The return of Nolan Smith to Georgia this offseason might show to be a giant money-making transfer this time subsequent 12 months. The previous No. 1 total prospect within the 2019 recruiting class out of IMG Academy got here to Athens with hopes of building himself as a premier go rusher. 

After ready his flip and growing behind the scenes for a lot of his first two seasons, the previous five-star prospect performed behind the likes of Azeez Ojulari and Jermaine Johnson. The transferring of the latter following the 2020 season lightened up the competitors for Smith forward of his junior marketing campaign, the place he’d have to interchange Azeez Ojulari as Georgia’s JACK linebacker. 

As the first starter at JACK, Smith recorded 56 tackles and three.5 sacks. Not the eye-popping numbers that you just’d anticipate from a former No. 1 total prospect. But finally it might work out in Georgia’s favor as the previous Savannah, Georgia, native returned for a senior season as he believed he might enhance his inventory. 

With the official roster itemizing the senior at six-foot-3, 235 kilos, there are vital questions on his size and skill to maintain on the burden he must play with off the sting. His go rush wants enchancment, nonetheless, Smith confirmed consistency when setting the sting as a run defender. 

With out the assistance of Jordan Davis and DeVonte Wyatt anchoring down the center of Georgia’s protection subsequent season, having disciplined edge defenders can be key to stopping explosive operating performs. Subsequent season, fellow senior Robert Beal will be a part of Smith as the highest two edge-rushers on Georgia’s protection. As well as, they are going to get assist from the ultra-versatile defensive sort out Jalen Carter. 

Regardless of not with the ability to work on-campus with exterior linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe at this second in time, Nolan Smith is working this offseason with Chuck Smith, in any other case often called “Physician Rush.” Chuck Smith is a identified developer of top-class edge rushers and works with quite a few present NFL gamers, together with Von Miller and Bud Dupree, and he has even labored with Aaron Donald. 

It is protected to say nobody is in higher arms than Nolan Smith this offseason as he prepares for his senior season, the place not solely will he proceed to be a vocal chief on Georgia’s younger protection, however will he assume the position as Georgia’s high edge rusher. 

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