The University of Georgia Bulldogs have firmly established themselves as one of the premier programs in college football over the past few years, and a significant reason for that has been the strength and consistency of their defense. As the 2025 season approaches, Georgia’s defense remains the backbone of the team, and one of the players who will play a pivotal role in continuing the team’s dominance is linebacker CJ Allen. Allen, an emerging star in Georgia’s linebacker corps, has been a key part of the team’s defensive efforts and is looking forward to leading the charge into the upcoming season.
In a recent interview, CJ Allen discussed how the team plans to transition into the fall season, the evolution of the defense, and the Bulldogs’ continued push for greatness. As Georgia prepares for another title run, Allen’s leadership and his insights into the team’s mentality provide a clear vision of how the Bulldogs will adapt to the challenges of a new season.
The Evolution of Georgia’s Defense: CJ Allen’s Perspective
One of the most important aspects of Georgia’s recent success has been their defensive prowess, and CJ Allen is determined to ensure that trend continues. With the departure of several key defensive players to the NFL, including standout stars from the 2024 season, the Bulldogs will need to find new leaders within their defense to maintain their high level of play. Allen is one of the players the coaching staff is leaning on to step up and fill the leadership void.
Allen’s journey with Georgia football has been impressive since his arrival on campus, and he’s already shown the ability to contribute in a big way on the field. As a highly touted recruit from the class of 2023, Allen had the opportunity to learn from some of the best linebackers in college football, and that experience has been invaluable in his development.
“Georgia’s defense is built on a culture of excellence, and we’re always focused on improving every day,” Allen explained. “The standard is set high here, and we want to make sure that we continue that tradition. With the guys who left, we’re not focused on replacing them, but on how we can build on what they left behind. The younger guys have learned a lot, and we’ve worked hard this spring to make sure we’re ready for the fall.”
Allen’s understanding of the defensive culture at Georgia is clear. The Bulldogs’ defense isn’t about replacing one player with another; it’s about continuing to develop the defensive philosophy that has made Georgia so successful. The ability to develop players at every position and ensure that the team remains at the top of its game is a key reason for Georgia’s sustained dominance in the SEC and nationally.
Leadership Role for CJ Allen
As one of the veterans of the linebacker unit, Allen’s leadership will be critical to the team’s success. The linebacker position at Georgia has historically been one of the most important spots on the defense, and the Bulldogs have always relied on players who can not only make plays but also lead by example. With the departure of leaders like Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Smael Mondon, the spotlight now shines on Allen to step into a more vocal leadership role.
“Leadership is something I take seriously,” Allen said. “It’s not just about making plays on the field; it’s about holding everyone accountable, making sure we’re all doing our part. I’m not the loudest guy in the room, but I try to lead by example. I know I have to bring the intensity every day in practice, and my teammates know that I’ll be there to push them when they need it.”
Allen’s leadership style is one that is focused on accountability and leading through action. While some players are more vocal, Allen’s quiet determination and work ethic speak volumes to his teammates. That type of leadership is crucial in a locker room full of elite athletes, as Georgia’s defense is known for its competitive environment where every player is constantly pushing themselves and each other to get better.
Transitioning Into the Fall Season
As Georgia transitions from spring practices into the fall season, there are several key areas where the team is focusing on improvement. For Allen and the defense, this means refining fundamentals, improving communication, and continuing to develop the cohesion needed for success at the highest level.
“We’ve made a lot of progress this spring,” Allen shared. “But the real work starts when we get into camp and the season begins. We’ll be facing some of the best teams in the country, and we need to be ready for that. Every day is an opportunity to get better, whether it’s in the weight room, in film study, or on the field.”
Allen emphasized that the team is not resting on its laurels, even after winning a national championship in 2024. There is always a hunger for improvement within the program, and this mentality will be key to sustaining Georgia’s success moving forward. The Bulldogs are used to being the target of every other team in the country, which is why it’s critical for them to stay sharp and maintain a chip on their shoulder.
Developing Young Talent
One of the biggest challenges for Georgia in the offseason has been the development of younger players who will step into larger roles as the season progresses. With several key players from the 2024 squad heading to the NFL, the Bulldogs need to ensure that they can continue to reload on both sides of the ball, especially on defense. Allen sees the growth of the younger players as one of the key factors that will determine the team’s success in 2025.
“It’s about building that depth,” Allen explained. “We’ve got some great young guys in our linebacker group, and they’ve been working hard to get up to speed. But it’s not just about knowing the playbook — it’s about developing the mentality that we have here. The young guys are buying into that, and I think that’s going to pay off for us in the fall.”
For Allen, it’s important that the younger linebackers understand the significance of every rep, every practice, and every game. This level of focus and commitment is what separates elite programs from the rest of the pack, and it’s something that Georgia prides itself on. Allen’s role as a mentor to the younger players will be crucial as they look to step into bigger roles.
Allen’s own growth from a highly ranked recruit to a key contributor on one of the top defenses in the nation has given him a unique perspective on the challenges young players face. He knows that the transition from high school to college football can be difficult, but he also believes that Georgia’s culture of excellence makes the transition smoother for recruits.
“The biggest thing is making sure the young guys understand what it takes to play at this level,” Allen said. “The physicality, the mental focus, and the preparation — it’s all part of the process. But when you’re surrounded by guys who are willing to put in the work, it’s a lot easier to get there.”
The Bulldogs’ Defensive Identity in 2025
As Georgia continues to evolve under head coach Kirby Smart, one of the defining traits of the program has been its defense-first mentality. Allen understands that Georgia’s identity on the field will always be tied to its defense, and he is committed to ensuring that this identity remains strong in 2025.
“Georgia is a defensive program,” Allen said. “We take pride in being the toughest, most physical defense in the country. But it’s also about being smart and playing with discipline. We’ve got a lot of great players on this team, and it’s our job to make sure that we’re all working together to create that defense-first mentality.”
For Allen and his teammates, that mentality starts with preparation. Whether it’s through film study, individual drills, or team practices, the focus is always on becoming the most prepared and mentally tough unit in the country. The Bulldogs have shown time and time again that they can dominate games with their defense, and that will continue to be the goal in 2025.
Key Matchups and Challenges Ahead
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Allen recognizes the challenges Georgia will face. The Bulldogs will face a loaded SEC schedule, including matchups against traditional rivals like Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee, as well as the usual powerhouse teams in college football. Despite the tough competition, Allen remains confident in Georgia’s ability to rise to the occasion.
“We’ve got a tough schedule, but that’s what we want,” Allen said. “We’re ready for the challenge. We know we have to be at our best every week, and we’re focused on doing whatever it takes to win.”
Allen and the Bulldogs are well aware of the target on their backs. As defending national champions, every opponent will bring their best game against Georgia. However, with a player like Allen leading the way, the Bulldogs are poised to continue their dominance and add another chapter to their storied program.
