There's safety in numbers at safety for Dogs

“They have the potential to be very physical,” coach Mark Richt said. “[There is] a lot of linebacker mentality in that group as far as hitting, but they've still got to be disciplined to play the back end.”

They understand their inexperience is a weakness, and having to learn the nuances of the new 3-4 scheme hasn’t helped, but they are determined to throw last year’s lackluster defensive performances in the trash.

The Bulldogs gave up a SEC-high 25 touchdown passes in 2009 and opponents averaged 213.2 yards through the air against them. Cornerback Brandon Boykin is the only returning starter from last year’s secondary.

“Everybody has bought into this system and is learning and sticking to the game plan,” Rambo said. “Everybody is flying to the ball to try to make plays. We just have to work on our communication and our assignments and study our playbooks and listen to our coaches.”

Rambo, a sophomore, flashed his talent at times last year, returning an interception for a score at Tennessee, giving himself a concussion with his hit to break up a late-game pass against Auburn and blocking a punt against Texas A&M.

Nick Williams, a junior, started against Florida and had four tackles against Auburn. At 6 feet 2, 220 pounds, he’s the largest of the group.

Shawn Williams played in all 13 games last year, but has made his biggest impact this summer and was singled out by Richt for the strides he’s made.

“Shawn Williams may be the most improved player from the spring to the fall,” Richt said. “His knowledge, his conditioning, his agility. Our coaches have been really impressed with him. I’ve been really impressed with him.”

Hamilton, a junior, played his first two years at Georgia Military College.

“Everybody is learning everything,” Nick Williams said. “You’re one play away from being the starter. You’re another play away from having two guys out. Everybody has to know what everybody’s doing. That’s the key. Depth. Look at Alabama and Florida. They have depth. Take one out and there’s another one who plays just as good. That’s how we have to get. Everybody can’t play the whole game. You have to have a rotation.”

And that seems to be just fine with these guys.

Both Rambo and Shawn Williams are at times practicing at each other’s position to build versatility and flexibility. As Rambo put it, all four have similar skills.

“All of us just love to run and hit. Hit and run,” he said. “We’re all aggressive and we all have speed.”