in this together.”
This sense of unity and teamwork is a hallmark of Georgia’s program. Under Smart, the Bulldogs have built a culture where both sides of the ball are held to the same high standards. Allen’s recognition of this balance and his role in maintaining it underscores the team-first mentality that has made Georgia such a formidable force.
Georgia’s Road to Another Championship
As the Georgia Bulldogs gear up for the 2025 season, there is little doubt that they will be one of the teams to beat in college football. With a standout leader like CJ Allen anchoring the linebacker corps, the defense will once again be a strength. Allen’s insights into the team’s approach show that Georgia is not resting on its laurels but is instead focused on the process of building a championship-winning team.
With a strong emphasis on consistency, discipline, and leadership, Georgia is primed to continue its success under Kirby Smart. The combination of veteran leadership and emerging talent, along with the team’s commitment to preparation, will make the Bulldogs one of the most dangerous teams in the SEC and the nation.
As the fall season approaches, CJ Allen’s words remind us that success is not just about talent—it’s about the relentless pursuit of excellence, day in and day out. With that mentality, the Bulldogs are ready to take on whatever challenges come their way.
