Georgia Southern: Latrell Bullard has unfinished business entering 2025

Interior defensive linemen do not always rack up the stats, but they are integral in taking up blocks and allowing the linebackers the ability to flow and stop the run. Entering the 2025 college football season, Latrell Bullard looks to be the anchor to the defensive line for the Eagles.

Georgia Southern: Who is Latrell Bullard?

Latrell Bullard is a powerful and disciplined defensive tackle from Smyrna, Georgia. At North Cobb High School, he played on both sides of the ball and earned a three-star recruit rating from Rivals. RecruitGeorgia recognized his potential early, naming him a “Sleeper of the Day” for his agile footwork, hand technique, and ability to pull and block in space.

He was also named a Preseason All-State selection before his senior year. Bullard finished his high school career with First Team All-Region (3-6A) honors.

Wrestling Roots, Football Future

A multi-sport athlete, Bullard excelled in wrestling—where he won two regional titles and a sectional championship—and competed in shot put. His time on the wrestling mat sharpened his balance in close quarters and his ability to manipulate his opponents. These skills directly translate to trench warfare on the football field. Bullard’s time competing in shot put helped develop his explosive lower-body strength, giving him an edge in short-yardage situations. 

As a freshman, Bullard appeared in 10 games and started four before a knee injury ended his season. He recorded 23 total tackles, including four for loss and one pass breakup. Notable performances included three tackles in a win over Nebraska and six stops, including one for loss, against UAB. 

Bullard earned his first collegiate start against Coastal Carolina. He later played 21 defensive snaps against Georgia State, showing promise as a versatile interior lineman. Though sidelined midseason, Bullard earned praise from coaches for his work ethic and mental preparation during his rehab process. 

The Ironman in the Interior

Bullard started all 13 games during his sophomore campaign, logging 447 total snaps. He contributed consistently throughout the season, including multiple-tackle games against UAB, Wisconsin, Ball State, and Coastal Carolina. His performance peaked with a standout effort against Georgia State, where he registered 1.5 tackles for loss and a pass breakup. Bullard also made an impact in the postseason, adding three tackles in the Myrtle Beach Bowl against Ohio.

In his junior season, Bullard’s snap count jumped to 539 across 13 games (11 starts), further cementing his role as a key piece of the defensive front. In the season opener against Boise State, he notched four tackles, including one against eventual top-five NFL draft pick Ashton Jeanty. He played a career-high 52 defensive snaps in a win over Nevada and delivered consistent performances throughout the season.

Highlights from that season include a pass-breakup in a win over Georgia State, a crucial fumble recovery against Marshall that set up the game-winning drive, and a dominant five-tackle outing against James Madison. He also made contributions against SEC opponents, recording three tackles (one for loss) against Ole Miss. Bullard capped his junior year with two tackles, including one for loss, in the New Orleans Bowl victory over Sam Houston. 

He finished the season with 35 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, half a sack, two pass breakups, and one game-winning fumble recovery. Coaches consistently highlight Bullard’s reliability, often referring to him as the “glue guy’ who stabilizes the interior.  

Quiet Leader with Loud Results

Entering his senior season, Bullard is expected to be a defensive anchor and leader on Georgia Southern defensive line. While he may not lead the stat sheet, his impact is felt in the trenches.

Bullard’s ability to eat double teams opens lanes for linebackers, while his quick hands and leverage make him a consistent disruptor in the run game. Bullard was named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team, joining teammates Chance Gamble (DB) and Brendan Harrington (LB) as key figures in the Eagles’ 2025 defensive unit. With his blend of size and power along with his toughness and experience, Bullard has emerged as a potential NFL Draft sleeper, and one of the Sun Belt’s most dominant interior defenders.