Georgia safety Chris Smith reveals plans for the future

A fantastic week at Georgia just got even better, as starting safety Chris Smith announced on Friday that he would return to Athens for a final year of college football.

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— Chris Smith ll (@cpsmithdb) January 14, 2022

Smith had 34 tackles, four pass break ups and three interceptions this year en route to winning the national championship on Monday night. The game against the Tide was his biggest of the year, as he posted seven tackles, two pass break ups and an interception.

The former four-star prospect is from Atlanta and went to Hapeville Charter Career Academy. According to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, he was the No. 31 safety and No. 37 player in Georgia in the 2018 class.

White headed to pros

Unfortunately for Georgia fans, they will no longer have the services of running back Zamir White. The Bulldogs leading rusher each of the last two seasons has officially declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. White announced his decision on Friday in an Instagram post.

White will go out as a national champion, and he enjoyed the best season of his collegiate season thus far as well. On the season, he had 160 carries for 856 yards and 11 touchdowns, adding nine receptions for 75 yards. Last year, White totaled 144 carries for 779 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

In his three-year career at Georgia, White leaves after rushing 382 times for over 2,000 yards with 25 touchdowns. 

“This season was an absolute thrill from start to finish and bringing a National Championship to Athens was the ultimate reward,” White said in his announcement. “I am so proud and feel so blessed to be part of this steam. Thank you to Coach Smart & Coach McGee for trusting me to get the job done and for your leadership both on and off the field. 

“Thank you to my teammates and my family for all their support and encouragement. And to the University of Georgia and all our fans thank you for the best three years I could have ever hoped for. These are memories I will never forget and will surely last a lifetime. 

“It’s what prepared me for this next step as I proudly announce my intention to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft! GO DAWGS!”

Running back James Cook is also turning pro, so the Bulldogs will need some new blood at the position in 2022.

On3’s Jonathan Wagner contributed to this report.