ATHENS — Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has expressed a constant desire to get bigger and deeper along the defensive front in each of his first three seasons at the helm of the Bulldog program.

Now, it appears Smart will have plenty of size and options on his defensive line as spring camp approaches.

The only major loss from last year’s defensive line group was Jonathan Ledbetter, who was an important team leader and All-SEC second team performer. The Bulldogs bring back six down linemen that had a role in last seasons rotation: rising seniors Tyler Clark, Julian Rochester and Michael Barnett, rising juniors Malik Herring and Devonte Wyatt, and rising sophomore Jordan Davis, who was named to the 2018 Freshman All-SEC Team.

All six of those returning players are at least 6-foot-3 and just one (Herring) is listed at less than 300 pounds.

Davis’ strong play as a 6-foot-6, 320-pound true freshman makes him a favorite to start at one of the defensive line spots. Rochester started 12 games last season and has experience playing at the nose. Clark was bothered by a nagging injury for much of last season, Smart said, and has proven to be effective when healthy.

It would not be shocking to see Herring break through and earn a starting spot, either. But Wyatt and Barnett both figure to be solid rotation pieces. Junior college transfer Tramel Walthour also enrolled in January and is an interesting name to watch upon the beginning of spring practice.

Smart’s depth will be even stronger after spring camp, when signees Travon Walker, Bill Norton, Zion Logue and Tymon Mitchell are set to arrive.

But for now, he has six returning contributors that will compete for three starting spots. And if all six players are capable of contributing, as can be reasonably expected, that competition could wage on well into the season. The upper hand can be gained for some with an impressive spring camp.