Tag: Nolan Smith

Oct 8, 2022; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nolan Smith (4) tackles Auburn Tigers running back Tank Bigsby (4) at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Georgia OLB Nolan Smith (pec) done for season

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Georgia pass-rusher Nolan Smith is done for the season with a torn pectoral muscle, On3 Sports and ESPN reported Tuesday.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart said Monday that Smith was doubtful for this weekend’s mega matchup between the No. 1 Bulldogs (8-0, 5-0 Southeastern Conference) and No. 2 Tennessee (8-0, 4-0) in Athens, Ga.

Smart initially feared Smith had dislocated his shoulder in the first half of last Saturday’s 42-20 win against Florida, but he said Monday it was believed to be a muscle injury. And MRI confirmed that it is, per the reports.

Smith is a considered a first-round prospect for the 2023 NFL Draft. It’s unclear at this point if he’d be ready to take part in the NFL combine, which opens Feb. 28.

In addition to his team-high three sacks, Smith has 16 quarterback hurries and seven tackles for loss in eight games this season. He has 12.5 sacks and 110 tackles in 38 career games with the Bulldogs.

His absence is untimely to say the least, as Tennessee and Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Hendon Hooker lead the nation in scoring (49.4 points per game) and total offense (553.0 yards per game).

Georgia is No. 2 nationally — tops in the SEC — in scoring defense, allowing just 10.5 points per game.

–Field Level Media

Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith arrives at the Dawg Walk before the start of a NCAA college football game between Vanderbilt and Georgia in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. News Joshua L Jones

Georgia LB Nolan Smith doubtful for Tenn. showdown

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith, the No. 1 Bulldogs’ leader in sacks, is doubtful for Saturday’s showdown with No. 2 Tennessee due to a shoulder injury.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart did not completely rule out the 6-foot-3, 235-pound senior for the matchup of the unbeaten Bulldogs (8-0, 5-0 SEC) and Volunteers (8-0, 4-0) in Athens, Ga.

Smart initially feared Smith had dislocated his shoulder in the first half of Saturday’s 42-20 win against Florida, but he said it is now believed to be a muscle injury.

“His availability has not been determined,” Smart told reporters Monday. “It does not look good for availability this week. It’s a pec muscle, so it’s one of those deals where we’ll do an MRI. We’re still getting some opinions on it, but he’s probably doubtful for this week.”

In addition to his team-high three sacks, Smith has 16 quarterback hurries and seven tackles for loss in eight games this season. He has 12.5 sacks and 110 tackles in 38 career games with the Bulldogs.

His absence is untimely to say the least, as Tennessee and Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Hendon Hooker lead the nation in scoring (49.4 points per game) and total offense (553.0 yards per game).

–Field Level Media

Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs the ball against Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nolan Smith (4) during the second half in the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Nolan Smith returning for senior season at Georgia

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith announced Monday that he is returning for his senior season.

The announcement stems the rash of departures from the Bulldogs’ top-ranked defense and coordinator Dan Lanning, who became head coach at Oregon.

Smith punctuated Georgia’s national championship by sacking Alabama quarterback Bryce Young on the final play of the title game. He had 56 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles this past season.

The 6-foot-3 edge rusher was the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect in 2019, per the 247Sports’ composite rankings.

Smith is just the third starter so far to announce he’s returning for 2022.

The Bulldogs lost cornerback Derion Kendrick, safety Lewis Cine, linebacker Nakobe Dean and defensive lineman Travon Walker to the 2022 NFL Draft. Also, starting defensive back Latavious Brini entered the transfer portal.

–Field Level Media