The end of Nolan Smith’s 2021 season was fitting. On the final play of the National Championship, Smith took down Alabama quarterback Bryce Young for a sack. As he made his way to the Georgia sideline to celebrate, he put his head on hands as if to resemble he put the game to bed.

It was a rather forceful statement from Georgia’s loudest player. Smith was the vocal leader of last year’s defense, much like he was the leader of Georgia’s 2019 recruiting class that brought in Nakobe Dean, Travon Walker, George Pickens and others.

Smith is now a champion, something he set out to do long before ever putting on a Georgia jersey.

Yet instead of heading off to the NFL for his next great adventure, Smith elected to come back. Part of it was to graduate, per his mother’s request. But the 2022 season gives Smith a chance to add to his legacy.

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