Chris Smith looks back on what he'll remember most about his time at Georgia

Georgia safety Chris Smith ended his college career just how he and his teammates wanted: as champions.

Now, Smith turns his attention to the NFL but he wanted to reminisce right after his final game with the Bulldogs. Georgia won the national title over TCU 65-7 with all-around dominant performance.

Smith and Georgia were building for years, but it all culminated over two special years.

“These last two years man, going back to back,” Smith said. “Like I said, just a special group. Built so (many connections) and played a lot of good ball. That’s what I’m going to remember most for sure.

“We are always motivated. Every single game. The last two games didn;t really go our way (defensively). But like you said, that’s what you keep fighting for. That’s what you live another day to fight for. We always want to come out and give a good performance, no matter who we’re playing. We had almost a perfect night tonight. Like I said man, such a special group of guys. Can’t thank those guys enough.”

Smith finished his final season at Georgia with 61 total tackles, 45 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, five pass deflections, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. He had six interceptions for his career, all of them coming during Georgia’s two straight titles.

As a member of the Class of 2018, Smith was a four-star prospect out of Atlanta (Ga.) Hapeville Charter, according to the On3 Consensus. He was the No. 37 overall prospect in the state, the No. 27 safety prospect in the class and the No. 356 overall prospect in the class.

“Mom and Dad, I appreciate you taking this journey with me,” Smith’s NFL Draft declaration message read in part. “Without you none of this would have been possible and I am forever indebted to you for the sacrifices you made for me. To all my coaches and trainers throughout my life, thanks for believing in me. The leadership and guidance you all have given me has helped me develop into a better person and football player and I’m forever grateful. To my brothers, our bond is priceless and I will cherish the lifelong relationships we have built on and off the field. LOVE 4L. 

“To the Georgia fans, you are the best in college football. There’s nothing like playing between the hedges on Saturday hearing you chant ‘GEORGIA… BULLDOGS’. Thank you for supporting me and my teammates. I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my life. I am officially declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. Go Dawgs!”