Nakobe Dean on future of Georgia defense, plans for championship ring

Nakobe Dean spent the Georgia spring game on the sidelines, taking in a new perspective inside Sanford Stadium. As the potential first round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft watched his squad play, the star linebacker took some time to give some insight into his feelings with ESPN.

First, Georgia players in attendance received their beautiful national championship rings on Saturday. While many decided to wear them immediately, Dean decided to keep his in the box, admiring it and saving it for later in the day.

“I don’t want to wear it out, because I’m going to wear it tonight when I go out to eat with my family and everything,” explained the leader of Georgia’s championship defense. “I’m going to keep it in the box right now, I can’t wait until the other two come in. It’s just great having this. Oh my goodness.”

The ring represents the amazing feat Dean played a pivotal role in accomplishing, ending Georgia’s championship drought. While he wouldn’t wear the ring just yet, the former Georgia star was treated with a heroes welcome inside Sanford Stadium.

“It’s great being back at Sanford. Just seeing it from a different perspective, being on the sidelines,” revealed Dean. “Being a little looser because I’m not out there playing, having to focus. It’s just great being able to see all the fans again, seeing Sanford packed again.”

While Dean won’t be suiting up for the Bulldogs again, the athletes on the field during the spring game will hope to fill his shoes. Continuing, ESPN asked the former Georgia linebacker if there’s anyone he has his eyes on to replace his leadership and production.

“We got a lot of guys on that defense that’s stepping up, and they’ve been playing lights out this spring,” stated Dean. “They keep on getting better. I don’t want to say no names, I don’t want to put no pressure on nobody but they know who they are. They know who the other linebackers are in there working. I feel like I’ve got complete trust in all of them, just as far as the work they’ve been putting in, and how much better they’ve been getting.”

Finally, leaving a place where you made so many special memories can be tough, even after capturing a championship. The future NFL linebacker revealed what he’ll remember most from his time in Athens.

“The people. Meeting everybody, all the relationships I was able to make here,” stated Dean. “Of course, I won a national championship, but the people. All the relationships I was able to make here, from an athletic and academic standpoint.”

Nakobe Dean gets it. He made an undeniable impact at Georgia throughout his time with the Bulldogs, and now the entire community will be behind him for whatever comes next in his football career.