MOST LIKELY TO TERRORIZE OFFENSIVE LINES:Jeff Owens, Geno Atkins and Kade Weston

Georgia has three senior defensive tackles this season, and they’ll all be dominant inside: Jeff Owens, Geno Atkins and Kade Weston.

Owens is back from an ACL tear that saw him miss all of 2008, and he’s bringing his leadership and interior dominance with him. He and Atkins are potential first- or second-round NFL draft picks, and Weston may not be far behind.

The real question is going to be how much they can help with the pass rush and making the defensive ends better

MOST LIKELY TO DO AN A.J. GREEN IMPRESSION:ORSON CHARLES

I know what you’re thinking – Charles is not a receiver, and freshman wideout Marlon Brown has a similar body shape and size as Green.

But we’re talking huge impacts as a freshman on offense, and Charles, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound tight end, looks to have a better shot at replicating Green’s monstrous first-year campaign than Brown does (particularly because Green’s still around).

Charles will be worked into creative offensive schemes, split out as a receiver and a passing threat on both big plays and in red zone opportunities. Don’t be surprised if Charles is in charge of the Georgia tight end spot real quick, and in a really big fashion.

MOST LIKELY TO HAVE HIS DEMONS EXORCISED:WILLIE MARTINEZ

Georgia’s defensive coordinator caught a lot of flak throughout the course of the 2008 season. Whether it was his players not tackling, giving up the most points of any defense under Mark Richt, or catching beatings at the hands of Alabama, Florida and Georgia Tech, it was not a good year for Willie Martinez.

But his defense is full of leaders this season, and (don’t tell anybody but…) it was Richt’s idea to not tackle in practice as much last season. Georgia’s defenders had Martinez’s back all year, and they’re ready to make a statement for him and themselves.

There was no reason why Georgia’s defense should have played so poorly in 2008. They’ll be better in 2009.

BOUNCE BACK IMPACT PLAYER OF THE YEAR:ROD BATTLE

Defensive end Rod Battle missed three games with a neck injury last season, and spring practice after shoulder surgery.

But he has bounced back strong and impressed coaches during fall camp at the position that may make or break Georgia’s defense in 2009.

The Bulldogs averaged less than two sacks per game in 2008, and Battle, Demarcus Dobbs (who could also earn this award as he comes back from a foot injury), converted linebacker Marcus Washington and others will improve upon it this year.

SUREFIRE SEC FIRST-TEAMER:CLINT BOLING

Clint Boling was an All-SEC first-teamer last season at left tackle. Now, with Trinton Sturdivant back after an ACL tear, he’ll be plying his wares at right tackle.

Boling was already a force in the most important spot on the line in 2008. Now, transitioning to the opposite side of the line and away from the quarterback’s blind side, it’s hard to think he wouldn’t excel.

MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED AT A NEW POSITION:BRYAN EVANS

Fifth-year senior Bryan Evans made the switch to free safety midseason last year, and now has plenty of practice at the position.

He’ll be replacing now-departed C.J. Byrd – he’s picked up the defensive scheme even better, coach Mark Richt has called him a leader and his teammates in the secondary look up to him.

Some even say Evans is the fastest player on the team. All that adds up to a smooth move for Evans.