Nolan Smith ready to make more noise with Georgia defense

Linebacker Channing Tindall says junior Nolan Smith is the most vocal player on the team.

He’s constantly yelling, making sure his voice is heard by teammates.

“I just wanted to do it for my brothers,” Smith said. “I was more happy for Nakobe because we put a lot of stuff to do those pressures right and when they hit it’s real exciting that everyone did their job.”

Smith’s takedown of Uiagalelei likely won’t be the last this season. With Azeez Ojulari and Jermaine Johnson no longer blocking him from playing time, Smith should play a very prominent part on the Georgia defense this year.

Smith was also a key reason why the Bulldogs limited Clemson to just two rushing yards. Clemson’s longest run of the night came when Smith actually had his helmet ripped off by a Clemson offensive lineman.

Beyond the sacks and stosp though, Smith has also positioned himself to take on a bigger leadership role for the Bulldogs.

“I thought he was a more confident leader,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “He worked out really well, he always trains hard. It seems like he is always in a good mood, excited about practice, just a really fun kid to coach.”

Smith was also a key reason why the Bulldogs limited Clemson to just two rushing yards. Clemson’s longest run of the night came when Smith actually had his helmet ripped off by a Clemson offensive lineman.

With a more normal offseason, Smith added weight to his body, given he’ll be asked to play more snaps. In his first two seasons, Smith played a rotational role. In that time, he saw limited pass-rushing opportunities.

Despite entering Georgia as the No. 1 ranked overall recruit in the 2019 recruiting cycle, Smith had just 5.0 sacks in his first two seasons.

The Clemson game though showed he might be primed for a breakout season with the Bulldogs. He’ll have chief competition for sacks between fellow 5-star prospects like Travon Walker, Adam Anderson and Jalen Carter.

To do that though, they’ll need to match the passion Smith brings to the field.

“God didn’t have to wake you up every morning to do what you have to do,” Smith said. “I take it as an opportunity that I get to wake up and play football and go to class. Some people don’t get to wake up at all. I just try to transfer that energy over to people.”

Smith looks forward to seeing his teammates try and replicate what he brings to the field. If they’re somehow able to do that, a lot more quarterbacks are going to feel like Uiagalelei did on Saturday.

Nolan Smith ready to make more noise with Georgia defense

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