This article was originally published with 247 Sports on August 13, 2015 and can be found here.

John Atkins keeps it short and sweet. When it comes to what Georgia’s defensive line needs to do, the sophomore defensive lineman’s intent is to make plays. To do that in the Southeastern Conference, you have no choice but to be a bully.

“You can’t pick out one soft guy in our room,” Atkins said. “Everyone is mean. Coach (Tracy) Rocker has put it on us to be mean.”

Georgia’s defensive line wants to stand among the best of the country this fall. Rocker and the drive of this year’s unit makes it look like the Bulldogs have all the necessary ingredients.

Rocker enters his second season as Georgia’s defensive line coach after a two-year stint with the Tennessee Titans. His players had some success in 2014 but are aiming for improvement, particularly against the run. With the days ticking down until opening kickoff, it’s time to make the next step forward.

The second-year UGA assistant’s own experience helps his guys buy into his teachings. A standout defensive lineman for Auburn, Rocker won the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award in 1988 before being elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

Atkins recently caught a glimpse of his coach in action when a replay of Auburn and LSU aired on television. The sight of Rocker in his No. 74 jersey made following his lead even easier.

“You need a coach that practiced what they are preaching,” Atkins said. “He has been there and he knows what it takes to get there. That’s a good thing.”

As important as Rocker is to the team, the players don’t need his voice for motivation.

The presence of veterans like seniors Jordan Jenkins and Chris Mayes provides the defensive line with plenty of leadership. Their experience benefits Georgia two ways: they can be relied upon while also teaching the underclassmen how to play. These players also regularly motivate each other; a big hit from a fellow defender fuels another player to match it.

Coaches are always quick to express their concerns if mistakes occur. The benefit with these players is the other defensive linemen usually beat them to the punch.

“We’re a tight-knit unit,” Mayes said. “We hold each other accountable with any little thing like a misstep or a missed assignment. We get on each other, even in individual drills.”

Ultimately, it’s the linemens’ unity that will determine their play this year. The players must will each other through fatigue repeatedly in a long season. Otherwise, mistakes will be made and close wins become what-might-have-beens.

Mayes believes this group is well suited for that challenge.

“That accountability and being able to link up together [is huge],” Mayes said. “Usually, there’s a guy getting on to you and you get down. When they get on to me I know they’re just trying to make me play better for the team.”