Coach Grantham has a shot this season. Last season...not so much. This 2011 defense will feature an upgrade in talent. Better athletes. More playmakers. This group could be capable of making the jump up to the SEC elite, when it comes to defense. 
   The D-Line now includes a legit nose tackle in John Jenkins. DeAngelo Tyson slides out to DE, where he can win individual battles. That's an upgrade in 2 spots. Not sure yet who wins the other DE spot, so list that as a big question mark entering spring practice. But plan on the D-Line being significantly better.
   The LB position group has gone through a transformation, since the losing season ended. Alec Ogletree, who weighs in at 240 now, moved to ILB from his safety spot. Jarvis Jones is plugged in at SLB, where he can show off his All-SEC skills. Both these guys can run and chase. And make no mistake about it: this is a huge upgrade in ball skills. So, plan on the LB group being significantly improved.
   The secondary looks solid to me. The CB's: Boykin and Smith are talented athletes, who can cover. Commings can slide over to free safety and be a good fit. Rambo is a tough, physical strong safety. And there is good depth too. Williams and Hamilton can play. And the new kids arrive soon: Marshall, Swann and Moore.
   For the Bulldogs to get this turned around and get back to contending, the defense has to lead the way. In SEC play last season, it was ugly at times. Check the SEC numbers. Allowed 25 points a game. Last on 3rd down. Ninth in the red zone. Only 6 picks and 18 sacks.
   On paper, this 2011 group looks capable to rising up and hunkering down. Todd Grantham must be excited to get a look at them on the field, now that spring practice is underway.