Senior Marcus Washington has proven his worth as a linebacker.

He’s now undertaking the challenge of establishing himself at defensive end, unselfishly switching positions to help create depth.

“In my mind I kind of wanted to be able to say, ‘Yeah I can play defensive end,’” Washington said. “I wanted to say, ‘Yeah I can do that.’ Whatever the team needs me to play, be it linebacker or defensive end, I’m going to give the best of my ability.”

The defensive end position has talent, but the numbers just aren’t there.

Senior Rod Battle is a proven contributor, and, to a lesser extent, so are Demarcus Dobbs and Justin Houston, who is suspended for the first two games. Outside of those three, there are no game experienced players to rely on.

Washington has logged his share of game minutes, making six starts in 2007. He then missed all of ’08 after shoulder surgery.

Washington can, and still might, see time as linebacker, but the position is so loaded, he could be more effectively used as defensive end.

“I love playing linebacker, it’s fun,” Washington said. “The only thing about linebacker is you put yourself in position to make more plays, period. The defensive end is more of a grind type of position. Not as much glory, but still just as important and has to be done.”

So far Washington is picking up the schemes and developing keys on what to look for.

“It’s not a hard learning curve for me,” he said. “It takes time but I think I’m coming along well. I just have to stay focused on my assignments and get the job done.”

The main difference, Washington said, is lining up pre-snap in a three-point stance instead of remaining upright.

“He’s been helping us out a lot,” said fellow defensive end Cornelius Washington, who redshirted last season. “He’s doing a phenomenal job catching on.”

Bulldogs top 2009 recruit

settling in at defensive position

Freshman cornerback Branden Smith was a playmaker in high school, providing highlight material while at quarterback, running back, on defense and even running track.

But Smith, a highly touted 5-star recruit out of Booker T. Washington, who will play cornerback at Georgia, is on a vastly different level now.

“In high school, I did all that, but high school doesn’t matter now,” he said. “I don’t have any stats right now.”

Still, coach Mark Richt forecasts an impact, and a possible role in the return game.

“He’s getting a ton of reps, special teams and defense,” he said. “He’s competing–he’s learning. He’s made some good plays, and made some rookie plays. He’s getting a ton of work and we expect him to play.”

Taking reps at wide corner behind senior Prince Miller is helping Smith get accustomed quickly. Unsure steps are slowly turning into muscle memory, and Smith uses Miller’s advice to his advantage.

“Oh most definitely I talk to [Miller] everyday, every second I get I try to talk to him,” Smith said. “Even if I mess up or do right I still talk to him. I’m just learning from him. Last year he made a lot of big plays and I’m just trying to get on that level right now.”