When the Dawgs step on the field in September to begin their quest for back-to-back championships, they’ll have a key piece of this season’s dominant defense leading the way.
While Nakobe Dean, Jordan Davis, Travon Walker and several others will be playing on Sundays this fall, linebacker Nolan Smith has announced that he intends to return to Athens for his senior season.
Chris Gofroth reacted to the news that broke this morning and stressed that Smith’s return will benefit both the program and the player.
“It’s a big deal for UGA because you're bringing back a guy—really fantastic athleticism, especially his speed to be able to go sideline-to-sideline. That is what makes him special. So, it’s a big deal for Georgia to get him back. And, I think its a big deal for Nolan Smith because I think this sets him up now to position himself [in the NFL Draft]. I think he’s got first-round potential. If he would’ve come out this year, maybe he would’ve been a day two pick. Next year, he’s got a chance to be a day one pick in the NFL Draft.”
Smith finished the 2021 season with 3.5 sacks—none more memorable than his sack of Alabama quarterback Bryce Young on the final snap of the National Championship Game.
In other news, DawgNation’s Mike Griffith is reporting that QB J.T. Daniels will enter the transfer portal.
It remains to seen if Stetson Bennett will return for a sixth season at UGA.
