Georgia freshman DT Trenton Thompson is 'starting because he deserved to start'

It was only a matter of time before Trenton Thompson received a ton of playing time.

The five-star defensive tackle out of Albany was seen as the prize of Georgia’s 2015 recruiting class. But through Georgia’s first four games, Thompson was mostly a rotation player. After a standout performance against Southern, Thompson has started the past two games against Alabama and Tennessee.

While Georgia’s defense has seen a myriad of issues over the past two weeks, Thompson’s play has been consistent and impressive. He’s been able to get penetration and defend the run well. Georgia head coach Mark Richt said the freshman has developed well through the first half of the season.

“Trent, he does a really good job of using his hands and getting separation from the blocker and being able to shed him and go make a play,” Richt said. “D-linemen, it's hard to find guys that can get off blocks, and because of him using his hands the way he does -- and he's not perfect by any means. He's still a work-in-progress for sure. But (defensive line) coach (Tracy) Rocker has really helped him develop some good fundamentals. And he came in with some good stuff, too, now. But he's certainly perfecting it, and he's making an impact. He's starting because he deserved to start. We didn't promise him anything in recruiting. You come in and earn it, and he did.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Thompson logged 61 of Georgia’s 90 defensive snaps and recorded a team-high five run-stops in last Saturday’s 38-31 loss to Tennessee. Thompson totaled eight tackles against the Volunteers and now has 19 for the season.

Thompson entered Georgia with a ton of potential and it’s beginning to show on the field.

“He’s awesome, he’s a hard-worker,” inside linebacker Jake Ganus said. “I’ve said it since day one. He does a great job, has a great attitude. I think it’s starting to show. He’s really starting to come on and find his role.”

This story was originally published October 15, 2015 at 12:37 PM with the headline "Georgia freshman DT Trenton Thompson is 'starting because he deserved to start'."