ATHENS – “Run it back” is quickly becoming the catchphrase for the 2022 Georgia Bulldogs.
That slogan was uttered yet again Tuesday as senior Robert Beal announced his plans to return for another season. That decision by the outside linebacker from Norcross gives him a sixth season and returns the Bulldogs’ leader in sacks.
“I’ve learned just how much goes into becoming part of a championship team and culture: sacrifice, respect, accountability, hunger, dedication, desire, selflessness, brotherhood, preparation, attention to detail, togetherness, loyalty,” Beal wrote on his Instagram page. “I love everything about this team, this coaching staff, this university and this city. We did it! Let’s do it again.”
Beal dropped opposing quarterbacks a team-best 6.5 times this past season, including one in Georgia’s national-championship game victory over Alabama. Beal also had 23 tackles and seven tackles for loss while playing in all 15 games, with one start.
Beal’s return effectively sets the edges on the Bulldogs’ defense next season. On Monday, junior outside linebacker Nolan Smith made public his decision to “run it back again.” Add those two upperclassmen to a list of full- and part-time starters coming back, and Georgia’s defense suddenly has a decent nucleus of veteran leadership around which to build.
That includes defensive backs Christopher Smith, Dan Jackson, Kelee Ringo, William Poole and Tykee Smith and defensive linemen Jalen Carter and Tramel Walthour. Interspersed with the Bulldogs’ up-and-coming reserves and newcomers, Georgia should be in position to repeat as the SEC’s best defensive team.
Beal’s decision to run it back represents a significant change in attitude for the 6-foot-4, 255-pound former 5-star prospect out of Peachtree Ridge. After attending three high schools, Beal briefly entered the transfer portal after the 2019 season, only to decide to return for the 2020 season. Now a rare sixth-year senior, Beal has played in 39 games in his Georgia career.
In other personnel news, former Georgia cornerback Ameer Speed has reunited with Michigan State coach Mel Tucker, his former defensive coordinator and position coach at UGA.
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