Healthy Gabe Harris Jr. peaks before Missouri test

Georgia defender Gabe Harris Jr. enters Saturday’s game against Missouri healthy and gaining momentum after surgery kept him out of the Bulldogs’ previous playoff run and spring drills. Harris matched his career high with five tackles at Ole Miss in Georgia’s last outing and has three sacks this season.

Coach Kirby Smart wants Georgia’s crowd involved when the No. 1 Bulldogs face No. 22 Missouri at 3:30 p.m. Smart explained on his “Bulldogs Live” coaches show that crowd noise can prevent offensive linemen from hearing the clap used to signal the snap. That gives Georgia’s pass rush a quicker start.

Crowd noise could help Georgia’s pass rush against Missouri: the Bulldogs rank sixth nationally with 3.44 sacks per game, while Missouri has allowed the fewest sacks in the SEC. Linebackers Chris Cole and Raylen Wilson lead the Bulldogs with five and four sacks, respectively, often arriving as extra rushers.

Harris’ return adds another threat to that pressure package. He suffered turf toe during Georgia’s SEC title game victory over Alabama and required surgery. The injury kept him out of the Sugar Bowl matchup with Ole Miss as well as spring practice.

Smart said Harris initially wanted to continue playing before learning the injury would end his season. The coach described the news as deeply painful for a player who does not say much and praised Harris’ effort since returning.

Harris said Thursday that being healthy again has changed how he approaches each opportunity. He said he does not take playing time for granted because an injury can remove the game quickly. While he can play, he intends to give everything he has.

NFL teams have begun evaluating Harris for the draft as he prepares to face Missouri, which has allowed the fewest sacks in the SEC.

Why it matters

Georgia’s pass rush will meet the SEC team that has allowed the fewest sacks. Harris’ improving production gives the Bulldogs another pressure option alongside team leaders Chris Cole and Raylen Wilson.

What to watch next

Georgia faces Missouri at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, with Harris looking to build on his career-high five tackles at Ole Miss.