ATHENS, Ga. – Demarcus Dobbs insists he’s still having fun, even if he no longer resides in the glamour world.
As a Georgia defensive end last season in a 4-3 scheme, Dobbs played a 5-technique, which meant he lined up over the outside shoulder of an opposing offensive tackle. In the 3-4 scheme implemented by new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, the 6-foot-2, 285-pounder is playing a 3-technique, lining up outside the offensive guard.
“It is definitely different,” Dobbs said. “In the 4-3, you are dealing with everything outside the tackle, but in the 3-4, you are dealing with the center and the guard and everything. It’s hard to get used to, but between the coaches working us and us watching the film and taking repetitions, you get used to it.”
Dobbs started all 13 games last season, tallying 30 tackles and finishing second on the team with 4.5 sacks. Collecting sacks could be harder this season, as the first in a 3-4 system to reach the quarterback is usually an outside linebacker.
Justin Houston, Cornelius Washington and Darryl Gamble are each outside linebackers eager to tally sacks, while Dobbs will be relegated to more inside duty.