Georgia's Monty Rice Named SEC Defensive Player of The Week
Monty Rice has been the driving force of the Georgia defense this season, and after a team-high 10 tackles against Auburn, he's been awarded the SEC Defensive Player of The Week.
Georgia's defense is set to break every statistical school record there is at the University of Georgia against the run, and Monty Rice plays a huge role as the team's starting inside linebacker.
Georgia's defense is predicated on two things, stopping the run and depth. Rice is a contributing factor to both. Though he's one of the nation's surest tacklers, he's not known for his pass coverage skills. Therefore, on third and long situations, freshman Nakobe Dean is inserted into the lineup to help matchup in the passing game.
Despite playing about 65% of the snaps on defense, Rice places his stamp on every football game he plays in.
A lot of Rice's success can be attributed to his talent of course. As a former 4-star linebacker at 6'1 235 lbs with the ability to track the ball sideline to sideline, they don't make them much more talented.
However, it's Rice's attention to detail that's vaulted him up draft boards this season. In seasons past, Rice probably relied on that natural ability a bit too much. Not anymore.
He's playing with the level of anticipation that is required to be successful at the next level.
P, Jake Camarda
Rice was joined on the SEC Awards lists this week by sophomore Punter, Jake Camarda who averaged 50.73 yards per punt on a career-high 11 tries Saturday.
Camarda was awarded the SEC Special teams player of the week for his performance against the Auburn Tigers. In a tough environment at Jordan-Hare Stadium, under quite a bit of pressure, Camarda delivered time and time again. Kirby Smart said after the game "That guy was hitting some bombs, man."
